Natahlia Robinson (left) and Janet Johnson, partners in Food Delivery Services, discuss menu options.

May proved to be a challenging, yet rewarding month for the partners and management team of Food Express Delivery Services.

Whereas in previous months business had slowed, the demand for our services increased last month, resulting mainly from the exposure the company received through advertising in both the print and electronic media and added publicity through the Sunday Gleaner's BizTrack feature.

This has served to reinforce our belief that there is a need for our type of service.

In fact, in keeping with our diversification strategy, Food Express Delivery Services catered for a company's annual general meeting in May and we are pleased that we were able to perform our duties in a professional and courteous manner, which gained us good reviews from the organisers.

This is an achievement for hard work well done.

The accomplishment has also helped to further emphasise the point that if we are to maintain a reputation for outstanding customer service, we have to set high standards in our recruitment process. Therefore, we are intent on continuously carrying out in-depth background and character checks on all prospective employees in order to maintain a high level of integrity.

During the period under review, our company also took the brave step towards upgrading our delivery fleet through the acquisition of additional bikes and a motor vehicle, through a loan. This decision came against the background of the ever-increasing cost of petrol and resultant high operating expenses, including rising maintenance costs.

In fact, in reviewing the operations of the organisation, we identified the following areas that needed to be addressed as a matter of priority if we are to grow and realise our full potential:

The need to apply for a loan to purchase a motor vehicle and motor bikes, as a means of acquiring additional capital.

Aggressive marketing, not only through the branding of the upcoming purchase of our fixed assets, but by advertising in the print and electronic media and the branding of our delivery personnel, who are to wear shirts displaying our logo and slogan: 'Whatever you need we will provide'.

Purchase of food containers/carriers to be affixed to our motor bikes. This will ensure that the products are delivered in a manner that seems palatable.

For the future, the management team of Food Express Delivery Services may consider the prospect of inviting additional investors into our business to help in its expansion of asset and target market acquisition.

- Natahlia Robinson and Janet Johnson