If you’re wondering what was Evri called before, the direct answer is simple: Evri was previously known as Hermes UK before rebranding in March 2022.

The company changed its name as part of a wider transformation aimed at improving customer perception, reflecting its growth, and highlighting its commitment to delivering a better customer experience.

While the name changed, the business itself continued operating as one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies.

Understanding the history behind the rebrand helps explain how the company evolved from a mail order delivery service into the major logistics network known as Evri today.

Key Takeaways:

• Evri was called Hermes UK until March 2022.
• The rebrand was introduced to reflect a new direction for the business.
• The name Evri stands for “every parcel, every person, every place, every delivery made for you.”
• The company’s origins date back to Grattan Mail Order in 1974.
• Parcelnet became Hermes Parcelnet Ltd in 2008 before rebranding as Evri.
• The business expanded through ParcelShops, international delivery services, and ecommerce growth.
• Today, Evri delivers over 700 million parcels annually and serves more than 220 international destinations.

Why Did Hermes Change Its Name to Evri?

The question of why Hermes changed its name to Evri is one of the most frequently asked questions about the company.

While many people assume the change was simply a marketing decision, the rebrand was actually part of a broader business transformation designed to modernise the company and strengthen its position within the UK parcel delivery sector.

By the time the company announced the rebrand in March 2022, Hermes had already become one of the largest parcel delivery providers in the UK.

The rapid growth of ecommerce, increasing parcel volumes, and changing customer expectations created new opportunities and challenges for the business.

One of the key reasons behind the rebrand was the company’s desire to reflect a renewed commitment to customer experience. Over the years, Hermes had received criticism relating to delivery performance and customer service.

Although the business continued to grow, company leaders recognised the importance of demonstrating positive change to customers, retailers, and industry stakeholders.

Customer Service Challenges and Reputation Issues

The parcel delivery industry is highly competitive, and customer satisfaction plays a significant role in building trust.

As online shopping became more popular, courier companies faced increasing pressure to deliver parcels quickly, accurately, and consistently.

Hermes handled millions of deliveries every year, but growing parcel volumes also brought operational challenges.

The company understood that improving public perception required more than operational improvements alone. A new identity could help communicate the progress being made across the organisation.

A UK logistics consultant who has worked with ecommerce delivery networks explained:

“In my experience, businesses rarely undertake major rebrands without a strategic purpose. The transition from Hermes to Evri was an opportunity to signal that the company wanted customers to associate the brand with improvement, reliability, and future growth.”

The rebrand therefore became a visible representation of wider investments taking place behind the scenes.

The Need for a Fresh Brand Identity

As consumer expectations evolved, many companies across different industries refreshed their branding to remain relevant. Hermes was no exception.

The company wanted a name that reflected its broader mission and future ambitions. The Evri brand was designed to communicate inclusivity, accessibility, and a customer-first approach.

The change also aligned with significant investments in:

Area of Investment	Purpose
Technology	Improve tracking and delivery management
Infrastructure	Expand hubs and operational capacity
Customer Service	Enhance communication and support
Sustainability	Reduce environmental impact
Delivery Network	Increase flexibility and efficiency

These developments were intended to support long-term growth while improving customer experiences.

What Does the Name “Evri” Mean?

The name Evri is derived from the phrase:

“Every parcel, every person, every place, every delivery made for you.”

The company selected this name to reflect its goal of serving customers across multiple delivery channels while maintaining a focus on convenience and accessibility.

Unlike the previous brand name, which was connected to the German Hermes group, Evri was designed specifically around the company’s UK identity and customer experience ambitions.

The new name also helped distinguish the company from its historical reputation while maintaining continuity with its existing services and operations.

When Did Hermes Officially Become Evri?

Hermes officially became Evri in March 2022.

The announcement marked one of the most significant moments in the company’s modern history. Although many customers were familiar with the Hermes brand, the business believed a new identity would better represent its future direction.

The rebranding process involved much more than changing a company logo. It included updates to vehicle branding, customer communications, marketing materials, digital platforms, and corporate messaging.

Key Changes Introduced During the Rebrand

The transition involved several visible and operational changes.

Area	Change Introduced
Brand Name	Hermes became Evri
Visual Identity	New logo and brand colours
Customer Messaging	Greater emphasis on service improvements
Company Values	Refreshed corporate values
Strategic Direction	Focus on growth and customer experience

The company positioned the rebrand as part of an ongoing transformation programme designed to improve service standards and strengthen customer relationships.

At the same time, Evri continued investing in infrastructure and technology to support increasing parcel volumes.

Public and Industry Reactions

Public reactions to the rebrand were mixed initially. Some customers viewed the change positively, while others questioned whether a name change alone would improve service quality.

Industry observers noted that rebrands are often most effective when accompanied by measurable operational improvements.

