Leeds longest established private hire taxi company Arrow Cars have adapted and evolved during the recent lockdown to launch a brand-new business Arrow Fresh – making food shopping easy for customers by delivering fresh, high quality, locally sourced Yorkshire produce, straight to customers doors as early as the next day.
With Covid-19 putting a stop to mass travel, local business owner David Richmond, and his son Louis, swiftly recognised that they would have to adapt. An entrepreneurial family flair that had grown the business to now become the 2nd largest taxi company in the UK*, coupled with Arrows inherent values of supporting the local community, sparked an innovative idea; using their existing car fleet and operational distribution facilities to source the best quality local produce for next day home delivery.
David Richmond, CEO said: “Community has always been at the heart of our business, and whilst we knew we had to adapt in order to stay afloat due to the uncertainty surrounding lockdown restrictions, we realised that so many people were being forced to queue for long periods of time at supermarkets and shops, and that many people were too vulnerable to even leave their homes. Whilst some taxi firms started to offer supermarket click and collect, we saw a unique opportunity to go one step further – one that would support the people of Leeds and local farmers and food producers”.
From a standing start since 1st May, Arrow Fresh have now supported 14 farmers and a further 11 local food suppliers to offer over 700 products through its new delivery service which is free on orders over £20. There is a wide range of local produce already on the website from meat, dairy, fruit, veg and snacks which continues to grow by the day with an ambition to create the biggest ‘one stop shop’ for locally sourced produce under one roof.
Louis Richmond, Director of Marketing & Communications of Arrow Fresh said: “The speed of growth and the way the team have worked to deliver Arrow Fresh has been incredible. Since only 1st May with one transactional website and social media, we have continued to grow our supplier base and customers week on week. We delivered to 500 Yorkshire homes in the first week alone! We have always championed local produce, and this is our way of supporting independent businesses and farmers within our community, whilst also helping customers who would really benefit from our home delivery services.”
David Hird of Yockenwaite Farm based in Skipton said: “It's great to have the opportunity of working with such a forward-thinking company that has adapted their business model in such a difficult time. As a local producer, Arrow Fresh have helped us introduce new customers to our product range in a completely new area."
Whilst Arrow Fresh was born from Arrow Cars necessity to adapt, coupled with a desire to support the community during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s success to date has borne a unique stand- alone business with its very own fleet of dedicated delivery drivers and vehicles, and an exceptionally strong foundation for long-term growth plans.
Arrow Fresh promises to deliver the freshest product, handpicked every morning alongside outstanding customer service that champions sustainable business practices; a zero waste policy means they don’t stock any plastic bottles or bags, choosing to use recyclable water cans and cardboard boxes for delivery.
The launch of a new website today is a key milestone in their quest to become ‘one stop shop’ of locally sourced produce that will create a first-class shopping experience and delivery service, changing the way people shop local in Leeds indefinitely.
