A national parcel delivery business is "growing from a very strong foundation", its chief executive said, after reporting an increase in profits for a year in which it invested in its operations.
The Alternative Parcels Company (The APC) has posted pre-tax profits of £7.69m for the year to 31 March 2023, up from £6.07m in 2022, while operating profits grew by 25 per cent to £6.9m.
Turnover went from £127.42m to £124.7m over the same period.
Chief executive Jonathan Smith said: "The APC is growing from a very strong foundation, despite the continued pressure that both our business and our competitors face.
"Reporting year-on-year growth is a positive result, which is largely spurred by the continued strength of our SME customer base, many of which have flourished, despite numerous economic headwinds over the last few years.
"We're also encouraged by the consumer buying trends that we've seen, and the strong and steady parcel volumes across our network, which are showing a return to our pre-pandemic growth pattern.
"We remain committed to supporting and championing our customers across the network as they continue to build for the future, investing in our own business and workforce this year, to provide them with the best possible service."
The APC made a number of investments in the 2022/23 financial year to support delivery operations, including investment into its fleet with the introduction of 20 new double deck trailers.
The business also invested in its service offerings, making further enhancements to improve the customer and consumer experience; with photographic evidence of delivery at the doorstep, increased consumer advice messaging and enhanced reporting.