Next Directory has reappointed Hermes to handle its home deliveries in an eight-year deal described as the biggest ever in the UK.

Neither of the companies was prepared to tell us the actual value of the contract, but we are assured that it is of significant proportions. An indication of its scale can be seen in the fact that Next Directory turns over £800 million, and has 2.2 million active customers.

Hermes' relationship with Next dates back to 1988, and over the years it has involved the fulfilment operations of various Otto Group constituent companies such as Grattan and later Parcelnet.

Under the exclusive contract, consignments are collected every day from Next's distribution centres and despatched overnight to Hermes' regional depot network. From there, orders are distributed to more than 7,500 lifestyle couriers for delivery to households across the UK.

 

As part of the renewal process, Hermes' chief executive, Carole Woodhead, says the company will be introducing a new suite of services over the coming year to keep Next ahead of the game in home delivery. She has not yet spelled out what these are.