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The EU represents 500 million consumers. Since the UK voted to leave the EU, many people are assuming we will leave those consumers behind too.
However, as a recent article in The Guardian suggests, the likelihood is that we will in fact negotiate a free trade agreement to accommodate and remind our neighbours of the fact that the UK is the largest export market for the EU, whilst opening up other avenues in countries like the US.
Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the UK’s current position, John Good Logistics remains committed to delivering professional freight services between the UK and the rest of the world.
Of course, the importing and exporting of goods will peak and trough and there will undoubtedly be some implications on trade as we adapt to Brexit but, despite the obvious and inevitable, there’s one industry that doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.
The Furniture Industry
When considering the furniture industry, the concept seems easy enough to understand – as the demand for housing grows, so too does the demand to furnish them, creating a ripple effect on the production and shipment of furniture. Additionally, the rise of the freelancers and the self-employed is increasing the demand for home-office furniture, whilst the demand for multifunctional and versatile furniture is steadily catching on as consumers look to save space. In fact, it is estimated that by 2019 the global market for furniture will exceed an estimated £500 billion.
Research in the US reveals that the furniture sector is performing almost twice as well as the overall economy. The industry is growing at a rate of 6-7 percent year-on-year – where there’s increased demand, there is necessarily an increase in the need for international freight and supply chain solutions.
A lot of furniture arriving in the UK is often manufactured overseas, therefore retailers are constantly seeking the best service, short lead times and the most competitive prices to ensure their goods arrive safe and sound. This is where furniture logistics can pose challenges due to the numerous complexities involved.
A Solution to Furniture Logistics
To help combat some of these challenges, John Good Logistics focuses on a number of key elements in the supply chain to add value and save customers time:
Collaboration
We work with some of the UK’s leading furniture retailers and are acutely aware that delivery times are paramount to their business. That’s why we put huge emphasis on providing regular, real time information and communication with a single point of contact.
Whether liaising with overseas suppliers and agents or arranging customs clearance and delivery here in the UK, we endeavour to ensure our customers receive transparent, end-to-end freight solutions.
Distribution
Once customers’ products arrive on UK shores, the distribution strategy becomes a pivotal part of the supply chain process. We know that lead times are a vital part of a retailer’s promise to its customers and seek to offer our customers a range of options. These include a port centric logistics (port-side warehousing) solution at our own 205,000 sq ft facility located at the Port of Felixstowe and also distribution by road and rail from the quay directly to distribution centres and consumers across the UK.
Carefully planned distribution strategies play a key role, helping to reduce unnecessary additional costs and minimise delays.
Real-time Information
Our industry leading information technology system, CargoWiseOne, provides tracking of shipments every step of the way that are visible and easily accessible. The level of detail of information given to our customers ensures peace of mind and is at the heart of what we do. We do not leave you guessing about the status of your cargo or when your shipment will arrive – we provide real-time information instead.
Evaluation
Our constant assessment of the supply chain allows us to identify issues quickly, enabling us to react to unforeseen circumstances which may arise from time to time and offer our customers contingencies to minimise any potential impact on lead times and freight costs. We firmly believe in a collaborative, partnership approach in which evaluation plays a key role to ensure that we are continually learning about your business to create bespoke supply chain management solutions.
If you’d like to know more about how we can assist with your furniture logistics requirements, please visit our furniture logistics page for more details.