Shiply.com entrepreneur is number one

Robert Matthams is the founder of Shiply.com and he was handed the title – and a cheque for £10,000 – at the Shell-sponsored LiveWIRE awards.

Shiply is an online marketplace where transport companies are matched with potential clients. Robert launched in June 2008 after realising that many lorries were travelling long distances empty or half-empty.

It makes its money by charging hauliers a percentage of each job they secure, and has already won more than 40,000 customers by offering savings of up to 75 per cent.

Using up spare capacity has saved more than 1.6m kg of carbon that would have been pumped into the environment.

Robert said: "Some people might say it is mad to set up a business in a recession but I always had confidence in the strength of my idea.

"The last 12 months have been among the most exciting of my life and I can't wait to take my business to the next level thanks to this award."

Online entrepreneur tackles empty running lorries
- Dec 24th, 2008

The Chris Evans Show
- Nov 25th, 2008

It's haul in the name of good sense
- Nov 10th, 2008

Watch these spaces
- Nov 5th, 2008