WHEN their most valuable or precious possessions need transported from one side of the world to the other, people understandably get a bit nervous.

Which is exactly the reason Mika Logistics put so much effort into providing the most reliable service possible at their end of the process.

The Paisley-based family business has been dealing with air freight for the last 14 years, ensuring whatever is entrusted to them gets to its destination on time and in one piece.

“We deal with a really wide range of cargo,” explains general manager Forrest Cruickshank. “It can be anything from computer parts to whisky, someone’s entire life if they’re moving to another country, or their beloved dog or cat.

“One of the more unusual things I delivered was the HIV virus, which was being transported to researchers at the West of Scotland Science Park - that was quite a strange feeling.

“If someone is transporting something by air freight then it is very important to them, and they are willing to pay a lot of money to ensure it happens as smoothly and safely as possible – we never lose sight of that when we’re dealing with items.”

Cruickshank has been there since the beginning, when his long-term friends, husband and wife directors Mairi and Ian Anderson, set up the firm. The trio had worked in the airport and freight business for years, and knew their accumulated knowledge and experience meant they could provide a competitive service. Since then they’ve grown to become one of the most well-regarded names in the business.

“Trust is definitely an important part of running any business and it’s certainly something we take seriously,” says Cruickshank. “Because of the security issues around air travel and freight, all our drivers have to be vetted and specially trained.

“But they are also representing us, and even when the unforeseen happens, or customers are rude, they have to be professional and be able to think on their feet. They also need a sense of humour.”

The business now operates out of the Storage Vault facility in Paisley, just a stone’s throw from Glasgow Airport. According to director Mairi Anderson, the move there helped the company grow.

“The premises we rented before were much more expensive,” she explains. “But at Storage Vaults we got a modern office and great storage facilities at a fraction of the cost and that allows us to concentrate on growing and investing in the business.

“It’s also a really friendly place to work, with a really interesting and diverse range of businesses, from accountants to architects, that we can network with.”

Anderson says anyone looking to run their own business must prepare themselves for the inevitable ups and downs – not to mention the sleepless nights.

“We’ve had lots of unexpected things thrown at us over the years, including two serious floods where we lost all our vehicles,” she says. “And of course because the buck stops with you, it’s you that has to deal with the phonecalls from drivers in the middle of the night and at weekends when there’s a problem.

“Running your own business is a big responsibility, especially because it is not only your livelihood that's at stake, but that of all your employees.”

But she says there are upsides too – even when your business partner is your husband.

“I get to choose my own hours, which works well with my family,” adds Anderson. “And Ian and I work in different spheres of the business, meaning we have defined roles. We often talk about work at home – which is fine as long as he doesn’t moan too much!

“We work really hard, but I’d say it’s all worthwhile in the end. Running your own business gives you a real sense of satisfaction.”

Visit Storage Vault online at www.storagevault.com/offices/