Starrz-Link (UK)

Leading the way with customer-centric growth and streamlined solutions

Admin — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:20:09 +0000

In today’s fiercely competitive logistics industry, companies must continually push the boundaries, expanding their service offerings while honing their ability to deliver personalised solutions that precisely address their customers’ requirements. This relentless pursuit of innovation and customer-centricity sets the leaders apart, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

At Starrz-Link, this driving force has been the cornerstone of our success. For the past few years, we have relentlessly pursued growth and expansion, determined to continue to extend and upgrade our facilities. This, in turn, has allowed us to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

We have opened new warehouses in the Netherlands and the UK, strategic expansions driven by the changes brought about by Brexit led to increased logistics costs for transporting goods between mainland Europe and the United Kingdom. These facilities will be crucial in streamlining operations and reducing logistics costs for our clients.

Enhancing efficiency and delivering even better service to our customers during these challenging times remains top of mind. This is why our customers continue to choose Starrz-Link as their service provider of choice.

Our key advantage lies in our seamless ability to receive full containers in the Netherlands, efficiently store goods, and dispatch single containers to the UK market from our bonded area. By doing so, we offer our customers the benefit of avoiding duplicate duties and fees. Moreover, our state-of-the-art facilities enable our clients to send goods directly to the UK, streamlining the process and enhancing convenience.

We have also implemented a unified warehouse management system, eliminating the need for our customers to adapt to different approaches in different countries and locations. Our goal is to provide customers with flexibility and reliability through our comprehensive and customised logistics solutions, which continue to gain popularity among those seeking efficient and tailored supply chain services.

Throughout the years, we have established a devoted customer base that appreciates our commitment to excellent customer service. Connetix is a valued client who transitioned its 3PL services to Seabourne. Managing Director Dave Alexander says that this strategic move has proven to be a game-changer for their rapidly growing business, allowing them to expand their operations and maintain stock in as many as ten countries. He highlights how the Connetix brand is built on customer service, which is similar to Seabourne’s, making the partnership a good fit. He says unlike larger logistics service providers, Seabourne delivers a level of responsiveness and personal attention that resonates with their commitment to exceptional customer service.

Looking ahead, our primary focus is on further growing our business while maintaining a personalised approach for every customer, regardless of size. We will emphasise efficiency and reliability in all aspects of our services. We take immense pride in the trust our diverse international portfolio of brands places upon us. Our shared values of professionalism, commitment, and innovation will continue to drive our ongoing development, enabling us to adapt and cater to our client’s evolving needs.

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Technology transforming the logistics industry

Admin — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:59:14 +0000

The logistics sector has undergone a profound transformation in the last decade, thanks to significant technological advancements that have revolutionised its operations. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic further accelerated this process, with technology playing a critical role in enabling the industry to quickly adapt to the “new normal” of remote work and contactless deliveries. As a result, logistics companies have become more agile, efficient, and responsive to the ever-changing demands of the modern market, driving growth and innovation across the entire supply chain.

At Seabourne, we have embraced technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. Real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and cloud-based platforms have become the norm, providing end-to-end visibility, improved customer experience, and faster response times. In addition, digitalisation has facilitated the transition to paperless processes, reducing the environmental impact and increasing speed and accuracy.

Staying ahead of the game

Real-time tracking has become an essential expectation in today’s fast-paced world. Knowing the exact location and estimated delivery time of one’s goods is crucial for efficient planning and operations. Gone are the days of sending a package and hoping for the best, only to be surprised by its arrival. With real-time tracking, customers can proactively manage their shipments and we can ensure a smooth delivery process.

Apps such as our Transport Management System (TMS) solution have been designed to trigger automatic actions, based on every registered event. For instance, when a delivery is scanned as “out for delivery,” the system automatically sends an email notification to the consignee, letting them know when to expect their package. By building architecture that leverages the latest technologies, we can improve communication with our customers and provide them with real-time visibility into the status of their shipments.

The evolution of real-time tracking and last-mile delivery has been remarkable. Using the TMS, customers can, for example, also track the driver’s location and estimated time of arrival – all the way to their doorstep on the day of delivery. The app sends an SMS notification to customers with a link to a map, displaying the driver’s current location. Once the package is delivered, customers no longer have access to the driver’s route.

