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Founding Fellow - Vince Friery
Vincent Friery Proprietor of Swift Despatch Vince was born in Liverpool in 1956 and has a real passion for travel. He extended his gap year whilst working in Italy and lived there for 5 years before returning to Liverpool to take up a post as a youth worker responsible for outdoor pursuits. As a keen motorcyclist Vince was amazed that Liverpool never had a bespoke motorcycle courier service. In 1984 he launched Swift Despatch, initially as a one man operation and over the next 6 months it quickly developed into a flourishing business with a reputation for providing a quality service. After 2 years Swift opened a second office, this was based in Warrington and shortly afterwards they took over an existing courier operation in Chester. In 1988 Swift Despatch became a founder member of the National Courier Association which was set up to improve standards in the industry. In 1994 Vince was very proud to be elected as Chairman of the NCA, serving for a year before taking on the role of NCA Treasurer for a further two years. In 1996 in response to customer requirements, Vince helped set up an overnight parcel network called the Alternative Parcel Company (APC). This company now employs over 150 people and has a turnover approaching £45illion. In November 2000 Vince was voted onto the APC Board as Communications Director Enjoying its 21 st year in business with a £2m turnover and currently employing 35 people, Swift Despatch continues to flourish. Vince said “economic conditions are tough however there continues to be a need for quality companies and 2005 was our best year ever”. So much so that Swift’s success has resulted in them moving to much larger premises to cope with the increased work load. Vince said “I am delighted because this will result in the creation of yet more jobs”.
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