£11m PE investment for fast-growing fulfilment firm

A Queen’s Award-winning fulfilment business has snagged an £11 million funding boost from PE-investor LDC to further enhance its software-enabled e-fulfilment platform, Controlport.

James and James Fulfilment provides fulfilment services for e-retailers, storing products, packing and shipping orders and handling returns.

The Northampton-based company, which has grown its revenue by 50 per cent per annum to £17.4 million over the last three years, supports clients from its operating bases in the UK, USA and New Zealand.

LDC’s investment will enable the firm to invest in a new larger UK fulfilment centre, further enhance its technology proposition and expand its client service and commercial functions.

James Hyde, co-founder of James and James Fulfilment, said: “James and I created the business to challenge the industry and create technology-led solutions which are fit for today’s rapidly-evolving online retail market. The logistics industry has generally been behind in its adoption of technology, but the demand for more modern systems is greater than ever.

“Over the last few years, we’ve been on a strong growth trajectory and are investing more than ever in our in-house fulfilment platform. With LDC’s experience in the tech space and confidence in our business plan, they will be a great partner to help us deliver even more value to even more brands and retailers.”

James and James Fulfilment was advised by HMT, while LDC was advised by Grant Thornton, PMSI, Crowe, Silxo and Osborne Clarke.