Nordic delivery management software company Consignor, has opened an office in London, citing the growth of the UK ecommerce sector as a reason for the move. Last year the company, which was previously known as EDI-Soft, expanded into China.
Retailers are constantly under pressure to balance fulfilment capability with shoppers’ demand, as evidenced in the InternetRetailing UK Top500 (IRUK Top500) which was published early this month. The IRUK Top500’s operations & logistics dimension explored the growth of delivery and collection services in the UK retail sector, and demonstrated the way in which consumer expectations are driving innovation.
Steffen Pasgaard & Gary Carlile, Consignor (pictured left to right)
That need to innovate, develop new services, and streamline existing ones in order to keep the delivery promise makes the UK an attractive market, Consignor vice president Steffan Pasgaard said. “We see great potential in improving freight and delivery in the UK, as it is a country where the ecommerce industry is growing fast. Both e-tailers and other businesses with shipping needs will achieve huge economic benefits in being effectively connected with the carriers, since delivery is a crucial part of the supply chain.”
The company claims to have the largest carrier library of any business in its sector, which would make it possible for retailers to have a wider choice of carrier, and therefore delivery services, from one supplier system.
Consignor’s UK managing director is Gary Carlile, who was formerly head of business development & carrier strategic relationships at supply chain systems provider, Digital Applications International.
Another Nordic delivery business making in-roads in the UK, is Nimber, which describes itself as a social delivery service. Nimber allows consumers to arrange for parcels, packages and even large items to be picked up and delivered by members of the public who happen to be passing their way, although it clearly has the scope to become something lifestyle couriers get involved in.
Very much part of the sharing economy ethos, Nimber hopes to tap into journeys people are already making as a way of tackling the last mile in a more eco-friendly manner. For example, commuters passing a collection point could take a parcel to an address on their way to work. Nimber is understood to have been involved in trials with at least one major UK click-and-collect destination provider.