The importance of ongoing development

We are constantly exploring new ways to enhance our technology offerings. As part of our future developments, we are excited to introduce an interactive WhatsApp/SMS feature for our consignees. Unlike the current system that only provides notifications on the driver’s progress, this new feature will allow customers to not only provide direct feedback, but also take control of their deliveries. With a unique access code, customers can reschedule their delivery or provide specific instructions to the driver – in real time. We believe this interactive feature will further streamline our delivery process and provide our customers with even more convenience and flexibility.

Delivering visibility

We are currently developing a connectivity platform in the form of a data warehouse at Seabourne. This warehouse will integrate all of our local and international systems, allowing for seamless communication between various entities. With the implementation of a customer portal, users can access their parcel information in one single space through a single sign-on. The data warehouse will provide customers with an even more comprehensive view of their package, no matter what information they are seeking.
Data analytics has also been an essential technological advancement in running our business. With Business Intelligence (BI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), we can analyse and interpret data from various sources to gain insights into customers, internal teams, and hidden patterns. This helps us identify trends, maintain our competitive edge, and improve operational efficiencies. Cloud computing provides immense opportunities for data processing and exchange in any environment, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure on-site. This not only maximizes efficiencies, but also provides real-time insights, reduces the cost of expansion and maintenance, eliminates the need for expensive hardware, enables easier integrations, and enhances visibility.

Finally, automation and digital transformation has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. By changing our mindset and adapting to new technology, we have been able to run our business differently, improving our operations, and enhancing customer relationships.

At our company, we deeply understand the critical role that technology plays in modern logistics. That’s why we are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and integrating them into our operations to ensure that we deliver the best possible service and experience to our customers. Technology is not just a tool, but is now a key driver of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction in the logistics industry.

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Starrz-Link enters Asian market with new warehouse in Singapore

Admin — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 12:51:40 +0000

Starrz-Link has further expanded its global warehouse network, with the addition of a new facility in Singapore. The company’s latest 2000 sqm warehouse joins a growing portfolio of strategically located storage solutions, which includes recent openings in Birmingham, UK that covers 2000 sqm, and an 8500 sqm facility in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands.

According to Dennis Hendriks, General Manager for Starrz-Link, the expansion represents a significant step in Starrz-Link’ ambitious growth strategy and improves the company’s service to existing customers.

Max Hoogmoet, Inventory Control Coordinator for Starrz-Link, successfully organised the implementation of the new warehouse in Singapore, which is strategically located within South-East Asia. For two weeks, Hoogmoet was stationed on-site, overseeing the relocation of customers’ goods from their previous warehouses to the new facility.

The new location offers a full range of services, including picking and packing, and is fully compatible with Seabourne’s Warehouse Management System, which is used across all of its global warehouses. Additionally, all imports to the facility are exempt from both Goods and Services Tax and customs duties.

“VAT and duties are only applied when goods are shipped from the facility to another country. This significant advantage makes the facility an attractive option for businesses seeking to streamline their operations and reduce costs,” says Hendriks.

The new warehouse offers a temperature-controlled environment, which is increasingly sought after by cargo owners. This is particularly important in Singapore’s hot climate, as it allows for longer storage times – without compromising product protection and shelf life. It reduces the risk of losses due to damages and spoilage and enables the logistics service provider to handle a wider variety of cargo safely.

Longstanding Starrz-Link client Assouline Publishing has welcomed the move into Singapore. “Seabourne has handled our logistics out of their warehouse in the Netherlands for several years and we are excited that they will now also be responsible for our cargo in the Far East,” says Assouline’s supply chain director Walter Braskett.

Seabourne continues to pride itself on the close relationships it has with its clients.

“As a company, we aim to build strong relationships with customers. This new warehouse allows for even greater collaboration as we deliver an improved and seamless service that is efficient and flexible in meeting our customers’ exact needs,” concludes Hendriks.

The Starrz-Link Singapore team, ready and geared to service the Asian market.

Starrz-Link are extremely excited about their new warehouse in Singpore and pleased to be entering the Asian market.

The expansion into warehousing in Singapore allows Starrz-Link to increase its service to Assouline Publishing.

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Starrz-Link expands warehouse footprint in UK

Admin — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:15:55 +0000

Leading independent logistics operator Starrz-Link has opened its new warehouse in Birmingham in the UK as part of an aggressive expansion strategy to grow the business.

After a planning and construction period of several months, the 2000 square meter facility has been commissioned, strengthening Seabourne’s local capabilities significantly.

