Logistics company has big plans for Stockport office

Logistics firm SmartFreight is expanding its Stockport office following a takeover by fellow Australian group WiseTech Global.

Sydney-based SmartFreight opened its first UK office at Cheadle Point, Stockport, in the Summer and has been rapidly growing to meet customer demand.

It is already a key provider of parcel and small-consignment freight shipping software solutions in Australia, and currently works with some 3,500 companies around the world, including more than 300 in Ireland.

It set its sights on the UK market, where the continuing online retail boom has created a huge demand for cutting-edge shipping software platforms.

Last month SmartFreight was acquired by logistics software specialist WiseTech Global and joined UK brand DataFreight in becoming part of a worldwide group.

It has since made significant investment in expanding its UK team, along with tripling its office space.

In the past month it has welcomed more than 10 people to its team, including five new regional partnership managers, with plans to grow to 27 people before the end of the year.

Jeff Francis, national partnership manager, SmartFreight, said: “It’s an unbelievably exciting time for us as we work to implement and accelerate our local growth strategy, supported by our parent group, WiseTech Global.

“I would like to warmly welcome all our new starters and I am looking forward to working with each of them to grow our UK business.

“The online retail sector in the UK continues to develop and grow at a rapid pace.

“The importance of e-commerce and multi-channel retailing has led to an evolution in warehousing and transport processes that, in turn, have driven software developers to act.

“Small consignments and parcel delivery, in particular, are at the forefront of that evolution and it is an exciting sector to be working in.”

He said Stockport, as a base of operations, is critical to that ongoing success.

“The energy and commitment of the new team has been crucial and we have been able to recruit an amazing group of people.

“Stockport is perfectly situated for us to easily reach out to our customers and the Stockport area is thriving.

“Despite any concerns over Brexit, for us and our global partners, it is absolutely business as usual and we are growing all the time,” he added.

Ben Woodward, global channel manager, SmartFreight, said: “We now have more than 16,000 people using the platform each day, moving more than 58 million items each year.

“SmartFreight works with more than 650 transport providers, moving into 195 countries around the world, with cargo valued at more than £343m.”

He added: “Regardless of whether the outcome of Brexit is a hard or soft border, SmartFreight is uniquely placed to facilitate trade and deliver cross-border compliance.

“WiseTech Global has deep customs management experience in the UK and Ireland and logistics providers trust WiseTech’s solutions to help them navigate through ever-changing regulatory environments and customs regimes.

“And, when all is said and done, consumers still need to buy goods and have them shipped in the most efficient way possible.”