Mileway agrees 170,000 sq ft lease with Rubies and Smiffys in Liverpool

Date: August 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Mileway has signed a ten-year lease agreement with Rubies, one of the largest designers, manufacturers and distributors of licensed dress up products in the world, and Smiffys, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fancy dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make-up, for 170,000 sq ft (c. 15,700 sqm) of high-quality warehouse and office space at Space 170 in Liverpool.

Under a Joint Venture agreement, Rubies and Smiffys will transition to the new facility in August 2025. The new space will mark a significant step in improving the company’s operational performance, fulfilment speed and customer service capabilities. This includes being able to optimise the warehouse layout and racking for faster, more efficient order fulfilment, increasing its inventory capacity and enhancing delivery accuracy. 

To support the company’s growing operational needs, the modern facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS) to support real-time inventory tracking, streamlined workflows and improved system reliability. Other features include racking capacity for up to 14,000 pallets, a 9-metre eaves height, 13 dock-level loading doors, three level-access doors, two large secure yard areas, a 500 kVA power supply, and a fully fitted two-storey office and amenities block. 

Strategically located near the M62 with access to the M57, M6 and Liverpool Ring Road, the property is well connected to the wider Northwest region, including the Port of Liverpool, the JLR factory and the New Mersey Crossing. It also benefits from proximity to key public transport links and local amenities, including the redeveloped Edge Lane Retail Park.

“We worked closely with Rubies and Smiffys to meet their specific and tight scheduling requirements, successfully ensuring disruption was kept to a minimum.  We look forward to building a long-term partnership as they enter this exciting phase of growth and operational transformation,” said Andrew Jones, Mileway Managing Director UK & Ireland.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey of enhanced operational excellence and improved customer service. This strategic move represents our dedication to serving our customers better, especially in time for the Halloween season. The modern facility and upgraded technology will allow us to fulfil orders more efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and increased stock availability,” said Fran Hales, Head of Portfolio and Marketing at Rubies.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and this move to our new Liverpool location will ensure an improved and optimised process for every order that leaves our distribution facility. This customised fulfilment centre has been developed with our product range in mind, allowing for an improved service and more efficient order fulfilment. We’re looking forward to heading into our busiest season better equipped than ever to support our customers and meet demands,” said Elliott Peckett, Sales Director at Smiffys.

B8 Real Estate served as agents on the deal.

DP World carbon inset credits rise fivefold

Date: August 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Credits offered by DP World to customers through its world-first Carbon Inset Programme trial will see a fivefold increase, helping businesses reduce their indirect (Scope 3) emissions.

Following the programme’s initial success, which has seen over 200,000 TEUs worth of registrations since January this year, every loaded container imported through DP World’s UK ports from 1 October 2025 will qualify for Carbon Inset Credits of 250kg CO2e, up from the 50kg CO2e of credits previously offered.

The additional carbon credits address the emissions associated with the entire port call of container ships when manoeuvring into London Gateway or Southampton over their ‘last nautical mile’, including the emissions of tug and pilot boats. The additional credits are enabled by the use of incrementally lower carbon fuels by both DP World’s subsidiary Unifeeder, across its Northern European shipping network, and Svitzer, under a world-first partnership that will see its tug boats in the UK transition to these fuels.

John Trenchard, Vice President for Sustainable International Supply Chains at DP World, said:

“The strong interest in our Carbon Inset Programme since its launch in January shows that our customers are looking for practical, tangible ways to decarbonise their supply chains. Expanding the programme allows more cargo owners to immediately benefit from emissions reductions within their logistics operations. At DP World, we’re making more sustainable trade flow through pioneering initiatives, such as using lower carbon fuels, smarter logistics, and seamless port operations, which together deliver sustainability and competitiveness side by side.”

Ekaterina Riegels Hjorth, Head of Decarbonisation at Svitzer, said:

“We’re proud to team up with DP World to expand the Carbon Inset Programme to the ‘last nautical mile’. This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when partners across the port ecosystem unite around a shared ambition to deliver real, scalable emissions reductions.”

Those importers who have already registered for the programme will automatically qualify for the increase in available carbon inset credits. For companies not yet registered, they can register at DP World Carbon Inset Programme Trial.

Separately – DP World has reported solid feedback from its Jolt trial.

