Paul Munnerley has been a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver for 25 years, and has worked in the logistics industry for almost 30 years in one form or another. He set up Munnerley & Son Limited in January 2024 as a light haulage and courier company based in Fleetwood, and started trading in March 2024. The business currently employs two people and Paul aims to develop the business into a general haulage company.
Paul contacted Boost towards the end of 2023, seeking help and advice to set up the new business. He joined Boost's Flying Start programme and is continuing to receive support from Boost business adviser Daniel Fenton.
Paul shares his business inspirations, discusses the Boost support he received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.
I contacted Boost because although I understand the principal of business; more money needs to come in than goes out, I had no idea on how to go about it, where to start, where to get funding, or even how to do so. So I reached out to Boost and was introduced to Daniel Fenton.
I’ve gained quite a lot of support from Boost, especially Daniel. Mostly just being able to talk about what I see the company doing in the short to medium term; there are of course the long term goals, but there has to be the small steps to get there first. Its being able to translate those goals into actions.
Don’t give up. It will be really difficult for the first year, but it will work. Even more so if you make you and your company stand apart from the others.
There isn’t anyone in the business world that I’ve come across yet. My inspiration to start the company was, and is, my husband, my children and grandson. They are the reason I’m doing this.
My motivation comes from working previously in companies that hold policies that basically insult their employees and customers. Policies that are there to make it a good company to work for, but in reality . . . doesn’t. I was determined to make my company work differently.
A company’s staff is of equal importance to their customers, so holding them with an equal high regard should mean that our colleagues will find working along side you at your company a pleasure.
My growth plans are to gain an ISO9001 certification. That should attract the custom that I’m looking for, in order to grow further, and allow the company to employ more people, and ultimately invest in Fleetwood, where we’re based. My aim is to have about 3 HGVs.
Caffeine and nicotine. Then a shower, then… well… whatever the day brings. The caffeine and nicotine are quite important though.
Lancashire has heart. It has cultural diversity, a history of hard working people and industry. Lancashire has the most inclusive people on the planet living and thriving here. That’s why I love living here.
Go for it! There is always something that you’re not sure of, and the support available from Boost gives you the opportunity to research what to do next. There is always some sort of specialist within Boost who can either give you the answer, or will certainly go out of their way to find you the answer.
Research, and do as much of it as possible. There is a lot of help and guidance from Boost, and there is also many networking opportunities that come along with that. Talk to people, other business owners. They are also human, and they remember starting their business, and the difficulties they faces will be very similar to what any other SME may face.
Just one simple conversation may very well lead onto bigger and brighter things. Communication is key.
If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.
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