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Multimodal 2017 Daily Issue 1 - Freight Business Journal


Röhlig partnership gives retailers a shot in the arm


AIS, the UK’s largest non-food buying group has appointed Röhlig (stand 6080) as sole import logistics supplier. AIS has almost 350


independent retailer members who operate around 1,300 stores and have a total overall turnover of over £2bn. They range from small, individual high street shops to flagship department stores and large specialist furniture and home retailers. AIS services around £500m of their product purchases at cost and increases their profitability through


its buying power


and by guaranteeing supplier payments as well as sourcing higher margin exclusive an d own brand product ranges for members to stock. It has over


(Leſt to right) Gary Pryke, MD of Röhlig Logistics UK, Laetitia Kotsiopoulos, head of supply chain and IT at AIS and Robert Lawry, regional sales manager at Röhlig Logistics UK.


1,000 suppliers in furniture,


floor covering, homewares and fashion merchandise. Much


directly sourced stock is shipped from China and Vietnam and other Far East countries by sea


Making Brexit work


Brexit is the subject of so many of our conversations now, professionally and otherwise, writes Peter MacSwiney, chairman


of IT specialists,


Agency Sector Management (ASM). Terms such as customs union,


European Economic Area and the Single Market are bandied about at will. But those affected by the Brexit negotiations need to know exactly what these terms mean, and Multimodal 2017 is the perfect opportunity to share insight and make sure everyone is up to speed. It’s also of great importance


to understand exactly what Article 50 is - what are the consequences of


invoking it,


and what is the impact of, and thinking behind, the Great Repeal Bill? The UK will not remain


part of the Single Market or the Customs Union but we are beginning to see a vision emerging, as a result of detailed discussions between the trade and HMRC, of how Customs procedures, freight forwarding activities, and port processes to and from the UK might be adapted to cope with the new environment. I am co-chair of the JCCC Sub


Brexit Group which


includes JCCC members, representatives


from a wide


range of trade organisations, subject matter


experts, and


representatives from other Government


Departments.


The group gives HMRC the opportunity to consider representations from many member organisations on a face-to-face basis to exchange views on, and discuss proposed changes to, Customs procedures and documentation relating to the entry and clearance of goods. The main objective of the group is to identify areas of


UK business affected by Brexit and to get an understanding of their concerns. Numerous organisations have produced position papers and I am pleased to be able to share these points of view with the industry


leaders gathered at


Multimodal 2017. Consultation is vital and I am


looking forward to answering all your questions, especially exploring opinion on the type of tariff arrangements you would like to see. Do join me for a productive


discussion on the issue that affects us all.


freight, hence the importance of the partnership with Röhlig Logistics.


AIS head of supply chain


and IT, Laetitia Kotsiopoulos, explains that the selection process for a new freight supplier started with a review last year due to the increasing volatility of the market. “Röhlig stood out for us because they took the time to understand our business – neither a wholesaler nor a retailer - and the unique needs of our members. The sales pitch wasn’t aggressive; they let us look at their rates at our own pace. We liked the concept of having a close relationship with them, not just that of supplier and customer. Their attitude was all about developing a partnership.” Kotsiopoulos continues: “As


we’ve started working with them we are appreciating how flexible they are and well equipped to deal with last minute requests from our members. We’ve had great feedback from members from the first two months of working together and we have a great


///NEWS


opportunity to open up a new ‘Freight Club’ so our members can benefit from value added solutions for all their own freight forwarding needs.” Regional sales manager at


Röhlig, Robert Lawry, adds: “Currently the markets are in turmoil, which is making logistics a very challenging and painful place for many businesses. Unlike many other logistics companies, the approach here at Röhlig is to take time to understand the culture, the ethos and the specific business and market challenges customers are facing. We can’t make false promises but we work together to find solutions that work equally well for both parties in the partnership. Our aim is to provide long-term, stable relationships.” Röhlig UK prides itself on


developing close working, long term partnerships with all its customers that deliver real cost efficiency benefits.


Williams team finds a winning formula


Southampton-based Williams Shipping has boosted its cargo handling capabilities with a £250,000 cash injection. The marine and logistics firm has purchased a powerful reach stacker and developed a new one-acre cargo handling yard for its logistics division as part of the investment. It will allow the family-run firm


to increase throughput, improve efficiency, win new business and deliver greater results for existing clients such as freight forwarders as well as creating new jobs. Managing director of the


Williams Shipping logistics division, Jonathan Williams, said: “We have successfully built our business on delivering a high quality and professional service over more than 120 years. This significant new investment demonstrates our ability to adapt to the changing needs of the market and our commitment to reaching the highest possible standards. “Cargo handling and transport


are a major growth area for us and this investment allows us to grow the business as part of our strategic long-term plan. It will open up new employment opportunities, support the maritime and logistics


sector and help us realise new revenue streams across multiple sectors. “For a long time we have


provided heavy haulage, and this new service allows us to link this service directly to the port which is on our doorstep. It also ties in with our marine facilities, where we already handle loads on and off the quay with our 100- tonne crane and 200m of quayside.” He added: “We are grateful for


funding support for the project from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). It shows great confidence in us as a company as well as the strength of the marine


group includes marine services, transport and storage, marine lubricants and container hire and sales through its Willbox container business. Development of the new cargo


yard included demolition of a warehouse, the construction of a heavy duty concrete slab and creation of new workspace. Its Hyster reach stacker has


bolstered its fleet of specialist vehicles and equipment. It allows operators to stack containers weighing up to 45 tonnes each. The stacker is also able to liſt


heavy cargo and onto trucks and flat-racks.


sector and related industries in the area.” The 80-strong Williams Shipping


Williams Shipping has two sites


in Southampton as well as a marine base at Pembroke Dock, in Wales.


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