How a Leeds taxi firm turned lockdown into a new business direction

Leeds taxi firm Arrow Cars turns to delivering produce rather than passengers during coronavirus crisis.
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Leeds based, Arrow Cars, realised it would have to diversify in order to stay on the road once lockdown and social distancing was introduced at the end of March as people were staying at home with nowhere to go.

They knew some firms were doing 'click n collect deliveries' from supermarkets, but, decided to go one further and set up a partnership with local suppliers and businesses that is set to continue even when restrictions are lifted.

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They have teamed up with 14 farmers and 11 other local food suppliers, and, using their existing car fleet and operational distribution facilities are delivering next day parcels of fresh produce to people's homes.

Louis and David Richmond of Arrow Cars who have set up Arrow Fresh during lockdown.Louis and David Richmond of Arrow Cars who have set up Arrow Fresh during lockdown.
Louis and David Richmond of Arrow Cars who have set up Arrow Fresh during lockdown.

The new venture is called Arrow Fresh and since it got the green light on May 1 it delivers 700 products such as meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables and snacks. In the first week of business, Arrow Fresh managed to get to 500 homes across Yorkshire.

David Richmond, CEO of Arrow Cars 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”.

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Arrow Fresh has also set up a website as it plans to continue with its new venture as life in Leeds slowly starts to return to normal in a bid to support independent businesses, farmers and vulnerable customers.

Fresh scones are on the shopping list.Fresh scones are on the shopping list.
Fresh scones are on the shopping list.

The venture has also helped farm producers to access a new customer base.

David Hird of Yockenwaite Farm based in Skipton said: “It's a 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."

A message from the Editor:

Fresh fruit and veg boxes to the door are popular.Fresh fruit and veg boxes to the door are popular.
Fresh fruit and veg boxes to the door are popular.
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