A branding specialist with experience in business transformation projects commented:

“From my perspective, customers judge a courier by the experience they receive rather than the name on the vehicle. A successful rebrand only works when improvements in service support the new identity.”

Since the launch of Evri, the company has continued focusing on operational enhancements aimed at supporting its revised brand positioning.

How Has the Company Evolved Over the Years?

The history of Evri extends far beyond its 2022 rebrand. The organisation’s roots stretch back nearly five decades and reflect the changing nature of retail, logistics, and consumer behaviour in the UK.

From Grattan Mail Order to Parcelnet

The company’s story began in 1974 when Grattan Mail Order established a home delivery operation in Bradford, Yorkshire.

At the time, catalogue shopping represented one of the most popular ways for consumers to purchase products without visiting physical shops. Efficient home delivery services quickly became essential to supporting this business model.

Over the following years, delivery operations expanded as catalogue retailing continued to grow.

In 1988, Next Directory was launched, helping accelerate demand for reliable parcel distribution networks across the country.

As home shopping gained popularity, delivery infrastructure became increasingly important.

The merger between Grattan and Freeman’s Catalogue Company delivery operations in 1999 led to the creation of Parcelnet.

The formation of Parcelnet represented a major milestone because it combined resources, expertise, and operational capabilities into a single logistics network.

The Creation of Hermes Parcelnet Ltd

By the early 2000s, online shopping was beginning to transform retail.

Consumers became more comfortable purchasing products online, while retailers increasingly invested in ecommerce platforms.

Recognising these changes, Parcelnet sought opportunities to strengthen its market position.

In 2008, Parcelnet rebranded as Hermes Parcelnet Ltd to align more closely with its German sister company.

The transition provided access to greater international recognition and supported expansion plans within the growing ecommerce sector.

The Launch of ParcelShops and Expanded Services

One of the company’s most innovative developments came in 2010 with the introduction of ParcelShops.

ParcelShops provided customers with convenient locations to send, collect, and return parcels.

This innovation addressed growing consumer demand for flexible delivery options.

The concept proved highly successful and contributed significantly to the company’s growth.

Service Innovation	Impact
ParcelShops	Greater convenience for customers
Parcel Returns	Easier returns process
Local Collection Points	Increased accessibility
Extended Opening Hours	Improved flexibility

The ParcelShop network continued expanding across the UK and remains an important part of Evri’s service offering today.

Growth During the E-commerce Boom

The growth of ecommerce fundamentally changed the parcel delivery industry.

Retailers increasingly relied on courier services to fulfil customer orders quickly and efficiently.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend dramatically.

As lockdown restrictions encouraged more people to shop online, parcel volumes increased substantially across the industry.

Hermes experienced significant growth during this period and invested heavily in:

• Automation technologies
• Delivery infrastructure
• Sustainable transport solutions
• Network expansion

These investments helped the company manage rising demand while preparing for future growth.

What Is the Complete Timeline of Evri’s History?

The evolution of Evri reflects decades of adaptation and innovation.

Early Development and Foundation

Year	Milestone
1974	Grattan Mail Order launches delivery operation
1988	Next Directory introduced
1999	Parcelnet formed through merger

During this period, catalogue retailing drove demand for home delivery services, laying the foundation for future growth.

Expansion and Transformation

Year	Milestone
2004	Online parcel tracking launched
2008	Parcelnet becomes Hermes Parcelnet Ltd
2010	First ParcelShop introduced
2014	Seven-day delivery service launched
2014	International division established

These developments positioned the company to benefit from growing ecommerce activity.

Modern Growth and Rebranding

Year	Milestone
2018	New brand campaign introduced
2020	Transformation programme launched
2021	ESG strategy announced
2022	Hermes rebrands as Evri
2022	Barnsley Superhub opens
2023	Over 700 million parcels delivered annually

Each stage contributed to the company’s evolution from a catalogue delivery operation into a leading parcel carrier.

How Did the Rebrand Affect Evri’s Business and Services?

The transition from Hermes to Evri coincided with substantial investments throughout the business.

The company sought to ensure that the rebrand was supported by practical improvements rather than cosmetic changes alone.

Operational Improvements

Several operational areas received increased investment following the rebrand.

Operational Area	Focus
Sorting Facilities	Increased capacity
Delivery Technology	Improved efficiency
Courier Network	Expanded coverage
Customer Communication	Enhanced updates
Parcel Tracking	Greater visibility

These improvements aimed to strengthen service reliability while supporting continued growth.

Expansion of Delivery Infrastructure

Evri has continued expanding its infrastructure to meet growing demand.

The opening of the Barnsley Superhub represented a major investment in operational capability.

Modern sorting facilities allow the company to process larger parcel volumes while improving efficiency across the network.

The company has also expanded its locker and ParcelShop network, providing customers with more collection and drop-off options.

Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental sustainability has become increasingly important within the logistics sector.

Evri has introduced several initiatives designed to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance.

