Courier king Warren clocks up 25 years

AN Oldham man is celebrating 25 years in business. Warren Etchells (46) from Chadderton, owns QED Business Services which evolved from QED, the courier service he established in 1989.

Ten years on he responded to customer demand for packaging and started QED Packaging. Two years ago he added cardboard collection, for recycling, to the operation.

This is a far cry from the early days when he traded as a same-day courier with an “oldish” Ford Escort.

“The delivery side of the business has never been busier,” Warren said, adding: “I don’t employ anyone but these days I do use subcontractors to help with the workload.”

Warren’s first expansion came about when a customer asked if QED could supply packing materials at short notice. What started as a sideline has now become the largest part of the QED business.

Warren maintains a hands-on policy and continues to deliver 75 per cent of his services as he passionately believes in personal contact with customers.

“It’s important customers know I am the same person who brought their goods 25 years ago.

“I am just a much wiser and more battle-scarred version of the 21-year-old in the Mark Two Escort.”