The following is from MotorTransport

Joseph Joseph chooses XPO Logistics to deliver omnichannel fulfilment in the UK

Date: August 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Joseph Joseph, the design-led British brand known for innovative kitchenware and home organisation products, has selected XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions, as its long-term logistics partner. Under the partnership, XPO Logistics will manage omnichannel fulfilment, warehousing, pre-retailing, and distribution services from its strategically located facility in Rugby, Northamptonshire.

The partnership marks a new chapter in Joseph Joseph’s logistics strategy as the company scales its UK and international operations across direct-to-consumer (D2C), business-to-business (B2B), retail, and e-commerce channels. XPO Logistics’ high-volume, digitally enabled e-fulfilment hub in Rugby will provide flexible, scalable solutions tailored to Joseph Joseph’s growth ambitions and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Sacha Vaughan, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Joseph Joseph said:

“We’re delighted to be working with XPO Logistics as we evolve our global logistics strategy. The transition to XPO’s Rugby site has been seamless, and we’re now fully operational with a solution that gives us the flexibility and real-time visibility we need. Our shared commitment to being customer-centric means our customers have experienced no disruption, and that’s exactly what great logistics should deliver.”

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said:

“Joseph Joseph is a globally respected brand, built on innovation, quality, and customer focus. Our shared values make this partnership a natural fit. Together, we are creating a fulfilment platform that delivers a seamless, high-performance experience for customers across every channel. Leveraging the strength of our team and our agile systems, we have delivered a robust and scalable solution designed to support long-term growth.”

At the heart of the operation is XPO Logistics’ Rugby site — a modern, omnichannel warehouse that seamlessly integrates inbound, outbound, and value-added services. This ensures efficiency, agility, and consistency across every customer touchpoint.

With XPO Logistics as a trusted partner, Joseph Joseph can remain focused on what it does best: designing world-class products that enhance everyday life in homes across the globe. The partnership also reinforces XPO Logistics’ position as a leading contract logistics provider, delivering high-quality customer experiences, operational precision, and sustainable, technology-driven solutions.

Freightliner hosts Railway 200 Inspiration train and names locomotive ‘CILT’

Date: August 19, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Freightliner has hosted the Railway 200 Inspiration exhibition train helping to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. Held at Freightliner’s Doncaster Railport, the only freight facility on the schedule for the Inspiration train, thousands of visitors from across the UK were welcomed onto the Freightliner site over the two days. 

The Inspiration train is the only exhibition train on the UK rail network – is part of Railway 200, the cross-sector campaign to mark this year’s rail bicentenary. The train also included a ‘Your Railway Future’ carriage that highlights some of the lesser-known positions within the railway and the varied career opportunities available at Freightliner.

During the weekend, visitors also had the opportunity to view live lifting and loading of a Freightliner container train within the operational terminal, view one of the Freightliner 60th anniversary liveried locomotives up-close, and for visitors that attended on Saturday 16th August, a locomotive naming in honour of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT UK).

Locomotive 90039 was re-named in recognition of the fundamental role that the CILT UK plays in supporting the logistics and transport industry. The plaque was unveiled by Anna-Jane Hunter, CILT(UK) Chair of the Board, who said:

“Today is not only about the naming of a train but also the remarkable history this represents. CILT UK have been supporting rail freight for over 100 years, and we are proud to be part of the Railway 200 celebrations. Freightliner is one of the biggest names in rail freight so it’s a huge honour to have our name across one of their trains.”

David Turner, Intermodal Operations Director at Freightliner, said:

“I want to take a moment to celebrate and remember the important work CILT UK do for our sector. Reflecting the livery on the newly named locomotive, the CILT are a backbone for the sector and continue to fly the flag for all those across logistics and transport. It was a pleasure to host so many guests at Freightliner Doncaster Railport over the weekend and help to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway by hosting the Inspiration train which will help to inspire the next generation of transport and logistics professionals. Thank you to our visitors, partners and everyone involved in helping to make this event a huge success.”

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, said: 

“We were delighted to bring Britain’s newest visitor attraction to Doncaster, a city with a proud railway pedigree.  Our special exhibition train aims to excite, enlighten, entertain and inspire visitors to take a fresh look at the railway and consider a career in an industry that’s going places.  We’re very grateful to Freightliner and City of Doncaster Council for hosting the train and joining in the national bicentenary celebrations.”

This celebratory weekend also coincided with Freightliner’s 60th anniversary year. The first Freightliner service ran back in 1965 from London to Scotland, launching Freightliner as a contender in the intermodal haulage market. Since then, Freightliner’s service offering has expanded greatly covering heavy haul, terminal service, road haulage and even European operations. 

