Global software firm picks Stockport for UK headquarters

Sydney-based shipping software provider SmartFreight has opened its first UK office, choosing Stockport as its base for operations throughout the UK and Ireland.

SmartFreight provides innovative software solutions to around 3,000 companies around the world, helping cut their distribution costs and improving their supply chain operations.

The company has initially taken 300 sq ft of office space at Cheadle Place and said this is likely to increase.

It is already recruiting staff to build up its team, where seven immediate roles are available in administration, IT and technical support, as well as national and regional sales and marketing.

Jeff Francis, national partnership manager, SmartFreight, is heading up the expansion.

He said: “We’re very excited to be opening our first UK office in Stockport, which will act as our European headquarters as we expand to meet growing customer demand. Stockport is my home and I am delighted to be able to help bring a globally respected and leading software brand to the UK.

“Few people working outside of the supply chain sector will have heard of us and that’s very exciting as we start to get our story out there. SmartFreight is the leading provider of its kind in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland and has now firmly set its sights on the UK market. To make that ambition a reality, we are investing heavily into growing our presence here and it’s just the start of the journey.”

Ben Woodward, global channel manager, SmartFreight, added: “The UK represents a fantastic opportunity to build on our great success in Ireland with almost 400 sites using SmartFreight today. “We are focused on building the SmartFreight brand in the UK and are looking to invest a significant amount in a strategy to win more consistently in the market place on the back of a strong brand.”

SmartFreight is part of the IFS Group.