Evri has been named the worst-performing delivery company in the UK for the second year running.
The parcel firm scored just 1.75 stars in the annual Citizen's Advice parcel league table, reports The Manc.
Published each year by Citizens Advice, the league table scores delivery companies against a number of criteria including customer service, parcel problems, and accessibility needs – Evri, formerly known as Hermes, failed to secure even a three-star overall rating out of five.
The information and advice organisation measured the performance of the top five delivery companies in the UK by parcel volume using data from its Consumer Service, as well as consumer polling and social media complaints.
Image: Evri
Now facing calls for regulator Ofcom to consider fining the company if it cannot improve its service, a spokesperson for the Evri said the businesses prides itself on offering a “fast, reliable, sustainable service which doesn’t cost the earth for consumers and businesses alike”.
But the firm scored just 1.75 stars in the annual ranking, and came last for a second year running, despite what was called an overall improvement to services.
Yodel, DPD, and Amazon Logistics are three other parcel firms continuing to fail consumers.
Yodel got the lowest score on a single criteria of all the firms, only achieving just 1.7 stars for customer service – with almost half of Yodel customers polled by Citizens Advice (43%) reporting a problem with their last delivery, compared with just over a quarter (28%) of Royal Mail customers – with the latter achieving the highest overall score in the ranking.
Image: Evri
As well as publishing the annual ranking, Citizen’s Advice also revealed that a link to its online advice page titled ‘If something you ordered hasn’t arrived’ had been viewed almost 211,000 times in the last 12 months.
The page had even been viewed 52,000 times in the three months leading up to last Christmas.
“One year on and parcel firms haven’t got their act together, with nobody delivering a four or five-star service,” commented Dame Clare Moriarty – Chief Executive at Citizen’s Advice.
“Behind the figures are shoppers seriously let down when parcels go missing or are late.
Image: Evri
“The needs of those who rely most on online shopping, such as disabled people, are being forgotten, and our findings show there’s more for Ofcom to do to protect shoppers, and if these firms don’t up their game, it should be fining them.”
In response to the calls to fine delivery companies, an Ofcom spokesman added: “We agree that some parcel companies are failing their customers when deliveries go wrong, so we’re strengthening our regulations next year to make sure people are treated fairly by parcel firms.
“We welcome research that shines a light on their performance, which we are monitoring too. If we’re not satisfied with how companies respond when our new protections come into force, they may face enforcement action or tighter rules in future.”
Football's coming home to Millennium Square as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
If you're still looking for a spot to cheer on the boys in the football this Wednesday then hang fire, because Leeds City Council have got us covered.
Following the Three Lions’ triumphant victory against Norway on Saturday evening, the council have announced that Millennium Square will host a World Cup 2026 fanzone at the heart of Leeds city centre.
Supporters will have the chance to cheer on star boy Jude Bellingham and the team with all the action shown live on a high-definition giant LED screen with concert style sound, all set within a bespoke outdoor arena.
Two large bars and street food concessions will be provided on site together with toilet and drinking water facilities.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and is a standing only event. Gates open at 6pm with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST with live DJ pre match entertainment.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy said “The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre.
"The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there. Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.”
Tickets are priced at £6 per person an go on sale at 10am on Monday 13 July via www.millsqleeds.com.
Plans to turn one of Leeds’ most historic buildings into padel courts approved
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
The Hoot -
22nd November 2022 
