Seizing opportunities in the Bay

Former Aucklander Graham Kemp is the new Tauranga franchisee for Fastway Couriers. Photo / George Novak

Graham Kemp has acquired the Tauranga franchise for Fastway Couriers and has relocated from Auckland to the Bay of Plenty to take over and build the business.

He is not the only Aucklander seizing business opportunities in the Bay.

"Aucklanders seem to be discovering the Tauranga secret," said Stan Gregec, chief executive of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce.

"Quality of lifestyle, value for money (especially in housing), no horrendous commutes, lots of local opportunity - but a place that's close enough to get to Auckland if you still have work or business there. It's really a no-brainer."

Mr Kemp began his career in the freight industry as a courier driver with Fastway in 1999, then moved on to other roles in sales and operations. He moved up to run the Auckland regional operations for Post Haste Couriers, before returning to Fastway to buy the Tauranga franchise, which he took up last month.

"Like a lot of Auckland people, we thought let's find an opportunity to do our own thing and move to the Bay of Plenty," said Mr Kemp, who is currently staying with his in-laws in Tauranga until his family relocates at the end of the year.

"Fastway is a fantastic business model and I'm excited to be a part of such a supportive network of individuals in a booming industry," he said. "I look forward to sharing what I've learned over the past 16 years with the Fastway team and our customers in Tauranga."

Established in New Zealand in 1983, Fastway Couriers' global network includes 63 regional depots and 1200 courier franchisees across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Northern Ireland and South Africa. Its New Zealand franchise support office and global office are based in Hawke's Bay.

The Tauranga franchise currently operates out of premises in Greerton, but was hoping to expand and move to a more suitable building later in the year, he said, adding that the franchise would have 13 courier drivers working for it by September.

The franchise provides courier services to the greater Tauranga region, including, but not limited to, Matua, Greerton, Katikati, Te Puna, Te Puke, Papamoa, Bethlehem and Paengaroa.

Fastway Couriers chief executive Scott Jenyns said he was delighted Mr Kemp had taken up the franchise.

"We're thrilled to welcome Graham back to the Fastway family," he said.

Mr Kemp said the New Zealand courier business was highly competitive, with key operators including NZ Post affiliate Courier Post, as well as PBT, NZ Couriers and Post Haste.

"It's always been a congested market," said Mr Kemp. But he noted that there had been even more operators in the past, with Courier Post in particular having been part of an evolution across the industry, which had seen a number of smaller operators absorbed by bigger companies.

However, he said, prices did not vary that much between companies.

"It really comes down to your reputation and the service you provide.

"Relationships are the key."

Award-winning

Fastway Couriers was a winner of the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards in 2011/2012 in the Master Franchisee and Business Services categories