Optrak launches new platform to optimise EV, alternative fuel and diesel fleets

Date: August 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Optrak Distribution Software has launched a new cloud-based route optimisation platform to help road freight operators manage fleet decarbonisation while improving efficiency in existing operations.

Optrak, a UK provider of route planning and load optimisation solutions, has developed the system to combine EV consumption modelling, en-route charging and alternative fuel support with advanced load and route optimisation.

Operators can use the platform for daily mixed-fleet planning or strategic “what-if” analysis when assessing fleet transition options.

The new system models EV energy use by factoring in gradients, load mass, congestion, weather and auxiliary systems. En-route charging is included, with integration into emerging public and private charging networks such as ZEHID, enabling planners to schedule longer trips with arrival times, charging durations and estimated costs.

Optrak says the platform can also model alternative fuels such as HVO, CNG and biofuels alongside diesel and EVs. Operators can apply site- or map-based rules to prioritise low-carbon vehicles for specific areas or customers, while comparative CO₂ reporting supports both Scope 3 and internal emissions reporting.

“For operators running primarily diesel fleets, the platform delivers performance gains through advanced optimisation heuristics and integrated load optimisation,” says Tom Pigden, Commercial Director at Optrak.

“This includes full modelling of vehicle compartments, temperature zones, stacking and nesting rules, as well as automated sequencing of complex multi-drop deliveries – particularly relevant in food and drink distribution.”

The optimisation engine is built on a detailed real-world model, including time-dependent road speeds, site and vehicle restrictions, driver shifts, overnight rules and split time windows. A cost model aligns with operator pricing structures to identify the lowest cost to serve while meeting customer requirements.

AI-driven self-tuning ensures routing accuracy as operations evolve. The system selects the most effective optimisation methods for a given delivery model, continuously incorporating new research so operators of all sizes benefit from up-to-date solutions without disruption.

“The key to making EVs viable is maximising uptime and mileage while managing charging constraints,” adds Tom Pigden. “Our modelling allows planners to understand how vehicles perform in real-world conditions and plan routes that balance efficiency, cost and decarbonisation.”

FSEW launches GreenFlow

Date: August 20, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

FSEW – the innovative Wales-based haulier – has launched GreenFlow – a brand new product aimed at helping companies tackle the thorny issue of them reducing their Scope 3 emissions.

FSEW describes GreenFlow as “a premium, bespoke freight solution that empowers businesses to decarbonise their supply chains by moving freight globally by road, rail, sea and air, on an entirely net zero basis. By leveraging advanced technologies, renewable energy and data-driven strategies, GreenFlow enables businesses to achieve measurable sustainability milestones while ensuring reliable and efficient freight operations.”

The company point out that GreenFlow is not just a green alternative, it’s a strategic logistics solution that drives performance, compliance, and long-term value:

• GreenFlow delivers real carbon reductions by cutting Scope 3 freight emissions by up to 50%, helping businesses meet corporate net-zero goals
• It strengthens ESG positioning by enhancing value to customers, investors, and supply chain partners
• It reduces risk by shielding operations from rising diesel costs, carbon taxes, and tightening regulations
• It enables better planning by offering full visibility into route efficiency, emissions, and operational data
• It future-proofs logistics by aligning with current and emerging legislation on transport emissions across the UK and EU

Marks & Spencer announces £340m investment in advanced automated food distribution centre

Date: August 21, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Marks & Spencer has announced a landmark £340 million investment in its food supply chain – the largest in its history – as the company delivers against its strategy of reshaping for growth. This multi-year investment will fund the development of an automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire – a key unlock in the ambition to double the size of the M&S Food business.

Alex Freudmann, MD at M&S Food commented:

“We’re transforming M&S into a destination for the weekly shop and modernising our supply chain is central to that ambition.

“This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our cost to serve over the long-term, and improve product availability – ensuring customers find the right products in the right place at the right time.

“Our new site will strengthen our network and help us get ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business. By using the latest, proven automation, we are future-proofing both our business and UK retail logistics, as well as creating 1,000 jobs permanently on site and 2,000 during the construction phase.”

Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the new facility will feature advanced automation to significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve product availability on shelf and support the growing number of customers choosing M&S for their weekly shop. Based at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, a proven logistics location with strong transport links, the depot is expected to open in 2029. Today’s news follows an announcement earlier in the year to open a new 390k square foot distribution centre at Avonmouth in Bristol, serving stores in the Midlands, South-west England and South Wales.

