JD.com acquires site close to Leicester

Date: December 27, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Jingdong Property, part of JD.com, Inc., has announced the acquisition of a logistics property outside Leicester. The portfolio includes two ‘big-box’ warehouses with an area of over 231,000 sq ft (~21,500 sqm) and an adjacent ‘oven-ready’ greenfield site that can be developed into modern industrial and logistics space of up to 678,000 sq ft (~63,000 sqm).

Jingdong Property’s entry into UK began in 2022 with the acquisition of a 361,000 sq ft (~33,500 sqm) warehouse in Milton Keynes. With this new acquisition, the total warehouse footprint in the UK of Jingdong Property will be expanded to nearly 3,930,000 sq ft (~365,000 sqm).

Strategically located in the UK’s logistics ‘Golden Triangle’ , close to Leicester the largest city in the East Midlands of England, the asset is well connected to the M1 and M69 motorways and offers access to a population of nearly one million within 20KM radius and 90% of UK population within 4 hours.

Kai–yan Lee, Regional CEO for Jingdong Property Europe and the Americas said:

“Our new UK investment strengthens Jingdong Property’s investment footprint in the market, and reflects our long-term commitment to supporting regional economic development and enhancing the local supply chain ecosystem as one of the most active industrial and logistics investment managers in the market. The assets will benefit from Jingdong Property’s strong expertise in developing, operating and managing industrial and logistics space, ensuring the delivery of best-in-class industrial warehousing infrastructure and services that support the evolving needs of both the existing and future occupiers.”

The newly acquired greenfield asset will be developed into a modern Grade-A logistics space, supporting occupiers seeking advanced, efficient, and well-located warehousing solutions. The existing warehouses have been developed to high ESG standards, featuring BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, EV charging infrastructure, cladding insulation with a BREEAM Green Guide ‘A+’ rating, and the flexibility to install rooftop solar PV systems.

The transaction was supported by Dentons, as legal advisors, BDO who provided tax and corporate finance advisory services and Colliers who acted as technical adviser.

Tritax London Logistics Fund and WFS sign agreement for new built-to-suit facility at LHR

Date: December 27, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Tritax London Logistics Fund (TLLF) has signed a 20-year lease on a new built-to-suit air cargo facility at London Heathrow with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), specialists in air cargo, passenger and ground handling, and part of the SATS Group.

The cross-docked 122,400 sq ft facility, which is subject to planning consent, will be built on a five-acre site within the Heathrow airport’s main cargo area. This will be the first air cargo facility delivered on the airport since 2006.

Expected to be fully operational during 2027, the development will target BREEAM “Excellent” and EPC A+ ratings.

After its fit-out by WFS, the new facility will have an annual handling capacity exceeding 160,000 tonnes of cargo – enabling WFS to meet the growth requirements of its existing customers and unlocking capacity to serve more airlines. It will also include 11,840 sq ft of HQ office space. WFS expects the air cargo facility to create up to 100 new jobs at Heathrow when it opens.

TLLF has a strong track record of delivering new developments in the Heathrow market, most recently the successful completion of dnata City East, 9 Blackthorne Road and RP6 on Radius Park.

Dominic Moore, Senior Asset Manager, Tritax London Logistics Fund, commented:

“TLLF has deep experience in delivering bespoke property solutions for clients in the valuable Heathrow market, and across West London. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with WFS on this new cargo terminal, which will support their growth and sustainability ambitions.”

Chris Beale, Managing Director UK at WFS, said:

“Heathrow is literally flying from a cargo perspective, so it is imperative that we can provide the physical infrastructure to process these growing volumes. This new lease is an important part of this strategy and reflects WFS’s long-term commitment to Heathrow and its airline and cargo customers.” 

Logistics UK welcomes new Head of Trade Policy

Date: December 31, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Business group Logistics UK continues to strengthen its policy team and support for its members on trade and customs issues with the appointment of James Mills as its new Head of Trade Policy.

Mills brings 20 years’ experience to the trade association, having worked at senior levels across national and regional organisations. He previously held senior leadership roles at Transport for the North and the Labour Party, leading strategic economic policy development and stakeholder engagement across major programmes with industry and government partners.   

As Head of Trade Policy, Mills will be focused on ensuring members are well placed to anticipate and manage change related to trade and border issues, and will also be engaging with ministers and senior officials to elevate logistics’ voice in government.

