Move in response to ‘nationwide capacity crunch’ triggered by a hike in e-commerce volumes, panic buying and intense stockpiling as a result of no-deal Brexit uncertainty, UK forwarder says. UK-based international freight forwarder, W.E. Deane has freed up 3,000 pallet spaces at its head office in Barking in order to further accommodate the increased demand for space.
“With the UK currently in the midst of a nationwide capacity crunch, W.E. Deane has taken the view to free up space in order to help businesses meet with continued in demand caused by a hike in e-commerce volumes, nationwide panic buying and intense stockpiling as a result of the looming no-deal Brexit decision on 31 December,” the company explained.
“As demand continues to overtake supply at an unprecedented rate, a recurring trend of businesses struggling to source warehouse capacity is beginning to have a serious effect on industries up and down the country.
“The current outbreak has deterred many shoppers from the high street – a trend that may continue if Coronavirus’ infection rates continue to rise in the coming weeks and months.”
To assist companies struggling to fulfil orders at this challenging time, W.E. Deane said it is able to offer full warehousing, pick and pack, distribution and fulfilment services “and therefore, is well-placed to meet the ever-increasing demands that businesses face throughout the UK.”
Robert Falconer, managing director of W.E. Deane commented: “With an estimated 25% of the UK now shopping online, storage space is now out a premium. We are in the midst of a nationwide capacity crunch.
“Statistics show that e-commerce is set to continue to rise. It is also highly likely that we are on the cusp of a further panic buying trend placing further pressure on the supply chains, with businesses stockpiling goods in order to cope with these increased volumes.”
Falconer emphasised that the increasingly-likely decision of an impending no-deal Brexit has generated forecasts of nationwide stockpiling of raw materials – adding to forecasts that the current capacity crunch UK warehousing isn’t likely to subside anytime soon.
He continued, “With businesses stockpiling raw materials in the preparation for a no-deal Brexit, the UK’s warehousing capacity is therefore, likely to be stretched thin, which may force companies to outsource their warehouse and storage operations.
“In preparation for these scenarios W.E. Deane has taken the strategic decision to free up 3,000 additional pallet spaces (at its HQ in Barking) in the hope that it may help to alleviate capacity issues in the surrounding region.”
Founded in 1963 and with sites across the UK, Europe and South Africa, W.E. Deane provides “a one stop shop bespoke logistics solution” to clients across the world.
Source: Lloyd’s
