The Despatch Association
Lamb’s End House, 36 Church Rd., Magdalen, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE34 3DG
Tel/Fax: 01553 813479
Email: phil@despatch.co.uk
Jeremy Thompson the DA’s Treasurer,
Jeremy is a Chartered Accountant by profession. He joined his family’s transport and travel business soon after qualifying. He diversified the business into couriers by starting Mach 1 Couriers in 1984. The business has grown both organically and by acquisition since then and is now one of the major players in the London courier market. Jeremy’s principal area of expertise is finance and he would be pleased to help any DA members in that respect.
Phillip Stone Chief Executive Officer
Phillip Stone has been Chief Executive Officer of the Despatch Association since June 2000 and has held the same role for Riders and Drivers Associates since its inception in January 2005. Phillip came to the Association from a background in education and management. As well as handling all the DA’s daily business, he is the ‘voice’ behind all the DA and RDA newsletters, writes and edits the acclaimed Despatches Magazine and can usually be found at his desk speaking with a DA or RDA member about any and all matters of concern to the courier and the courier company.
John Lister DA Chairman
John has been involved in the despatch industry since 1980, firstly as a self-employed, sub-contracted motorcycle courier in Kent. Becoming London-based in 1981, John spent five years on circuit before starting his own company.
Having been acquired by a larger concern in 1989, John worked his way up through the ranks as a controller, fleet manager, and general manager until in 1994 he became a partner. John is now sole owner of Reuter Brooks Couriers – a leading London sameday courier firm.
He was invited on to the committee of the Despatch Association in early 2005, becoming Chairman in May 2006. In February 2006 John was invited to be a founding fellow of the Institute of Couriers, a body dedicated to the raising of professional standards of couriers in the sameday despatch industry.
John’s interests include ecology, science and literature.
Ian Draude
Ian of Clockwork Despatch has been involved in the despatch industry for most of his working life, fulfilling virtually all roles imaginable (& some unimaginable - occasionally at the same time) and yet still has the enthusiasm to ride in to town each day, rain or shine, covering over 300 miles each week. Despite changes in technology over the past 30 years, Ian firmly believes that the services couriers provide are key to the smooth running of an advanced economy. Ian say “I’ll continue to fight our corner whether with Westminster Council and their plans to charge ‘bikes for parking or lobbying in Parliament to get the penalties increased for the illegal use of hand-held mobiles whilst driving.” Out of work, you’ll likely find Ian knocking about with his children, riding mountain ‘bikes, running around a tennis court or striding along a Lake District or Highland ridge.
Am Pall
Am's experience in the courier and passenger car industry goes back to 1985. Am has held a number of roles including responsibility for Quality Management and Investors in People within the Courier Industry.
Am has been instrumental in developing training courses for the Private Hire industry and setting up the one of first Private Hire Training centre in Central London. Am joined CitySprint in 2000, and his role within CitySprint encompasses training, fleet management, risk management and Logistics.
Working through the traditional pathway of being a courier to executive management over 20 years has given Am a complete insight into the courier world and is always of assistance to any DA member.
Mario Chappell
Mario started his courier life as a biker for Speed Couriers, out of Cambridge. In those days clocking 2000 miles a week was normal. Mario was then asked to manage their office out of Sywell Airport near Northampton, a job he relished because of his relationship with the office heater. The wanderlust was still strong though and Mario found himself driving a SWB white van to all corners of the UK and Europe. He then built a relationship with JC Couriers Ltd and eventually bought the company. Mario says: “I liked what it stood for. It gave the customer what they wanted when they wanted it and not the other way around. So many firms today think the customer owes them a living but they couldn't be more wrong. I have been at the helm of JC from 2002 since when I have doubled its turnover and fledged a second firm, JC Engineers Ltd.” Outside of work, Mario is a dedicated family man.
Martin Williams
Martin started in the courier industry with Quicksilver Messenger Service after previously working in communications and management in the Ministry of Defence and with the Royal Navy. In his first 12 months, Martin designed and installed Quicksilver’s first automated booking, control and back room system and later developed quality procedures that allowed the company to gain BS5750 accreditation.
Martin was a member of the working party that created the NVQ for motorcycle couriers and has been a judge for the National Courier Awards. Martin says “As a DA committee member, I am keen to learn more about transport issues that will affect the whole industry, including environmental issues. I believe that I can offer new and existing members advice on achieving quality status and I would be happy to pass on any information regarding the environmental policy”.
Outside of work Martin is involved with football and cricket as player, coach and manager.
Christopher Matthews
Currently working as a sales executive with over 27 years in the industry, the last 11 with Mercury Despatch, Chris has a catalogue of experiences within the industry. He started as a despatch rider but was eventually drawn toward sales where he felt closer to the heart of the industry. Chris has dedicated himself to selling the service and is proud of the company and the industry. He regularly meets with other business representatives at forums and commercial business meetings flying the flag for the courier industry. His contribution to the industry – and to his company - has proven invaluable.
Kevin Walsh
Kevin, Vice-Chairman of the DA, is one of those rarities, a true Londoner, having been born and bred in the capital. After leaving school in the early 70s at a tender age, he went immediately into despatch riding. He first worked for Same-Day Despatch of Warwick Row SW1, then ASAP of D’arblay Street, W1 and finally Roadmaster of Ennismore Mews, SW7. Kevin asks: “Where are they all now?”
After spending 10 years in recruitment where he became managing director of a group of employment agencies specialising in heavy engineering, Kevin returned to the courier industry. He served first as MD of Wings of Rathbone Street and then formed Clockwork Despatch where he has spent the last 16 years as Chairman.
Married with 4 children, Kevin’s other interests include shooting, France, golf, crosswords and early Porsche.