Newspaper delivery business thriving after nearly 50 years

Perhaps a newspaper from News-Klip...

The Fakenham business has been delivering papers since the late 1970s when Jeff Saunders started the venture with his partner, Nolan Keeley. 

Nearly 50 years later, his son, Scott Saunders, has continued to ensure nearly 600 people in more than 25 locations are kept up-to-date with local news.

Mr Saunders, 46, said: "I took on the business because it was in the family and we're all keen to know what's happening, especially if it's the sports section.

Scott Saunders has praised his team for their hard work and organisation. (Image: Scott Saunders) READ MORE: Plans to turn Blue Lion pub into a home have been refused

"But more than that, the business is a great way to meet people in the community.

"The majority of our customers are elderly and our drivers will gladly have a chat with them or they'll even help put their bins out if needed."

The business' five vans cover a 20-mile radius to deliver papers, which means its drivers are often off to an early start to ensure newspapers get through letter boxes on time.

Mr Saunders said: "We start at 5am and lots of preparation goes into making sure our customers get their paper. 

"We've also got to think about the routes we travel on and make sure that we've thought about roadworks and accidents."

Work to ensure papers are delivered on time requires many early morning starts. (Image: Scott Saunders) READ MORE: Mobile DJ still spinning discs 48 years after first wedding

But the hard work is worth it and Mr Saunders shared his gratitude for the business' loyal customers.

He said: "We have a big pile of thank you cards from when we made deliveries to our customers during the pandemic and sometimes I read it to remember the impact we have. 

"Even though supermarkets, for example, have their own news stands, I think customers like being able to have a chat with us. It's the Norfolk way."

Mr Saunders added he is looking for ways to expand the business and thanked customers and staff for their continued support. 

(Image: National Home News Delivery Month)

Mr Saunders was speaking during Home News Delivery Month, which aims to celebrate and promote home newspaper delivery.

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