Reflecting on the year that was 2023

We like to think that we have developed, and are delivering, a solution that helps fleet operators streamline delivery planning process, control costs and improve service.  This year we’ve had many new customers sign up for our core product offering.  A solution that offers a range of functionality – including route planning, vehicle defect checks, ETA notifications for customers, driver tracking, electronic proof of delivery and reporting – seems to be resonating with the market. 

Although controlling, and where possible cutting, costs is a big driver for businesses we are seeing more and more companies turning to our ePOD solution as a means of removing paper from processes, improving customer experience and increasing first time on time delivery hit rates.  With names like Carvers, Lake District Farmers, Forest Produce, Lilley’s Cider, 3 Line Electrical and Browns Builders Merchants joining an already prestigious customer list that includes Breedon, Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, Bidfresh, Rexel, ODDBOX and many more, we are delighted to have seen significant business growth this year.

Over 60% of our workforce are employed across our engineering teams.  All software is developed inhouse by skilled employees who have a real passion for delivering leading-edge solutions.  Key hires, around UX/UI design, product development and system infrastructure have enabled us to really power on with our product roadmap.  We can assure you that 2023 has been good, but 2024 is going to be great so watch this space to see what we have instore for existing customers, and new ones, in the not too distant future.  We think you’ll like what we have to say.

Podfather is not ‘just’ a system, it’s not ‘just’ a company it’s a team.  As a business we work hard to look after all our employees with regular meet ups, comprehensive wellbeing support, flexible working for all, and a great culture which means that everyone feels part of our journey.  A recent staff survey saw 100% of respondents say they’d recommend Podfather as an employer…. We are very proud of that fact.

In 2023 we’ve seen new faces join all teams – sales, engineering, marketing and customer support.  We’re at almost 50 employees which makes us small enough to care but big enough to make a real difference to the companies that we work with.  We’re definitely not a faceless corporate entity, we are a team working together to deliver something special. 

It’s not been all work and no play this year.  We sponsored the Stirling 10k again this year and the event pulled in record crowds. Having started life as a race for serious runners, the event is now more family-themed.  There is still the draw of a super-fast flat 10k time for the more seasoned athlete but with kids races being added in for different age groups this year, pipers, cheerleaders and a host of other entertainment the Stirling 10k is fast becoming the go-to family day out in the local area.  We will be supporting this event again in 2024.

If you follow our social media feeds you will see that we are always measuring how many PODs (proof of deliveries) we produce for our customers and convert that to a tree saving.  Up until now the Podforest has been something that only the team have been aware of (the daily total is visible for all to see in our office) but we’ve now taken steps to turn the Podforest dream into the reality with our recent collaboration with the charity, Trees for Life.  From December this year we are actively contributing to the rewilding of the Scottish Highlands with the purchase of trees that are being planted in areas that need them.  It’s a great achievement for us and one that we will be looking to talk about more next year as the initiative grows.

All that really remains is for us, Team Podfather, to wish you, your families and colleagues the happiest of festive seasons.  If you need us over the festive period our office number will be manned.  There may be a skeleton staff on the main holiday days but we will be here if you need us.

Enjoy the festive break and our very best wishes to you for the coming new year.