PACK & SEND unlocks new market during lockdown

Shipping and courier specialist comes to the aid of international university students forced to return home without majority of their possessions

PACK & SEND helped international university students send their belongings back home after COVID-19 lockdown measures forced them to return to their families without the majority of their possessions

Although the sector was already a significant market for logistics businesses, it wasn’t until an urgent need arose that university accommodation teams opened up the opportunity for suppliers like PACK & SEND to provide a solution.

Using the company’s innovative packing and shipping solutions, franchisees ensured students’ belongings were dealt with safely and securely.

Mike Ryan, CEO of PACK & SEND UK, says: “Every year we help many international students move their belongings to and from the UK as they start or complete their studies.

“The arrival of COVID-19 has had a major impact on all students, as their academic year came to an abrupt end. While this has caused major disruption for those graduating this year, it’s going to have an even bigger impact on those starting or continuing their studies in the new academic year.

“Luckily, our franchisees were on hand to help. They’ve all had experience with students relocating or moving abroad before now, but nothing quite on this scale. And with the added complication of the virus, things had to be dealt with a little differently.

“All our franchisees have embraced the challenge and called upon their expertise to provide the right solutions in the most appropriate way.”

For the past three months, franchisees have helped send student belongings all over the globe.

Rob Rayner, franchisee at PACK & SEND Leeds North service centre, provided a university student with a full end-of-tenancy move back to her home in Portland, USA - one of many jobs he completed for his local universities.

“I can’t even imagine what some students and their parents went through as they rushed to reach home in March,” Rob says.

“What feels great is being able to provide a solution that helps put people’s minds at ease - the safe return of your items and no threats from landlords who want your accommodation cleared out.

“As lockdown now shows signs of easing, I’m grateful to have my foot in the door with the lucrative university market and have the opportunity to grow my business within this sector.”

To recognise the importance of international students returning to British universities this autumn, PACK & SEND has decided to give back - quite literally - to the international student community.

It’s launched a bursary, called the PACK & SEND UK International Bursary Award, which will be given to one international student embarking on their studies in September this year.

The fund will be awarded to the student who gives the most inspiring, creative and well articulated reason why they wish to study in the UK.

All PACK & SEND franchisees are getting behind the launch of the bursary, informing their existing student client base of the new initiative.

“Launching this bursary is an exciting time for us and we look forward to hearing from all the inspiring stories our applicants share,” Mike says.

“We hope, although this is the first year, it’s the start of an ongoing bursary programme from PACK & SEND.”