2024 has been a year of transformation and growth at Stockwells. From a fresh rebrand to exciting new offerings like our track and trace portal, we’ve been evolving to stay ahead of a rapidly changing world.
Global uncertainties, technological advances and the rise of AI are all reshaping the logistics landscape. However, one thing has remained constant – our unwavering commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do. This people-first approach drives us to deliver exceptional logistics solutions and build lasting, trust-based relationships with our customers.
To reflect on some of our key milestones, challenges and growth initiatives from this year, we sat down with Angela Gambell, Director of Sales, Marketing and Operations, to discuss Stockwells’ 2024 journey.
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Question: Looking back on 2024, what are some of the moments that stand out to you the most at Stockwells?
Ange: The rebrand marked a key milestone for Stockwells, symbolising a new beginning for the company. Stepping away from the traditional logo and the brand my father held so close was a massive, emotional move. It felt like we were saying, ‘We’ve got this, Dad,’ and it was time to move forward with new owners and a fresh, new feel.
Our commitment to ESG and everything it stands for was another significant milestone, as it cemented our dedication to values we’ve always held very close: community, environment and governance. It gives us the opportunity to stand up for and support vulnerable communities, while also giving back to the environment. This is something that is very close to the heart of all the Stockwells management team.
Question: What were some of the biggest challenges you and your team faced this year?
Ange: Global uncertainty coupled with staying competitive and relevant.
It’s challenging to remain competitive against shipping lines and multinationals dominating the market. Supply chain professionals face daily pressures from compliance, wars, weather and increasing costs. However, we remain focused on customer service because it’s what differentiates us, along with our outstanding fleet of trucks. To stay relevant we must stay ahead of the market, be on top of solutions and knowledge, service offerings and everything AI and IT value adds.
We’re continuously adapting – whether through exploring innovative solutions, enhancing our service offerings, or investing IT advancements. These efforts ensure that we remain responsive to the market and provide the highest value to our customers, which is at the core of everything we do.
Question: With all the supply chain disruptions this year, how did Stockwells adapt to keep things running smoothly while supporting its customers?
Ange: We have adapted and mastered resilience and change management. We have spent the year cross-training, promoting and positioning our staff to empower them to be better equipped to ride the rollercoaster that is shipping. We need a robust, ready team to service our clients to our standards, regardless of the challenges we face externally.
Question: What were the key growth and expansion initiatives Stockwells focused on this year?
Ange: We have expanded into Western Australia (WA), grown our fleet, and strengthened our operations department. Additionally, we’ve created new positions in analysis and process improvement. We are also actively expanding our sales teams both here and in New Zealand.
These steps are part of our broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency, expand market presence and ensure we’re well-positioned for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
Question: How has Stockwells contributed to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts in the freight forwarding industry this year?
Ange: We kicked off our ESG commitments two years ago, ensuring we regularly contribute to the environment and community. We have purchased trees in Melbourne and are working on buying as many trees as needed to offset our clients’ CO2 emissions. It’s a project we’re excited about and we’ve been working on it for the past six months, ensuring our analysis is accurate and covers individual footprints both now and in the future.
We’ve contributed mature trees to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and also sponsor seniors in our community. Additionally, we have internal policies and initiatives in place to ensure we’re saving on power and reducing waste.
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As we look ahead to 2025, Stockwells is excited about what the future holds and the opportunity to keep growing and innovating in the logistics industry. We know the road ahead may bring new challenges, but we’re committed to staying focused on what matters most – delivering outstanding customer service. Our goal is to keep building strong, lasting relationships with our clients and adapting to their needs with the same care and dedication that has always set us apart.
A big thank you to our clients for their trust and support – we’re looking forward to another great year working together!