One of the UK's most successful parcel delivery firms, Interlink Express, is to be rebranded 'DPD Local' as part of a move to create greater brand consistency within the DPD Group.

Interlink Express, one of the UK's largest franchise operations, was founded in the UK in 1979 and has been experiencing double digit growth for the last five years. The company operates from 90 local depots around the UK and uses the same award winning technology and services as sister company DPD, but focuses on providing a more local service for shippers with smaller volumes.

The change to 'DPD Local' will enable the operation to continue to grow and build on its key differentiators - local knowledge and service - while benefiting more directly from the strength of the DPD brand, both in the UK and Europe. The new brand will carry the tagline; "Your local delivery experts" and emphasise the fact that DPD Local is part of the DPD Group.

As part of the rebrand, DPD Local will retain the core Interlink Express proposition including its 'try before you buy' offer of 100 free parcels for new customers, but will also expand its services to include new international services, the Your DPD app, the DPD Pickup parcel shop network and new bulk upload tools for shippers using marketplaces like ebay.

The new brand will be officially launched on 6th February 2017 when the new website will go live, including dedicated mobile and tablet versions. This will be followed immediately by a national roll-out of the new branding which will include over 2,000 vehicles re-liveried, new uniforms for all members of staff, depot signage, packaging and stationery. The project will be completed by October 2017.

Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO, commented; "This is a huge leap forward for Interlink Express and DPD Group. The combination of the Interlink Express proposition and the incredible strength of the DPD brand and breadth of services is a really compelling one. DPD is one of the European parcel delivery super brands now, and it makes sense to invest further in that brand.

"The move will bring Interlink Express more into line with the DPD Group but enable it to continue to focus on what it does best; providing a great local service with nationwide, and increasingly, global reach. Interlink Express is a hugely successful business, so we aren't looking to change the core proposition. But it will make it much easier for Interlink Express to integrate with existing DPD services from the Your DPD app to the DPD Pickup parcel shop network and international services such as DPD Classic.

"While we've historically run two different brands in the UK, we've shared services and had duel branded depots in certain locations for years. So we already have a very close working relationship with lots of economies of scale, but it is important that DPD Local remains a separate entity with a clear and distinct proposition. The connection between the local depot, their customer services staff and local businesses is an incredibly strong one. All we want to do is back that proposition with one of the most recognisable brands in the UK and Europe."