UK is nonetheless the continent’s e-commerce leader. Its consumers are sophisticated shoppers, with high expectations of quality and service from both domestic and international retailers, and online sales revenue outranks the combined scale of its two closest continental rivals, Germany, and France. Though the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated disruption impacted growth and restricted sales in former major segments, such as fashion, both B2B and B2C e-commerce in the UK has rapidly recovery alongside a re-opening economy. But it faces challenges, namely a lack of drivers, couriers, and increased pressure on already strained logistics networks. Logistics, courier, and delivery companies are rapidly investing in new products, services and talent to exploit these shortfalls and support further e-commerce growth. Here’s a snapshot of the latest moves.
Logistics leaders are launching new services to connect the UK with mainland Europe and help businesses of all sides negotiate shifting border processes, fees and transport disruption. This week, logistics and ecommerce solutions provider One World Express announced a new platform called Ship2world in partnership with supply chain technology specialist Orange Connex. The platform allows merchants to access hundreds of shipping options and optimise routing, with competitive pricing for UK merchants on outbound shipping to the US, Canada, Australia, and Germany. The pandemic has resulted in a huge eCommerce boom – but it has also raised logistical challenges, which have been compounded by Brexit. Ship2world will help vendors overcome this issue, connecting them to cost-effective, efficient solutions.