Diamond Logistics has expanded its geographical reach by taking on Edinburgh-based Blaze Logistics as its first Scottish network partner.
The move is part of wider expansion plans for the delivery and fulfilment company which signed up three new network members in February this year in mid-Wales, Manchester and Cardiff.
Under this latest partnership Diamond Logistics, which has its headquarters in Guildford, will strengthen its supply chain into Scotland whilst Blaze Logistics will get access to Diamond Logistics’ Despatchlab technology, which offers users client interface with API Integration.
Blaze Logistics offers same day, overnight and international delivery services to its Scottish clients, as well as services to branded carriers such as Amazon, DPD and DX.
Joseph Smith, Blaze Logistics founder and director, said: “The support I’m most looking forward to receiving from Diamond Logistics is around education of the courier network itself.
“We want to gain this inside knowledge from Diamond so we can advise our clients on the best shipping methods – not just to control costs – but to improve their experience. This will help them to select the right carrier, that will protect goods but also their brand.”
He added: “The opportunity for us to improve eCommerce and fulfilment in Scotland is around later cut-off times. It’s difficult to distribute to the rest of the UK from Scotland.
"There’s a long distance between us and the other side of England, so the line haul must leave exceptionally early. By being close to Scottish eCommerce clients, we can offer later cut-off times for overnight deliveries through the Diamond Logistics network.”
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Smith said the company’s e-commerce clients based in Scotland, which outsource their logistics to Blaze Logistics, will have the opportunity to use Diamond Logistics’ Despatchlab technology.
“We’re the only Network Partner in Scotland, which means we’re taking Despatchlab technology to the marketplace for the first time here. Having talked to clients already, I know that they haven’t come across this solution before. It’s such a buzz educating them on its benefits," he said.
Looking to the future Smith said: “Over the next 12 months we have a strong pipeline of fulfilment and overnight customers that we are already actively engaging with, adding that he forsees “endless opportunities” emerging from the new partnership."
He continued: “I can also see us doubling our warehouse space and fleet for our overnight and next day services within that timeframe.”
Claire McKinney, Diamond Logistics learning and development officer, said: “The new network partnership with Blaze Logistics is exciting. This partnership will strengthen our nationwide network allowing us to better service our clients anywhere in the United Kingdom.
“Having visited the new office recently and witnessed the passion, desire, and commitment of the Scotland team I can say with confidence they are a perfect match and great asset to the Diamond family.”