M&S three main capital investment priorities remain supply chain, store rotation and renewal, and digital & technology. Earlier this year, M&S announced an acceleration of its store rotation and renewal programme this year, including twelve new food stores on former Homebase sites. The programme aims to create 420 bigger, fresher Food stores and a more productive group of 180 full line stores, with half the estate expected to be in renewal format by 2027/28. Phased over five years, this investment will support the acceleration of the rotation and renewal programme, creating the capacity needed in the supply chain to support these stores.

The construction phase of the new NDC will create over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 permanent roles once the site is fully operational, covering driving, logistics, management and more technical roles such as automation technicians.

The new depot will incorporate the latest proven automation, including:

• An automated pallet crane for handling long-life ambient products
• A high-speed shuttle system for sorting and storing stock
• A hands-free picking solution that loads items directly onto store-ready delivery cages
• These innovations will streamline operations across the supply chain and in stores, making restocking faster and easier for retail colleagues.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the new NDC is expected to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating – placing it in the top 1% of sustainable buildings globally and becoming M&S’ flagship Plan A warehouse. The site will feature:

• Responsibly sourced and recycled building materials
• EPC A+ rating with large scale rooftop solar panel array
• An advanced rainwater harvesting system
• EV vehicle charging and energy-saving technologies
• A vehicle maintenance unit

Prologis is the development partner and TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project.

Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said:

“This development goes beyond real estate – it’s a long-term infrastructure platform tailored to M&S’ future supply chain. Together, we’re combining automation sustainability and smart energy systems to deliver a site that supports growth, resilience and net zero ambitions.”

Craig Mitchell, Sales Project Manager TGW Limited at TGW, said:

“TGW is extremely proud to be partnering with M&S on this transformation journey. Our collaboration is built on mutual trust, shared ambition, and a commitment to delivering state of the art automation to support M&S’s long-term growth. Together, we are creating a logistics warehouse fit for future retail demands, one that sets a new benchmark for innovation and efficiency in the UK grocery sector.”

Panattoni announces two new East Midlands sites  

Date: August 21, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Panattoni has expanded its delivery pipeline with two major new logistics sites in the East Midlands, located West of Northampton and in Worksop.

The first site, located in Northamptonshire, comprises approximately 80 acres and has recently received hybrid planning consent at appeal. The development will deliver approximately 1 million sq ft across three units of 223,269 sq ft, 361,724 sq ft, and 412,073 sq ft.

The site is strategically positioned just five miles west of Junction 15A of the M1 at the A43/A5 interchange and offers unrivalled access to London, the Midlands and the South East. Construction is targeted to commence in H1 2026 with completion expected in H2 2028, subject to planning. The scheme has an estimated total investment cost of £152.9 million.

The second site, in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, is located just 1.25 miles from the A1 and 10 miles from Junction 31 of the M1, offering exceptional connectivity to both Yorkshire and the East Midlands. The 27-acre site, which benefits from an outline planning consent will see the development of a 462,000 sq ft unit, which is currently available for lease. The fully serviced site will have an estimated total investment cost of £50.7 million.

Worksop is a well-established logistics hub, supported by a strong local labour pool, competitive rental levels, and consistent occupier demand. The area is home to major operators, including DHL and B&Q, both of which run substantial logistics and distribution facilities nearby. Construction is scheduled to begin in H1 2026, with completion targeted for H1 2027.

Both sites will be delivered to Panattoni’s highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A ratings and net zero carbon in construction. The developments will incorporate a range of ESG features, including PV solar systems, EV charging, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting.

Andrew Preston, Head of Development: North Midlands & Yorkshire, commented:

“This new site in Worksop is a rare opportunity to deliver a large-scale, best-in-class logistics unit in an area of proven occupier demand. The site’s strategic location and existing infrastructure make it ideal for fast-track delivery, and we’re excited to bring forward a highly sustainable development that responds to both market needs and our ESG commitments.”

Gregg Titley, Head of Development: East & West Midlands, added:

“It’s great to expand our footprint again in Northampton, and it reinforces our long-term strategy of growing in key logistics corridors with chronic supply constraints. This is a truly prime site with exceptional transport links, and we are proud to be delivering a landmark scheme that will serve as a gateway logistics hub for the Midlands and beyond.”

Städtler Logistik and Opheo Solutions become Solvares Logistics

Date: August 21, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

The Solvares Group is taking the next step in its strategic development and strengthening its Logistics division: For its 5th anniversary, the Solvares Group is taking the next step in its strategic development. In August 2025, Städtler Logistik GmbH and Opheo Solutions GmbH merged to form Solvares Logistics GmbH. The group combines two leading providers of digital transport logistics and freight cost optimization into a single entity.

