In the active logistics industry of the UK, Barnes Logistics Ltd, one of the first participants in the Amazon Freight Partner programme, stands out for its operational excellence and commitment to community. Chris Barnes, founder and CEO, is a visionary leader whose story demonstrates business acumen and a dedication to local engagement and support.
Chris's journey began in 2005 when he was working as an operations manager for a manufacturing firm. It was here where he identified a critical gap in the transportation services available to his company. Fuelled by this insight and a determination to make a difference, Chris founded Barnes Logistics, starting with just eight trucks. Fast forward to today, and Barnes Logistics stands as a testament to Chris’s dedication and vision: the company has grown exponentially, now boasting over 100 employees, and three years ago, it became one of the first partners in Amazon Freight Partner programme, marking a significant milestone in its journey. As Chris recalls: “It was a fantastic growth opportunity for us. It's presented us with challenges. It stretched our business, but importantly, it's made us better because we've had to improve our processes.”,
Beyond business: a commitment to community
Chris is deeply passionate about sports and community engagement, which has led to his company supporting and sponsoring various sporting activities in the local area. Amongst these, Barnes Logistics sponsors Bunbury Football Club, for which Chris is the Assistant Coach for the U13s team. As one of the children’s parents remarks: “The kids work together and they are really focused on something together as a team. We’re extremely grateful for the untold hours that Chris spent over the last four years.”
Chris's journey with Barnes Logistics exemplifies how a business can be much more than its bottom line. Under his leadership, the company has become a beacon of success and community engagement, reflecting a genuine passion for making a difference. Whether through sponsoring local sports teams or coaching young athletes, Chris’s contributions have had a real impact, fostering a sense of community and supporting the development of young people. “For me, Barnes Logistics is about its people and giving back to the community, so that we can create a brighter future,” Chris says. “And our partnership with Amazon Freight Partner has been about the opportunity to grow, to improve, and an opportunity to support this community with this growth.”
To learn more about Amazon Freight Partner, click here.