Piranha Parcels

When COVID struck, Martin Randall’s chauffeur business almost ground to a halt. Within weeks, he’d pivoted to parcel delivery. Today, Piranha Parcels delivers 70,000 parcels per week with a team of 130+ drivers, supporting national delivery partners. Panthera Accounting has been part of the journey from the start.

Martin’s ambitions quickly outpaced basic accounting support. He needed advice on PAYE, self-assessment, asset purchases, VAT and more. The firm’s previous accountant didn’t offer the insight or alignment Martin needed. He felt, his business wasn’t being well served.

Panthera offered a more strategic partnership. After one conversation with the team, Martin knew they understood his goals. From quarterly business reviews to share structuring, Panthera has supported Martin across the Piranha group –which now includes Snappy Van Hire and Piranha Tyres, with Piranha Paintworks and Piranha Coachworks in the pipeline.

From crisis to opportunity

Martin’s first business, a chauffeur firm launched in 2014, grew organically by word of mouth. But COVID changed everything. “We went from three quartersof a million in turnover to £54,000. But we owned the assets, and that gave us breathing room,” he shared.

When a national delivery firm called for help, Martin responded fast. “We took the seats out of the minibuses and got to work. My chauffeurs were out delivering parcels,” he said.

That move laid the foundation for Piranha Parcels. The team secured its first national logistics contract in 2021. Martin brought in a neighbour and former chauffeur as co-founder, and used Panthera’s advice to manage share transfers and tax efficiency.

Growth was rapid, but not without challenge. “We were winning contracts, but every time we grew, so did the complexity – drivers, fuel, invoices, insurances. Panthera helped me keep the numbers under control,” he noted. Their advice gave Martin confidence to make bold decisions, including investing in additional vehicles and hiring staff to scale the operation.

He described a point when things could easily have gone off the rails. “We had cash in the bank, but I wasn’t clear on where it needed to go. Panthera helped us plot out the business priorities and direct the funds wisely – not just spending, but investing,” he explained.

That approach proved invaluable when the business diversified. Today, the group also includes a van hire firm, a tyre service and soon, a body shop. “Panthera’s helping with all the structure and planning to address another niche in the market: we’re now setting up Piranha Paintworks.” Martin said.

With memories of the pandemic in mind, one aim of the new ventures was to build resilience, with less reliance on any single revenue stream. Each new business is designed to complement the others, with Panthera offering joinedup financial advice across the group. “Panthera has helped us build a business that’s more robust. We’re not just adding logos but building a group that makes sense commercially and financially,” he commented.

Eagle eyes and direct advice

Martin maintains hands-on control of the business finances. He manages PAYE and VAT returns himself, ensuring he fully understands the flow of money and the tax implications of his decisions. Panthera supports this knowledgedriven approach.

From tax treatments and director loans to asset transfers and stock control, the team at Panthera is on hand to guide decisions and advise Martin on using Xero.

“When we started the tyre business, I had no idea how to handle stock as an asset. Panthera showed me how to move it through the P&L properly,” he explained. Panthera’s responsiveness stands out. “I’ll drop them a message: ‘can I move this?’ or ‘should I capitalise that?’ and they’re always clear and quick with answers. I’ve got a good head for business, but I need to sense-check it against the rules,” Martin observed.

He often leans on Panthera’s ability to explain things clearly. “I don’t want woolly advice. I want someone to say yes or no, and tell me why. Panthera gives me that,” he pointed out.

This directness builds trust and enables fast decision-making. “There’s no arrogance with Panthera. They treat my questions with respect, even if they’re basic,” he added.

The team also uncovered a significant VAT error, saving the business a majorliability. Panthera identified that driver-issued VAT-only invoices were being recorded incorrectly and quickly fixed the issue. That discovery alone wiped out the VAT bill for the quarter. “That kind of eagle-eyed attention gives me peace of mind. They’re not just ticking boxes – they’re actively protecting us,” Martin commented.

He summed it up simply: “Knowledge is power, and that’s what you pay Panthera for.”

The working relationship is both professional and friendly. “The service I get from Panthera is great. They are professional, accessible, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful,” he concluded.

Protecting precious profit margins

In a sector where profits are slim, Panthera helps Martin protect his margins and stay agile. Large-scale delivery contracts bring volume, but with tight margins and significant overheads, careful planning is vital.

Panthera has advised Martin on lease versus purchase decisions, asset depreciation strategies and how best to move funds and equipment between companies. These small levers combine to make a big difference.

The group expansion is being shaped with the aid of good financial advice. When setting up Piranha Tyres, Panthera helped build the business model from scratch – guiding decisions on pricing, VAT, staffing and things like ensuring intercompany loans are properly documented.

“I’ve got five businesses and each one has different quirks. Panthera helps me make sense of the detail without losing the big picture. That’s not easy to find in an accountant,” Martin noted.

Panthera’s oversight gives Martin the flexibility to act fast without sacrificing rigour. He also trusts them to spot red herrings. “There are loads of schemes out there for green investment or R&D. Panthera helps us work out quickly what’s viable and what isn’t,” he explained.

Martin can now evaluate his profitability with more precision. Rather than focus solely on gross turnover, he now drills into cost centres and unit economics. “At times we were turning over well, but not seeing the profit we expected. Panthera helped us understand why – down to labour hours, fuel charges, everything,” he recalled.

As fuel and labour costs fluctuate, Martin uses Panthera’s insights to monitor profitability in real time. “I like seeing the numbers – I’m a data person. Panthera helps make the data speak,” he said. That agility has helped Piranha stay competitive without cutting corners.

More recently, Panthera helped Martin model out two major equipment purchases. One would require finance, the other could be self-funded. “They helped me map the impact over 12 months and look at best and worst cases. That helped me feel confident committing,” he remarked.

That blend of scenario planning and pragmatism has become a defining feature of the relationship. Panthera’s approach supports both everyday decisionmaking and long-term ambition.

A relationship built to last

Martin has a strong team behind him, including Harry Stokes, Director of Operations and a co-founder of the firm. Panthera is helping to structure an increase in Harry’s stake in the business. “Because our shares are worth more now than they used to, Panthera has explained the options to avoid unnecessary tax, and we’ve put a plan in place,” he outlined.

Longer term, Martin is already thinking about succession. “I’m 45, and one day I won’t be in the business. So how do I get my equity out and transfer ownership the right way? That’s where Panthera will continue to be invaluable,” he added.

He is also investing in future sustainability and resilience, with plans such as solar-powered halogen spray booths for his new body shop. But whatever the next move, the financial planning will remain grounded in advice from Panthera.

With sustainability in mind, Martin and the Panthera team are now applying the same rigour to shaping ventures that align with environmental goals and longterm resilience.

Panthera’s advice has supported Piranha Parcels through dramatic change, rapid growth and ambitious diversification. With a strong financial foundation in place, the group is now positioned to build with confidence – not just growing its portfolio but shaping a future that works for everyone involved.

As Martin put it: “It’s not just accounting – it’s advice, support, insight, and guidance. That’s what Panthera gives us.”