Städtler Logistik, a leader in transport management systems and freight management, brings decades of experience in strategic and tactical transport management. Opheo brings its award-winning, AI-supported route scheduling and optimization in road freight solution of the same name. Together, the new Solvares Logistics GmbH covers the entire spectrum of digital transport processes – integrated, intelligent and from a single source.

The merged company is headquartered in Hamburg, with offices in Nuremberg where it has been established for the past 60 years. Internationally, Solvares Logistics and the group is represented in Belgium, France, UK, Austria and the Netherlands.  Solvares Logistics has been present on the UK market for the last 12 months and the UK represents a key strategic growth area for the business.

Alexander Sollmann, Managing Director Solvares Logistics, said:

“Solvares Logistics brings together our expertise and our complementary products: strategic depth, operational excellence and innovative technology. Our customers benefit from an integrated range of solutions with concentrated logistics expertise. In Solvares Logistics, they have a strong partner who optimizes their transport processes holistically.”

The Solvares Group is also restructuring its FSM division: FLS GmbH and Mobilex GmbH have merged to form Solvares FSM GmbH. This will create two clear, high-performance units for the core sectors of Field Service Management (FSM) and Logistics within the Group.

Ivan Bagaric, CEO, Solvares Group, added:

“With the restructuring, we are creating clear units with a combined focus and therefore the best conditions for growth, innovation and customer focus. Our customers benefit from combined know-how and an even stronger focus on solutions. The new companies stand for what the Solvares Group is all about: intelligent resource optimization with the highest standards.”

Heidelberg Materials UK forms bulk cement JV with Turners

Date: August 22, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

Heidelberg Materials UK and Turners have entered into a 50/50 joint venture for bulk cement haulage, with the haulier distributing the producer’s bulk cement from autumn 2025. Heidelberg Materials UK will transfer its bulk cement distribution business and employees into the JV, which will have a board with representatives from both companies.

Heidelberg Materials UK CEO Simon Willis said:

“Heidelberg Materials is constantly looking into ways to optimise its operational model and deliver the best value for customers. As a result, we have decided to create a joint venture arrangement with Turners for the distribution of our bulk cement. Our aim is to enhance the distribution of our bulk cement and upgrade our fleet and operations. Partnering with Turners, which we already have a strong working relationship with, will enable us to be more efficient by leveraging its broad logistics experience, systems and network.”

The JV is expected to take effect no sooner than 26 October 2025. Heidelberg Materials UK operates more than 300 sites across aggregates, concrete, asphalt and contracting, cement and recycling, employing over 4,000 staff

ID Logistics UK launches Sherburn site in strategic partnership with major e-commerce leader

Date: August 26, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

ID Logistics has announced the official launch of its second site; located in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire. The new facility marks a significant milestone in the company’s UK expansion and will serve as a dedicated hub for a major global e-commerce player.

This strategic partnership reinforces ID Logistics’ commitment to delivering agile, scalable, and tech-driven logistics solutions tailored to the fast-paced demands of online retail. Following an extensive fit-out programme, the Sherburn site will open on schedule and play a critical role in supporting high-volume order fulfilment, seasonal peaks and next-day delivery capabilities across the UK.

Stuart Evans, Managing Director of ID Logistics UK, commented:

“We’re thrilled to open our second site in Sherburn and deepen our collaboration with one of the world’s most influential e-commerce brands. This launch reflects our continued investment in infrastructure, innovation, and customer-centric logistics that meet the evolving needs of the digital marketplace.  It’s a bold step forward in our mission to be the most responsive logistics partner in the UK.”

Key Highlights of the New Site:

• State-of-the-art facility spanning over 550,000 sq ft with advanced warehouse management systems
• Creation of over 300 new jobs in the local community
• Sustainable operations aligned with ID Logistics’ environmental commitments
• Strategic location offering seamless access to major transport routes and urban centres

The Sherburn expansion complements ID Logistics’ growing footprint in the UK and underscores its role as a trusted logistics partner for high-growth sectors including e-commerce, retail, and FMCG.