With large warehouse operations in the Netherlands and South Africa, as well as a smaller scale operation in Basingstoke in south-central England, the team is not new to the warehousing business, says Daniel Flitterman, Seabourne Group Managing Director. “Our move to expand our operations in the warehousing sector in the UK comes on the back of several developments. More importantly, it improves our efficiency to our clients, while expanding capacity and capability extensively.”

The new facility plays an integral role in servicing the company’s growing UK business. “The time was right to expand in Birmingham in the warehousing sector, particularly alongside our incredibly strong and experienced Freight business,” explains Mark Volante, Managing Director at Seabourne Forwarding. “It also allowed us to combine the operations of our Birmingham and East Midlands offices. The integration of the two teams at one premise, along with a new warehouse, offers our clients a range of additional benefits. It also reflects the continued expansion of our business.”

It will enable Seabourne to facilitate quicker and more efficient deliveries due to greater flexibility with stock-holding – a critical necessity following Brexit, that introduced tedious delays and additional costs on the movement of cargo to and from the European Union (EU).

“Before Brexit, we could move cargo across EU countries with no boundaries but due to the cost and paperwork involved, distribution has become more complex,” says Volante. “With this investment, we can streamline operations for clients distributing in the UK offering a flexible and efficient process that is less costly.”

The facility is particularly well suited for both small and large companies that need to be able to scale stock quickly. The geographical location of Birmingham is just as important, says Flitterman. “The city is the second largest in the UK and its central location makes it the ideal hub for logistics operations. For us, it ticked all the boxes, allowing us to get a stronger foothold in the warehousing industry in the country.”

The new warehouse, he says, is well-placed to provide integrated distribution services across the UK, including value-added capabilities like kitting and assembly, packing, and other innovative supply chain solutions. It also reduces the need for outsourcing to third-party service providers. Complying with strict security and environmental requirements and utilising a top-tier warehouse management system, it introduces several benefits to Seabourne’s UK operations – including reduced cost and total control of cargo.

With a range of old and new clients already on board, the facility has been welcomed by the industry and plans are already in place for expansion in the next few years.

“The experience and knowledge gained from our extensive operations in South Africa and the Netherlands stand us in good stead allowing us to build on that as we embark on this new journey in the UK. An important part of our strategy is to continuously expand our capacities and service portfolio to our customers,” adds Flitterman.

This includes growing its warehousing footprint in the UK – which will also see the facility in Basingstoke upgraded and expanded soon.

“In the planning and delivery of this building, it was important for us to create a facility that brings benefit to our customers. We pride ourselves on the personal relationships we build with our clients and the ability to create bespoke solutions that meet very different customer needs. This warehouse allows us to do all that. It offers our customers a range of services under one roof along with efficiency, flexibility and capacity,” concludes Flitterman.

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Brexit Opportunities

Admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 07:22:03 +0000

Statement made on 28 April 2022 – Statement UIN HCWS796

The new Brexit controls announced by the United Kingdom on 1 July have been postponed until the end of 2023. In the autumn, the British government will provide information about what the formalities will look like. So, wait a while with preparation.

When the UK left the European Union (EU), we regained the right to manage our own borders in a way that works for Britain. This includes how we manage imports into our country from overseas. British businesses and people going about their daily lives are being hit by rising costs caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine and in energy prices. It would therefore be wrong to impose new administrative burdens and risk disruption at ports and to supply chains at this point. The remaining import controls on EU goods will no longer be introduced this year – saving British businesses up to £1 billion in annual costs.

Instead the Government is accelerating our transformative programme to digitise Britain’s borders, harnessing new technologies and data to reduce friction and costs for businesses and consumers. This is a new approach for a new era, as Britain maximises the benefits of leaving the EU and puts in place the right policies for our trade with the whole world.

Introducing controls in July would have replicated the controls that the EU applies to their global trade. This would have introduced complex and costly checks that would have then been altered later as our transformation programme is delivered. The challenges that this country faces has underlined that this is not the right thing to do for Britain.

No further import controls on EU goods will be introduced this year. Businesses can stop their preparations for July now. We will publish a Target Operating Model in the Autumn that will set out our new regime of border import controls and will target the end of 2023 as the revised introduction date for our controls regime, which will deliver on our promise to create the world’s best border on our shores.

This new approach will apply equally to goods from the EU and goods from the rest of the world. It will be based on a proper assessment of risk, with a proportionate, risk-based and technologically advanced approach to controls. This includes the Single Trade Window which will start to deliver from 2023, the creation of an Ecosystem of Trust between government and industry, and other transformational projects as part of our 2025 Borders Strategy.