Examples include:

• Greater use of alternative fuel vehicles.
• Expansion of electric vehicle fleets.
• Investment in energy-efficient facilities.
• Support for responsible delivery practices.

These measures align with broader industry efforts to reduce environmental impact.

What Are Evri’s Vision, Mission and Core Values Today?

The company’s rebrand was accompanied by a refreshed corporate vision and mission.

These statements help define how the organisation approaches customer service, sustainability, and growth.

Vision: Creating Responsible Delivery Experiences

Evri’s vision is:

“To lead the way in creating responsible delivery experiences for everyone, everywhere.”

This vision reflects the company’s ambition to balance commercial success with social and environmental responsibility.

The emphasis on responsibility extends across customer service, employee wellbeing, and environmental initiatives.

Mission: Convenient Parcel Services Without Costing the Earth

The company’s mission highlights convenience and sustainability.

The goal is to provide customers with simple ways to send, receive, and return parcels while minimising environmental impact wherever possible.

Core Values That Drive Evri

The company operates according to four primary values.

Core Value	Description
Do the Right Thing	Support people, communities, and the environment
Be Dynamic	Encourage innovation and adaptability
Celebrate Cost Leadership	Invest responsibly while managing costs
Deliver for Customers	Prioritise customer satisfaction

These values influence decision-making throughout the organisation.

How Large Is Evri Today?

Evri has developed into one of the UK’s largest dedicated parcel delivery companies.

The scale of its operations reflects decades of investment and expansion.

Current operations include:

Area	Scale
Couriers	20,000+
ParcelShops and Lockers	10,000+
International Destinations	220+
Annual Parcel Volume	700+ Million

The company’s extensive network supports deliveries for major retailers, small businesses, and individual consumers.

Partnerships with online marketplaces such as Etsy and Vinted have further strengthened its position within the ecommerce ecosystem.

The continued growth of online retail suggests that parcel delivery services will remain a critical component of modern commerce.

Is Evri Different from Hermes or Just a New Name?

Many consumers continue to ask whether Evri is genuinely different from Hermes or simply operating under a new name.

The answer lies somewhere between the two perspectives.

From an organisational standpoint, Evri remains the continuation of Hermes UK. The same core business, delivery network, infrastructure, and operational foundations remained in place following the rebrand.

However, the company intended the transition to represent broader cultural and operational changes.

A business transformation adviser explained:

“In my experience, the most effective rebrands are supported by visible improvements that customers can recognise. Changing a name may attract attention initially, but long-term success depends on whether the customer experience improves alongside the new brand identity.”

The company has since continued investing in technology, infrastructure, customer service improvements, and sustainability initiatives.

For many customers, Evri is still closely associated with Hermes because of the company’s long history under its former name.

At the same time, the Evri brand represents the organisation’s attempt to position itself for future growth while responding to changing customer expectations and market conditions.

Whether customers view Evri as a completely new business or an evolution of Hermes often depends on their personal experiences with the company’s services.

What is clear, however, is that the rebrand marked one of the most significant turning points in the organisation’s nearly 50-year history.

Conclusion: What Was Evri Called Before and Why Does It Matter?

For anyone wondering what was Evri called before, the answer is straightforward: Evri was previously known as Hermes UK until March 2022.

The rebrand represented a significant step in the company’s evolution, reflecting its desire to modernise its image, improve customer perception, and support future growth.

Although the organisation’s roots stretch back to Grattan Mail Order in 1974, the transition from Hermes to Evri has become one of the most notable milestones in its history.

Today, Evri continues to operate one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery networks, serving millions of customers and partnering with major retailers both domestically and internationally.

While the name may have changed, the company’s focus remains on delivering parcels efficiently while adapting to the evolving demands of the logistics industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Evri still owned by the same company that owned Hermes?

Yes. The rebrand from Hermes to Evri did not involve creating a completely new company. It remained the same underlying business, although it introduced a new brand identity and organisational focus.

Did the Hermes rebrand to Evri change parcel tracking services?

Customers continued to access parcel tracking services after the rebrand. Evri has since invested further in technology and customer communication tools.

Why was Hermes criticised before becoming Evri?

Hermes faced criticism primarily related to customer service issues and delivery experiences. The company introduced the Evri brand partly to signal improvements and a renewed customer focus.

Does Evri deliver internationally?

Yes. Evri provides international delivery services to more than 220 destinations worldwide through its expanding logistics network.

How many parcels does Evri deliver each year?

Evri delivers over 700 million parcels annually, making it one of the largest dedicated parcel delivery companies in the UK.

What does the name Evri stand for?

Evri represents the phrase “every parcel, every person, every place, every delivery made for you,” reflecting the company’s customer-focused approach.

When was Hermes first established in the UK?

The Hermes brand was introduced in the UK in 2008 when Parcelnet rebranded as Hermes Parcelnet Ltd. However, the company’s history dates back to Grattan Mail Order in 1974.