John McWilliams General Manager for the Sherburn site commented:

“Our client expects agility, reliability and speed – this new site delivers all three.  We’re proud and excited to be investing in the Sherburn area, not just in infrastructure but in people. This site will create hundreds of new jobs and offer long-term career opportunities in a thriving sector”

Harrison Solway celebrating 25 years in business

Date: August 26, 2025 By admin Categories: Uncategorized No comments

A Hull logistics provider formed from a £1 management buyout whose biggest customer resigned on its first day in business has celebrated its 25th anniversary in a remarkable success story. 

Harrison Solway Logistics, which is based on the Kingston International Business Park, opened its doors in July 2000 with just 10 vehicles, six trailers, 17 staff and storage for 2,000 pallets.

Things started in less than promising fashion, when Lee and business partner Paul Harrison took over one of Hull’s largest haulage and distribution companies which was posting annual losses of close to £500,000.

The duo and Lee’s wife Kerry – a self-employed accountant at the time – diligently presented a business plan to the bank, which promptly went out of the window on their first day of business when their biggest customer handed in their notice after promising their support of the new venture.

Despite a setback which may have discouraged many, the firm turned a profit of £676 in its first year – and the rest is history. 

Harrison Solway now boasts a fleet of 40 vehicles and 50 trailers, with an 80-strong team and storage for 12,000 pallets in its customs-bonded BRCGS facility.

It became a founder member of the Wolverhampton-based logistics network Pallet-Track in January 2004 and now generates up to 45 per cent of its turnover from pallet shipments, alongside its work as a specialist 3PL in the food, grocery, retail and construction sectors. 

Lee said:

“Both Paul and I were young lads from very working-class families who went to the bank with a business plan, devised with my wife Kerry, who was a self-employed accountant. 

“On day one of operations – July 3, 2000 – our biggest customer came over from the Netherlands via the ferry into Hull and asked if he could visit us. All our customers had said they’d support us and give us a chance, but he explained that he couldn’t take the risk, and that he had to put his business first which was understandable, so our business plan was immediately no more!

“Despite that setback, we did all the things you do when you start a business, like working 15-hour days, seven days a week. We just got our heads down and grafted. I was just a lad from East Hull who was brought up with a work ethic and I wanted to give it a go as I believed we could turn the loss-making business around.

“Fast forward to today, Paul exited the business in 2020, so Kerry and I are now co-owners, and our daughter Lauren has just completed her first year with the company aged 23. She’s part of our succession plan along with the rest of our amazing team, to ensure the foundations are in place for the next 25 years.”

Harrison Solway handles distribution for several household names and High Street brands, while Lee has recently been appointed to the Pallet-Track board of directors.

Speaking about Pallet-Track, Lee said:

“The network has been massive for us. We were an inaugural member on night one and we’ve been with them ever since. It’s the best pallet network out there. 

“I was honoured when Stuart (Godman, CEO) asked me to join the board, as both Pallet-Track and ourselves strive to deliver perfection.” 

This drive for perfection was reflected in Harrison Solway picking up the Shareholder Member of the Year Award from Pallet-Track in 2024, in recognition of hitting 100 per cent of its delivery KPIs and 99.99 per cent of its Electronic Data Capture (EDC) KPIs. 

Going one better in 2025, the business achieved the same 100 per cent delivery KPI, while finding the final 0.01 per cent to achieve 100 per cent EDC. 

“Considering all the restrictions there are around delivering a pallet, from a fixed booking time to challenges around congestion, we still managed to pull it out of the bag, which is testament to the committed and dedicated team we have here,” added Lee. 

Looking ahead, Lee said the business is on a firm footing for the future. It has grown significantly by offering a one-stop shop to its customers, with services ranging from a quarter pallet to full trailer loads, warehousing, co-packing, and repacking. 

He said:

“I’ve always taken calculated risks in business and because of that we have always grown organically, little, and often. 

“It’s what we do – we get on with it, we come to work every day and work hard to ensure we provide our clients with unsurpassed service levels, with a smile.

“We also make sure we move with the times. For example, accreditations such as FORS Gold and BRCGS are really important to our customers, so we set out to achieve them all at the highest possible level. Our motto is if you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all! The future is looking great.” 

Pallet-Track CEO, Stuart Godman said:

“Harrison Solway is a true success story, both as a business which overcame many challenges in its early existence, and as a highly valued, trusted shareholder member of our pallet network. 

“Lee and his team are an absolute credit to themselves – the results they achieve and the reputation they have garnered speak volumes. 

“We sadly see a lot of stories about hauliers struggling or going out of business, so it’s fantastic to shout about such a remarkable success story. We are so immensely proud that they are part of the Pallet-Track family and here’s to the next 25 years for Harrison Solway!”