“In recent years we have seen rapid and often complex change for businesses moving goods across borders, making it essential that policy supports efficient trade and supply chain resilience,” said Mills. “I’m excited to be joining Logistics UK and working closely with members and key stakeholders across the sector to help ensure the industry’s voice is heard clearly in trade and border policy areas.”

Commenting on Mills’ appointment, Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director of Policy at Logistics UK said:

“James has extensive experience developing policy that has gone on to shape legislation, and in bringing together broad coalitions across industry and government to turn complex ideas into deliverable outcomes. We are delighted he is joining our team.” 

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.

OBEs for Chris Lewis and Andy Thorne

Date: December 31, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Chris Lewis, Deputy Chairman at Maritime Transport, has been awarded an OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours, in recognition of his services to the UK ports and logistics industry.

With more than 40 years’ experience across the UK ports sector, Chris has led three of the country’s largest container ports – the Port of Felixstowe, DP World Southampton, and DP World London Gateway – driving significant improvements in productivity, resilience, and long-term supply chain capability at some of the UK’s most critical trade gateways. He rejoined Maritime Transport in 2022, where his insight and leadership have continued to support the expansion of their national network.

Chris said:

“I am very honoured to receive this award, particularly for a career I have thoroughly enjoyed.

“I have been lucky to work with great people and teams during my career, I see this as recognition for the hard-working people in the ports and logistics industry who keep trade flowing for the country every day.”

Andy Thorne, founder and Chairman of Kestrel Liner Agencies has also been honoured with an OBE.

Andy’s accolade is for services to British Exports and to British Interests in the Caribbean, including philanthropic work there.

Andy said:

“To have done the job I love all my life, and to have been recognised for doing it, is something very special. Thank you to all those who put me forward for this incredible honour.”

Congratulations Chris & Andy from the Multimodal team!

Davies Turner expands Krone trailer fleet to meet
growing demand on UK-Ireland-Morocco trade lanes

Date: January 5, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Leading independent freight forwarding and logistics company, Davies Turner has further strengthened its commitment to the thriving UK, Ireland, and Morocco trade routes by expanding its fleet of Krone hanging garment mega trailers.

The latest investment brings the company’s fleet of trailers dedicated to its Moroccan services to 35 high-specification units, reflecting rising demand in the fashion, retail, and automotive sectors.

The new trailers — supplied by Krone — feature steel walls, roofs, and doors, offering superior protection against break-ins and stowaways. All trailers are also fitted with GPS satellite tracking and remote door monitoring systems, ensuring real-time visibility and security throughout the transport process.

Davies Turner has seen a significant revival in the UK-Morocco fashion trade, along with increasing volumes in automotive components, particularly related to electric vehicle production. The expanded fleet will support daily full load trailer services and groupage options running Thursday to Saturday for both imports and exports.

With a standard transit time of 4 to 5 days between Morocco and the UK/Ireland —reduced by 24 hours for express services and as little as 72 hours with speedy van transport — the services offer flexible solutions tailored to varying client needs.

Davies Turner’s long-standing presence in North Africa includes a joint cooperation with local business DTCO MAROC, and its own dedicated overseas delegate based in DTCO MAROC’s office in Tangier.

This presence enables the company to navigate complex customs procedures at Tangier Port and ensure smooth, efficient clearance through strong partnerships with clients’ customs brokers.

The company has also helped establish a specialist load management organisation in Morocco, overseeing garment, carton, and commodity handling across factories, ports, and free zones, as well as supervising deliveries within key cities such as Tangier, Rabat/Sale, and Casablanca.

In Ireland, the company’s services are vital to the aerospace industry, with round-trip and one-way transport of boxed and tilt trailers to and from Morocco. This just-in-time logistics model, also applied in the automotive sector, reflects Davies Turner’s agility in high-demand, time-sensitive sectors.

Davies Turner’s air cargo and sea freight divisions have also expanded, supporting Morocco’s evolving supply chain needs. With direct imports of raw materials into Morocco from the Far East, Europe, and Türkiye, and exports of finished goods to the USA and Western Europe, the company is helping clients shorten lead times and reduce costs.

With this strategic investment in its trailer fleet and continued focus on operational excellence, Davies Turner is well-positioned to meet growing demand for its services in the UK, Ireland, and Morocco trade — offering reliable, secure, and efficient logistics solutions across some of Europe and North Africa’s most important trade lanes.

Dachser expands into Northern Ireland

Date: January 6, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Dachser is expanding its footprint in Northern Ireland with the opening of a new location in Belfast. Nathan Gavin, a seasoned logistics manager has been appointed to lead the new branch.

