A sustainable delivery service is to expand in the way of forming a new community interest company (CIC).

ELOV - sometimes stylised as eLOV - is a zero carbon package and delivery company based in Macclesfield.

They pick up orders for individuals and small businesses, and pedal around town on electric cargo bikes or other zero emission wheels.

The face of the four-year-old firm is firm is Russell Hope, who explained what the formation of a new ELOV CIC means for Macclesfield.

CIC's are a social enterprise that trades or acts for the benefit of the community. ELOV already does that as a business, but now wants to do that, and more, as a CIC. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"Ever since we started up, we were always doing things that were very community-based," said Russ.

"Things like foodbank deliveries, assisting in litter picks, helping move shopping trollies, stuff we don't get paid for but it is a good thing to do for the community. 

"Lots of people [and organisations] do voluntary stuff like that, not just ELOV. 

"But we have grown our business from people and planet, before profit. That is our whole ethos. It has got to the point now though, when I have applied for grants previously, where unfortunately as we are a limited business we get shut down immediately, before we can even talk about our mission. 

A launch event for the new CIC will be held soon. (Image - Macclesfield ELOV)

"But I do know of similar operations to us that are set up as CICs or charities that are suitable for them.

"So as part of our focus to become even more community-engaged, promote cycling, active travel and reducing the impact on the environment and the town centres we ride on, what we are keen to do in Macclesfield is separate ELOV Limited into two.

"ELOV Limited will continue as a commercial operation.

"But some of the things ELOV Limited will be doing, will now be activities for what we call ELOV Community CIC. 

ELOV will now be able to apply for grants to continue their missions to promote zero carbon emissions, offer active travel, and doing good in society. (Image - Macclesfield ELOV)

"We wanted to give a specific nod to ELOV, not to change the name of the CIC, but also to give it enough of a refresh to look like it is something slightly different to doing deliveries. 

"We love doing all the community things, and for us to be able to focus on them very well, it makes sense to separate them so there can be a team of people doing things to make that better. 

"We have created jobs for people, and recognised that as we are growing, we have realised we want to do a lot of the community-based stuff that is often voluntary activity. 

"For example, we can now apply for a community composting programme as a CIC. We tried when we were a limited company, but we didn't get it. "

ELOV believes more people using bikes instead of cars will put less pressure our town's infrastructure. (Image - ELOV Facebook)

"We want to offer more and more for the community, when it comes to active travel too. Instead of having a car at the front of their minds, they might think about cycling now. We gave away some free bikes recently, and have seen some of that change."

ELOV employ riders to deliver parcels across town. And has attracted celebrity attention.

So if you want someone to deliver a present, pick up your shopping, or any delivery-related enquiry you can think of, the innovative start-up reckons they will have you covered.

"Hopefully the CIC will help the commercial business to grow as well, but that is not why we are doing it," Russ also said.

ELOV recently opened up a 'bike hub' in The Picturedrome, which serves as a base for the town's riders, fans of two wheels, and more. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"Special thanks to Ian Ray, who has worked tirelessly here to make this [CIC formation] gets out of the blocks. 

"Macclesfield Town Council has been really supportive too.

"We will soon be posting about the roles for the board of trustees, with the skill profiles, to see if you would like to join us. 

"If you want to find out more send an email to [email protected].

Russ prepares to deliver an ELOV pizza, from The Picturedrome. (This photo is staged, Russ did not actually open someone else's pizza. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"We will host an evening to launch the CIC in the coming months. 

"Thank you to everyone for their support."

And it is not just the CIC to be cheerful about. As well as starting to do deliveries in Wilmslow and Manchester, their expansions are continuing to expand.

"There are loads of exciting things happening at ELOV," he detailed. 

ELOV even has a zero emission milk float, as part of its delivery fleet. A gleeful Russ is seen here driving it down Churchill Way. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"We still have lots of core delivery going on in Macc.

"Some of the growth areas over the years have been in Buxton, we deliver there once a week on a Thursday. Buxton is growing, we might have to expand there soon. 

"When we moved into The Picturedrome, we got chatting to Nick who owns The Picturedrome, he suggested about us exploring Altrincham Market as well, because there used to be a community bike hub there, but not anymore. 

"We have started doing deliveries in Altrincham already for a bakery, and we have been helping the Altrincham BID to encourage businesses to do more with cargo bikes. It would be nice to expand it in Alty over the next year or so, new jobs will be created there."

So whether you want your lunch delivering or need waste to be removed, ELOV could be for you. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield: You can book your ELOV delivery via their website.