Mercian Logistics is recruiting staff after opening an operational parcel depot in Gloucester following a 40 per cent increase in shipments compared with last year.

Part of the APC network, the company has opened the 7,500sq ft depot at Barnwood Point after the surge in online shopping and increased demand from SMEs at its existing site in Hereford.

The business employs 54 people across the two depots with eight permanent staff being recruited in the coming weeks.

Managing director Chris Stone said: "Our decision to open a new depot was born from our commitment to providing the best possible service to SMEs across the region.

"At a time when SMEs across Gloucestershire are having to adapt their businesses and accelerate their online presence, we are dedicated to supporting their growth and providing them with improved service options to help them flourish in the years ahead.

"Our new depot is perfectly placed to grow and serve Gloucerstershire's burgeoning SME community, ensuring they have a local team on hand, working hard in partnership with them, to support their business and customers."

The additional site will allow the company to expand its overnight parcel collection and delivery service offerings.

APC Overnight chief executive Jonathan Smith said: "Throughout this ongoing pandemic, the resilience of SMEs has shone through.

"The hard work of our colleagues at Mercian Logistics has helped support this resilience, allowing local SMEs to further evolve and grow.

"This new depot will enable a member of the APC family to further strengthen its relationships with SME businesses across Gloucestershire - a region that has grown in volume by 40 per cent this year - and ultimately help them thrive."