With a strong presence across Great Britain and Ireland, Dachser’s expansion ensures that shippers in Northern Ireland gain direct access to the company’s market-leading European network. Customers will benefit from daily departures, fast transit times, and consistently high service levels across the UK, Irish, and European markets.

Effective January 1, Nathan Gavin will assume leadership of the Belfast branch. He brings a wealth of experience in logistics and transport, having previously served as Branch Manager for DB Schenker in Belfast.

Announcing the appointment, Mark Rollinson, Regional Managing Director UK & Ireland, commented:

“Opening an office in Belfast underlines Dachser’s commitment to growth. Our distribution and logistics services for exporters to Europe are well established across Great Britain and Ireland. With Nathan on board, we aim to strengthen our presence in Northern Ireland, an important economic region.”

Nathan Gavin expressed his enthusiasm for the new role:

“My focus will be on business development, people leadership, and operational excellence. Dachser is renowned for delivering seamless, high-quality service, and I look forward to leveraging our company-owned European network to support Northern Ireland’s growing export market.”

Expleo and RailX confirm strategic partnership

Date: January 6, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Expleo, the global engineering services provider, has confirmed a strategic partnership with RailX, the UK’s leading digital platform for freight logistics, that will position the companies as leaders in the digitalisation of Europe’s inland freight sector.

The partnership combines RailX’s digital freight platform with Expleo’s extensive experience in providing innovative engineering services for next-generation trains, signalling and rail operations.

The companies will work together to deliver connected in-land freight logistics solutions that will help to improve the efficiency of rail freight networks, reduce congestion at ports and support shipper and operator decision-making.

In addition to reducing costs and improving rail freight efficiency, the partnership creates opportunities for the sector to accelerate a reduction in CO₂ emissions, with the companies poised to play a key role in building a low-carbon inland freight network for Europe.

Rob Hirst, Technical Director – Rail, Expleo, said:

“Expleo is proud to partner with RailX and looks forward to working together to unlock the benefits of rail freight digitalisation for our clients in the UK rail sector. Our strategic partnership paves the way for a brighter future that not only supports industry CO₂ emissions targets but will also contribute to better cost management.”

RailX’s innovative platform offers digital booking, dynamic pricing, AI-driven planning and optimisation with live multi-modal tracking, exception management and seamless rail-to-road integration.

Paul Bathgate, CEO, RailX, said:

“Combining RailX’s market-tested freight logistics technology with Expleo’s scale, expertise and delivery capability has great potential to drive innovation in the sector. Together, we will transform how inland freight moves across Europe by boosting rail capacity, improving service reliability and making data-driven inland transport for shippers and operators a reality.”

DHL Supply Chain to operate Waitrose’s first South West distribution centre

Date: January 7, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by Waitrose to operate the retailer’s first South West regional distribution centre at Mountpark’s Bristol 360 development.

The 360,000 sq ft site is expected to open in early 2027 and will create over 550 new jobs, including 480 warehouse roles and more than 80 driver positions, with recruitment commencing in spring.

In addition to warehousing, DHL will manage transport operations, supporting deliveries to around 50 existing Waitrose shops, with the flexibility to serve additional stores as the retailer expands in the South West.

With the new site, DHL continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for sustainable retail logistics, combining innovation and environmental responsibility for retailers to grow efficiently and responsibly. Waitrose estimates that the South West site will enable it to reduce annual mileage within its supply chain by 2,225 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to taking over 1,500 vehicles off the road annually. 

Martin Willmor, CEO, DHL Supply Chain UKI said:

“We are excited to be working with Waitrose as they expand their regional presence while reducing supply chain emissions. The new Bristol site reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, whilst supporting the community.”

Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s Supply Chain Director, said:

“As we grow, it’s essential that our supply chain grows with us. This new site strengthens our network, ensuring consistent service for our customers and creating over 550 jobs in a state-of-the-art facility. DHL shares our commitment to sustainable logistics, making them the perfect partner for this next phase of our expansion.”

Mountpark’s Bristol 360 is one of the UK’s most sustainable logistics developments. Rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+, the facility features over 1,200 solar panels, energy-efficient systems, extensive natural light, landscaped gardens, and a roof terrace to enhance employee wellbeing.

DX acquires HBC Logistics

Date: January 7, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

DX has announced the acquisition of HBC Logistics, a logistics and same day services business based in Bedfordshire.

