Sam Ireland

Sam Ireland spent much of his career in the logistics world, working with customers of all sizes and building deep experience at a senior corporate level.

Over time, he realised he wanted something different — the chance to apply his skills and relationships to a business of his own.

When Sam discovered Pack & Send in 2017, the opportunity stood out immediately.

The model addressed a clear gap in the market: specialist shipping and packing for items that standard courier networks aren’t set up to handle properly.

After discussing it with his family, Sam and his son Jamie opened the first Pack & Send service centre in Northern Ireland, launching PACK & SEND Belfast East in October 2017.

A Proven Franchise Model, Not a Business Built From Scratch

For Sam, franchising offered the right combination of independence and structure.

He wanted to move quickly, reduce risk, and benefit from established systems, suppliers, and support — while still building a local business with long-term value.

“I knew there was a gap in the market for a service like this. The franchise route was the best way to get started quickly, with the support and wider network already trading.”

Pack & Send was his first choice because it combined specialist expertise with proven success in the UK and internationally.

Specialist Logistics Where Expertise Matters

Sam’s background gave him a clear insight: many customers have unusual, high-value or fragile shipping needs that the big freight operators don’t handle well.

Pack & Send Belfast East focuses on exactly that niche — handling fragile, large, awkward and valuable shipments with precision and care.

That specialist capability has led to work that goes far beyond everyday parcel shipping.

Supporting the Relocation of Tower Museum Artefacts

One recent example of the Belfast East centre’s expertise was its appointment to support a complex museum relocation project for Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Sam and his team were responsible for the removal and secure transport of fragile artefacts from the Tower Museum in Derry to conservation facilities in Belfast, including historically significant items from the Armada Shipwreck collection.

The operation required:

• Bespoke packaging and meticulous handling

• Close coordination with museum and engineering teams

• Waterproofing and protection for selected pieces

• Specialist access planning, including crane loading

Sam describes this type of work as exactly what Pack & Send is built for:

“Designing and building custom packaging, managing high-risk transit, and liaising with multiple partners to ensure nothing is left to chance — this plays to our strengths.”

It is a clear example of specialist logistics, the way it should be done.

Training, Support and Launch Confidence

Launching the first centre in Northern Ireland came with practical challenges, particularly selecting the right premises and securing a good commercial lease.

Sam received hands-on support from Pack & Send HQ, including site reviews and structured induction training.

Their launch preparation included:

• Classroom and operational training

• Several weeks of practical experience in a UK service centre

• Ongoing access to systems, knowledge and network support

Sam credits this foundation as a major advantage when opening the doors.

A Business Where No Two Days Are the Same

For Sam, the satisfaction of running a Pack & Send service centre comes from solving real customer problems every day.

“There is no such thing as a typical day at PACK & SEND. We solve different problems for every customer.”

Work ranges from small consumer shipments to complex consignments worth thousands of pounds — and customers are paying not just for transport, but for expertise, judgement and careful handling.

Advice for Future Franchise Partners

Sam’s advice is simple: choose a franchise model with a clear USP, proven support, and a service you can genuinely enjoy running.

“Do your homework. Speak to the management team and existing owners. If you can’t see yourself enjoying the work, it isn’t for you.”

Looking Ahead in Northern Ireland

Sam’s focus remains on continuing to grow Pack & Send across Belfast and the wider Northern Ireland market, developing the brand locally while building a long-term business with his family.

“We help solve people’s problems — and that’s a great thing to do.”