In her latest column, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets an entrepreneur making a pedal-powered profit A highly successful zero […]By Waltham Forest Echo
In her latest column, Waltham Forest Business Network’s Jo Sealy meets an entrepreneur making a pedal-powered profit
Oscar Godoy (left) at the ZED Waltham Forest headquarters in Leyton
A highly successful zero emissions pilot delivery scheme has turned into a thriving new business.
ZED Waltham Forest started life in 2016 following Waltham Forest Council’s success in securing funding from the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund to set up a zero-emission delivery (‘ZED’) pilot scheme.
Delivering seasonal goods and products within the borough over the festive period proved so popular – some 1,000 parcels were delivered locally using cargo bikes and electric vehicles – that a two-year collaboration with the council was agreed, enabling the business to extend its services throughout the borough.
Director Rob King’s vision is clear; to build less congested, less polluted, and more liveable cities. Using specialist cargo bikes and electric vehicles the business creates a fast, efficient, and low-impact delivery solution for businesses.
ZED Waltham Forest’s general manager Oscar Godoy explains: “Following the success of the pilot scheme, the company was formally set up in September 2017.
“The Mayor is very keen to encourage any businesses with a zero emission focus, and it is this initiative which has provided the opportunity to partner with Waltham Forest Council until 2019. By the end of this partnership we aim to be fully financially independent.”
Though independent, ZED Waltham Forest is part of a wider network – Zedify – with national ambitions. The Leyton-based team uses the latest technology for bookings, giving it the capability to organise and process a reliable, cost effective, ethical delivery service. This can also extend to business branding opportunities, urgent deliveries and guaranteed timed collections.
“We can deliver anything from lunchtime platters, to flowers and gifts, to individuals or businesses,” says Oscar. “For larger companies delivering into the borough, we receive the items at our depot for ‘last mile’ delivery with one of our zero emission vehicles.”
Local businesses such as a local coffee roasting and delivery service have been quick to use their services. ZED Waltham Forest is also part of the distribution operation that delivers Waltham Forest Echo around the borough each month.
“One of the most satisfying things about the business is to be able to help educate businesses and communities about new and clean ways to distribute goods.
“Our team is working hard to help grow the business throughout London over the next 12 months, extending the service to different local authorities and businesses to enable them to sustainably service their communities.”
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