The acquisition comes just six months after the appointment of Ian Truesdale as CEO on 1 July 2025 by DX’s parent company, H.I.G. Capital, a leading global alternative investment firm with $70 billion of assets under management. It marks the first step in the company’s next phase of growth and reflects the leadership’s ambitions to scale and evolve DX.

Founded in 2017, HBC Logistics delivers rapid and scheduled logistics solutions, offering warehousing and fulfilment, palletised freight, same-day courier services and international shipping. It is headquartered at Stratton Business Park in Biggleswade, where it operates a 62,000 sq ft facility, and has additional support centres in Hertfordshire, Cambridge and London. Its footprint spans the South East, West Midlands and East Midlands, supported by a diverse fleet ranging from small vans to articulated HGVs. It is a Platinum-rated member of the United Pallet Network and Palletforce, and partners with a number of global carriers. In recent years, the business has also taken steps to strengthen its sustainability credentials, including partnering with Carbon Neutral Britain, the UK’s leading carbon-offsetting initiative.

Ian Truesdale, Chief Executive Officer of DX, commenting on the acquisition said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the team at HBC Logistics to DX. They bring valuable operational capability and sector experience as we continue to evolve the business, particularly across our DX Fulfilment and DX SameDay propositions.

“This acquisition marks the next phase in DX’s expansion and development. It reflects deliberate choices about where we invest and how we grow, both organically and through future acquisitions. DX turned 50 last year, and we are now moving forward with intent, investing in our services, developing our people and delivering greater value for our customers. Bringing HBC into the business is an early example of that direction in action.”

Will Wright, Chief Financial Officer of DX, added:

“This acquisition is an excellent fit and natural commercial progression for both DX and HBC. HBC has built a disciplined, high-quality operation that complements our services portfolio and will underpin efficient growth in key regions. This is exactly the kind of targeted, strategic investment we are committed to making as we scale the business.”

Ben Weldon, Director of HBC Logistics, said:

“DX is passionately committed to serving its customers’ needs and, culturally, we share the same values. This makes for a very good union. We have been impressed by DX’s growth trajectory and are excited by their ambitious plans for expansion. We look to the future with confidence.”

Dave Northfield, Director of HBC Logistics, added:

“This next step with DX brings many opportunities for our team, our customers and the future of the business. We’re proud of what we’ve built at HBC and joining DX means we can keep building, now with even greater scale and support behind us.”

Multimodal 2026: Registration opens for the UK’s premier supply chain event

Date: January 9, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Registration is now open for Multimodal 2026, the UK’s leading freight transport, logistics and supply chain management exhibition, which takes place from 30th June to 2nd July 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.

Following a record-breaking 2025 event that saw a 4% increase in visitor numbers, Multimodal 2026 is set to be bigger and better, offering unparalleled opportunities for industry professionals to connect, learn and conduct business across the entire supply chain ecosystem.

Three days of innovation and collaboration taking place across four theatres over three days, Multimodal 2026 will feature an extensive conference programme with dedicated slots from industry leaders including Logistics UK, BIFA, UKWA, RFG, CILT, CIoE&IT and RHA amongst others. The event will showcase the latest innovations, trends and solutions shaping the future of logistics and supply chain management.

“We’re thrilled to open registration for Multimodal 2026,” said Event Director Robert Jervis.

“Last year’s event demonstrated the vital role Multimodal plays in bringing the industry together. With registration now open, we encourage professionals to secure their place early and be part of one of the biggest events in the industry’s calendar.”

UK Logistics Week: A Powerful Collaboration Multimodal 2026 and UK Logistics Week have created an unprecedented convergence of the logistics supply chain across two leading Midland venues. In a landmark strategic partnership between 30th June and 2nd July 2026, the UK Logistics supply chain will unite like never before.

At the NEC, Multimodal, Warehouse+, Yard and eDX will co-locate in adjoining halls, whilst simultaneously The Road Transport Expo takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh. This powerful collaboration will connect the UK’s annual destination for logistics innovation, collaboration and opportunity across multiple touchpoints, fundamentally reshaping the UK logistics exhibition landscape.

Networking and Recognition Attendees will benefit from extensive networking opportunities throughout the three days, including:

• The popular Multimodal Mixer drinks reception, open to all attendees and taking place in the main hall

• The prestigious Multimodal Awards on the evening of 30th June, which recognise and celebrating outstanding industry-leading supply chain businesses and individuals

With seats for the Awards selling out last year, visitors are encouraged to secure their spot early for this highlight event of the supply chain calendar.

