Online retail giant Amazon’s decision to make its staff return to the office is a positive development for UK logistics, according to marketing experts Full Mix Marketing.

Amazon’s chief executive Andy Jassy last week ordered all of the company’s home or hybrid-working staff to return to the office five days a week from January.

Sarah West, Full Mix Marketing MD, said: “Amazon is the latest of many firms in many industries who are returning entirely to the office. With those who make and influence decisions back at their desks, it makes it easier to reach and engage them with the right marketing.”

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 saw office workers set up to work from home, since the end of the pandemic lockdowns there have been growing concerns over drops in productivity, innovation and workers’ mental health, which has resulted in a number of companies and organisation reverse their working from home policies.

West said: “A common comment over recent years has been how hard it can be to get hold of the right person when contacting a company. Marketing has very effectively adapted to the less centralised workforce but the return to the office does make it easier to reach key people and attract new business.”

Full Mix Marketing specialises in B2B marketing and works with many companies in logistics, manufacturing, engineering, technology, construction and business services.

The agency says they and the logistics firms they support have experienced first-hand the reported rise in demand for UK transport and warehousing.

West explained: “Though there have been challenges, UK logistics appears to have benefitted from the growth in online retail, home delivery and the drive to shorten global supply chains. Urban locations, greater automation and an increased focus on sustainability are just some of the ways they are satisfying demand.”

West believes marketing is proving key to helping their clients take advantage of these increased opportunities. She said: “In a large and competitive sector, marketing is more important and more effective than ever for transport and logistics firms. Whilst word of mouth and reputation remain paramount, it is being more visible and standing out from the crowd that frequently result in the biggest uplift in sales.”

One of the particular areas the agency has seen its clients in logistics, transport and warehousing benefit from is direct marketing.

“Most companies know who their ideal customers are, so we work with them to reach them via email, mail, social media and other direct marketing. It’s proven a game-changer for many and will become even more effective as more major companies return to working in the office full time,” West concluded.

 

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