Entrepreneur: Tom Allason

Fast facts Name: Tom Allason Role: Chief Executive Officer Company: eCourier Business: Online courier service Founded: September 2004 Staff: 27 employees, 125 couriers Turnover: £6 millio Location: Central London Web site: www.eCourier.co.uk

Where did you get the idea for eCourier?

I was working in shipping in 2003 and had tickets for a tennis day for friends. I booked a courier to deliver them. It was late, then got lost, then the tickets were delivered to a caretaker. My friends missed the tennis. I got into an argument with the owner and I believe I told him that I thought I could do a better job myself, and here I am.

How does it work?

Ninety per cent of customer orders are taken via www.eCourier.co.uk. In milliseconds, eCourier’s computer system considers variables such as weather and traffic conditions to predict how long it will take a bike, motorbike or van to complete the delivery. Using this prediction, it then selects the most appropriate courier for the delivery and sends the order to the courier’s handheld computer. The customer can then track their courier to an accuracy of three metres throughout the delivery and receives an email, with the recipient’s signature, a few seconds after delivery.

What is its unique selling point?

It is our focus and commitment to the customer and our absolute transparency. We give them all the details I’d have wanted that day, so they are informed and satisfied.

What successes have you had so far?

We’ve won 16 awards in the last year, including Top 20 in BT’s Essence of the Entrepreneur award. We’ve expanded at a rate of 40 per cent per month for the last 20 months, which is amazing.

How has technology enabled your business success?

We are highly automated which reduces our transaction costs and enables us to improve margins. But, most importantly, it enables us to improve our service levels. Our competitors have an average central London delivery time of 90 minutes. We’re down to 45 because our technology cuts out human intervention and error.

Do you see yourself as an entrepreneur?

Yes, I could always spot gaps in the market. I saw a chance with the courier sector. It’s notoriously slow to evolve and with our technology I think we’ve got a three-year lead on the competition.

5 Top tips: Advice for new entrepreneurs

1. Be confident in your goal
2. Don’t be put off by negativity
3. Know the limits of your skillset and the limits of those around you
4. Start delegating, you really can’t do it all yourself
5. Be straight with investors. After all, it’s their money you’re spending!