Diamond Logistics is offering online retailers greater access to the UK market following the recruitment of three new network partners in 2021.

Newtown Powys family business – 2nd Generation Logistics, a subsidiary of Station Couriers – has joined the diamond logistics network to grow its eCommerce client base and serve customers in the mid-Wales area.

The local business, operated by a parent and daughter team, has grown from a taxi service – Station Taxis – to a successful carrier business, which acquired its own 40,000 sq ft service centre in 2016. Now, having outgrown that facility, the operation is set to extend and expand as a diamond logistics Network Partner.

Wigan operator  – Scorpion Couriers – has also joined the network to serve customers in Greater Manchester. Just a week later, Cardiff operator Elite Couriers, launched as a diamond partner, set to deliver across South Wales.

Diamond Logistics offers express, same day courier service, overnight or international delivery plus storage and fulfilment for online businesses across its network of logistics partners.

Kate Lester, CEO and founder of diamond logistics, says that reliable UK storage and fulfilment is essential in 2021, highlighted by recent delays caused by Brexit and France’s closure of borders over Christmas which challenged the Just-in-Time (JIT) supply chain philosophy.

“Stocking locally,” explains Kate, “in micro-fulfilment centres – especially if Europe is part of your supply chain – looks like a smart move right now.”

Kate advises businesses to hold more stock if suppliers are EU based to safe-proof against future delays and recommends using a logistics provider with multiple carriers to distribute goods, so if one fails or stops/reduces services, there are multiple alternative choices.

“We look forward to welcoming more Network Partners in 2021, and plugging them into our despatchlab technology to help them manage delivery processes and head off any curve balls the year may bring.”