An Oxford-based cargo bike delivery company, Pedal and Post, has collapsed into liquidation after operating for nearly 14 years, leading to temporary disruptions for parcel giant Evri and resulting in the loss of 60 jobs. The firm, which specialised in eco-friendly urban deliveries, officially appointed liquidators following its shutdown in January, with Brett Lee Barton and Margaret Carter of BK Plus in Walsall named as joint liquidators by members and creditors.
Evri Apologises for Delivery Delays
Evri, a major delivery firm in the UK, has issued an apology after the abrupt failure of its partner Pedal and Post caused "temporary disruption" for some customers. The issue came to light when Carol Leonard, a resident of Grandpont in Oxford, reported that multiple parcels ordered in late January had vanished for over a week. She experienced conflicting tracking information, with notifications stating her packages were out for delivery while simultaneously showing no trace of them.
Impact on Customers and Employees
The retailer involved, which uses Evri for deliveries, ultimately refunded Ms. Leonard, and Evri later apologised and successfully dispatched her goods on February 10. Meanwhile, the collapse has led to 60 redundancies among both employed and self-employed team members across Oxford and London, where Pedal and Post had expanded its operations from its headquarters on the Osney Mead industrial estate.
Sustainability Mission and Business Demise
Pedal and Post was known for its distinctive proposition of delivering parcels by bike, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions and traffic congestion in urban areas like Oxford's clean air zone. Christopher Benton, the chief executive and founder, attributed the company's downfall to the loss of a "major client" earlier this year, though he did not disclose the client's identity. He expressed gratitude to clients, partners, riders, staff, and the community for their support over the years.
Benton stated, "Despite exploring every possible avenue to continue - and truly exhausting all options - we have reached the point where we can no longer sustain the business. Since our founding, Pedal and Post has worked tirelessly to show that cargo bike deliveries are not just possible, but practical, sustainable and better for cities."
Evri's Response and Future Plans
A spokesperson for Evri commented on the situation, saying, "We were disappointed to learn that our e-cargo bike delivery partner in Oxford ceased trading without notice, which caused some temporary disruption for a small number of customers in the local area. We have quickly re-organised deliveries in the area, and our local team are working hard to resume normal service." The company emphasised its efforts to minimise the impact on customers and restore efficient delivery operations promptly.