Register now: Registration for Multimodal 2026 is now open. To secure your place at the UK’s premier supply chain event, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/multimodal-2026

Trilogy Logistics acquires Circle Express

Date: January 9, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Trilogy Logistics has bought the business and assets of Circle Express out of administration saving all 158 jobs at the UK logistics firm and bringing it under new ownership.

Circle Express appointed Dean Watson and Paul Stanley of Begbies Traynor as Joint Administrators on 19 December.

The Administrators immediately sold the business and assets and as part of the transaction, all employees transferred over to the new owner. There was no disruption to business services allowing customers to be serviced and employees paid on time.

The Administrators were supported in the transaction by Browne Jacobsen and Eddisons.

Craig Mills, Managing Director at Trilogy Logistics Ltd, said:

“Getting this deal completed quickly and ensuring that employees were paid on time was very important to us. Circle Express has a good reputation in the industry and may have run into financial difficulties, but with some restructuring of its activities, it has the ability to be a successful business the future supporting continued employment.

“The business, and its talented employees, have the potential to thrive and we aim to help them do that as part of Trilogy Logistics. We are now looking forward to creating a bright future for the business and workforce in 2026.”

Dean Watson, Partner at Begbies Traynor, said:

“Circle Express was long established, but it fell into financial difficulties and had to be placed into administration. The directors of both Circle Express and its new owner made it clear they wanted to see the employees and their wages protected, therefore we needed to act quickly.

“Working under strict deadlines we were grateful to get this transaction completed before entering the Christmas period.”

Caddick gets green light

Date: January 9, 2026 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The Mayor of the East Midlands has backed a new development in Nottinghamshire which is set to create up to 4,000 jobs.

Property and construction specialist Caddick has been granted planning permission for EM.EX Worksop, which it describes as “one of the most significant recent industrial and logistics developments to come forward in the East Midlands”.

The 300-acre employment project, approved at the latest meeting of Bassetlaw District Council‘s planning committee, will deliver up to 4.5 million sq feet at ground level.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:

“The news of up to 4,000 extra jobs coming to Worksop is a welcome step forward for our region.

“Distribution hubs are a key driver of the East Midlands economy and this scheme will further strengthen our position as a leading logistics corridor.

“I look forward to watching this progress over the next couple of years as it supports my goal to make our region the best place to live, work and learn.”

Located east of Worksop on the Apleyhead junction of the A1, the site links to the M1 along the A57, so is ideally positioned to support strong connectivity to both national and regional distribution networks. Caddick said the scheme will contribute £175m in Gross Value Added (GVA) and £11.5m in business rates annually, once fully operational.

Phase 1 will see Caddick deliver enabling infrastructure for the scheme and a fully serviced and ready development plot. The decision includes detailed consent for a multi-level unit totalling about 2m sq feet for a known occupier.

It will mark the first significant step in bringing the scheme to life, with the initial phase alone expected to create hundreds of high-quality jobs in logistics, operations, and support services when it comes forward.

In addition to Phase 1, outline planning permission has been approved for the remaining phases of the EM.EX site. These future developments will accommodate an additional footprint of up to 4m sq feet of ground level industrial and logistics space and create up to 4,000 jobs across the full development.

The overall scheme has been designed as a modern, flexible business park, integrating multiple large-scale industrial and logistics units with sustainable travel infrastructure and excellent transport links.

Construction on Phase 1 is expected to begin in 2026, with staged development continuing over the years to come. The wider masterplan will bring forward a mix of unit sizes to suit a range of business needs, ensuring the site remains adaptable to evolving industrial trends.

Chris Procter, Director at Caddick, said:

“Following many years of close collaboration with the local authority, it’s fantastic news that we now have a detailed consent for EM.EX Worksop, accompanied by a market-facing outline.

“This decision gives us the opportunity to start looking ahead to future phases of development and to realise the long-term vision for EM.EX Worksop. Through our ongoing investment in the area, we’re unlocking significant employment opportunities through the creation of a next-generation logistics hub.

“The scheme’s in-built flexibility and excellent location make it attractive to a range of national and international businesses, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with Bassetlaw District Council and other key stakeholders to cement Bassetlaw’s standing as a key player in the UK’s industrial and logistics sector.”

Sally Gillborn, Chief Executive of North Notts BID, said:

“EM.EX Worksop is an exciting prospect for Bassetlaw, bringing increased investment to the district and the wider region from industrial and logistics businesses. By creating hundreds of high-quality jobs, it will strengthen Bassetlaw’s reputation as a strategic hub for industry, innovation and logistics, and deliver lasting economic benefits for local businesses and communities.”