BBC’s Dragons invest in JPM Logistics

Armed with the idea of operating a fleet of vehicles which are 100% Bio-Diesel, newly formed Haulage Company, JPM Eco Logistics has recently appeared on the BBC television programme ‘Dragons Den’. Now, after pitching their business plan to the panel of five business gurus, the Rochdale-based company have received £100,000 investment from two of Britain’s top venture capitalists, Deborah Meadon and Theo Paphitis.

With over 30 years experience in the haulage industry, Managing Directors Jerry Mantalvanos and Paul Merker, co–founders of the ‘eco friendly’ haulage company - have set out to revolutionise the transport industry and aim to become the “most cost effective and environmentally -aware transport company in the UK.”

By operating vehicles that are 100% Bio- Diesel made from Rape Seed Oil (RME) which produces no greenhouse gases and therefore no contribution to global warming, the company want to set an example to others in the industry.

Having thought of the idea, Jerry and Paul not only had to find a manufacturer that could supply ‘eco friendly’ vehicles, but also required assistance with capital to set up the business.

Jerry said, “After we established that Volvo Trucks would supply vehicles at 100% Bio-Diesel we needed investments,” adding, “It was at that time we decided to apply to the television programme ‘Dragons Den’.”

Paul added “From that moment on, everything happened very quickly, and within a few weeks we were filming at Pinewood Studios in London.”

After pitching their idea to the five ‘dragons’, four of them immediately wanted to invest in the company. Paul commented, “The interest from the panel was very pleasing and we are now extremely proud to have two of the Dragons, Deborah Meadon and Theo Paphitis, on board with us.”

Both ‘business gurus’ now have a 10% share in the business and will look to give their knowledge and expertise to help the company become established in the industry.

Since trading commenced in June this year, Jerry and Paul have not only acquired a number of conquest business, but have also taken delivery of a fleet of three 100% Bio-Diesel Vehicles – some of first to be delivered in the UK.

Essentially the company’s core ‘environmentally friendly’ values are achieved by running the adapted Volvo vehicles.

All three vehicles are Volvo FH 480 Euro 5’s which have been specially adapted to operate 100% Bio-Diesel. The low-cost equipment required to ensure Bio-Diesel can be used with standard fuel trucks was specially adapted by Thomas Hardie Commercials, Wigan.

Jerry and Paul’s spec’ for their Volvo FH-480’s have included a Euro 5 SCR 13-litre engine, Volvo’s celebrated I-Shift automated manual gearbox and a ‘Globetrotter XL’ cab in ‘Prestige’ Trim.

JPM’s Managing Director, Paul Merker commented that, “Although a number of manufacturers and companies are using part Bio-Diesel as a trial, we believe that running vehicles at ‘100 %’ will change the face of bulk transportation.”

As Jerry explained, “We have been running the vehicles for a few month now and all seem to be operating very well.” He added that, “In conjunction with Thomas Hardie Commercials, we will be keeping a close eye on the vehicles to ensure that they continue to operate efficiently.”

Jerry continued by adding that, “Although we are one on the first companies to be running vehicles at 100% Bio-Diesel, we envisage a time when haulage companies around the world will replicate our philosophy and vastly reduce the levels of gas emissions produced on a daily basis when delivering goods to companies and organisations around the world.”

As well as seeing JPM’s vehicles on the Northwest’s roads, the Volvo artics have a number of scheduled media appearances, including a ‘follow up’ programme for BBC’s ‘Dragons Den’ and an invitation to the Houses of Parliament later in the year.

All three Volvo vehicles have been supplied by Thomas Hardie Contract Rentals, part of the Thomas Hardie Commercials group.

Contract Rental Controller, Neil Parkinson commented that “Thomas Hardie Contract Rentals are proud to supply some of the 1st 100 % Bio- Diesel Vehicles in the UK.” He added that, “we wish JPM Eco Logistics every success and are very happy to be contributing to a healthier environment.