The controls that have already been introduced will remain in place.

Specifically, the following controls which were planned for introduction from July 2022 will now not be introduced:

A requirement for further Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks on EU imports currently at destination to be moved to Border Control Post (BCP).
A requirement for safety and security declarations on EU imports.
A requirement for further health certification and SPS checks for EU imports.
Prohibitions and restrictions on the import of chilled meats from the EU.
The Border Operating Model will be updated to reflect this and a copy will be placed in the libraries of both Houses in due course.

Where you can get help with importing and exporting

There is a range of webinars and YouTube videos on importing and exporting with the UK and EU that you can watch by going to the help and support for UK transition page.

If you export to the UK, the recently launched UK government Export Support Service is a free service giving you access to online and phone support. You can access it on GOV.UK or by calling +44 (0)300 303 8955 where you will be put in touch with a member of the dedicated export support team in the UK.

Contact Borders and Trade, HMRC UK

The customer service advisers are available to answer your queries on the Customs and International Trade helpline. They’ll help you with importing, exporting and customs reliefs, including rules of origin. Their helpline is open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 4pm at weekends. Call +44 (0)300 322 9434 to speak to an adviser.

More info/source: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2022-04-28/hcws796

Seabourne will continue to provide guidance and support to help you and your business, including information on GOV.UK, and possible changes crossing the UK borders. Do you have an urgent question about how we can help you to trade from and to the UK? Contact us today.

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Starrz-Link launches new vision to capitalise on global synergies

Admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 13:25:00 +0000

(Photo: Daniel Flitterman, MD, Starrz-Link)

Leading independent logistics operator with offices in the UK, The Netherlands, France, and South Africa

(Date) 2022: Established in 1962 by Sir Clive Bourne as a leading parcel delivery service in Europe, Seabourne is launching the next stage of its global journey as it celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year. Still independently owned, it has announced a consolidation of its business operations in South Africa, the UK, France, and The Netherlands to be known as Starrz-Link. This will best take advantage of its unique synergies, in addition to a new logo, vision, mission and values statement and a new and improved website.

“Our extensive experience is unparalleled in its breadth and scope, and we will continue to leverage this to seamlessly integrate flexibility throughout our global operations by means of cutting-edge technology and customised solutions,” says Starrz-Link MD Daniel Flitterman. “The fact that we remain an independent company allows us to offer rapid and reliable services globally via our extensive network of select partners.”

Flitterman points to the 2008 financial crisis and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as two examples of seismic shifts in the supply chain and logistics sector. It ultimately resulted in an unprecedented boom in e-commerce as markets scrambled to adapt to the ‘new normal’. “We have evolved and transformed in line with these trends, expanding our global services as a result,” says Mark Volante, Freight Director at Starrz-Link in the UK. The outcome for Seabourne customers is transparency and increased productivity through consistent logistics and delivery.

A key part of Starrz-Link is its South African operation, managed by husband-and-wife team Garry and Ezelle Harris. Garry set up the business from his garage in 2002, with one of the drivers who started out with him still at the company today. After establishing a significant footprint in the automotive industry, and other niche sectors such as wine and pharmaceuticals, Garry and Ezelle sold a 70% stake in the business to the Seabourne Group in 2009.

“We put our feelers out to Seabourne in the UK as a means to expand our international network and gain momentum abroad,” says Garry. Such has been the success of the company to date that it entered the burgeoning warehousing sector in the boom period from 2015 to 2016. “There are many large corporates that avail themselves of our warehousing services, due to our level of technology and the skilled people we have.”

In terms of the freight and courier side of the business, being part of Starrz-Link has allowed all businesses to offer global end-to-end solutions. “Our global affiliation means we can cater for the entire logistics supply chain,” says Jan Kalkman, The Netherlands MD. “We are calling it a ‘consolidation’ in terms of our vision refresh, but the important point to note is the synergies it unlocks between the businesses in all the different regions we cover. The Netherlands being the gateway to the rest of Europe, we are investing significantly in the business-to-consumer e-commerce side of the business with our new e-fulfilment operation connected to our new ‘B2C Connect’ delivery solutions.”

The new vision, mission and values statement pave the way forward for Starrz-Link for decades to come, says Flitterman. “Our aim is to be the first-choice partner in terms of offering global transport, logistics and warehousing solutions.” Key to this strategy has been the adoption of leading-edge technology to increase productivity and ensure consistent delivery.

“Our vision is supported by our core underlying values. Wherever you find us in the world, the ‘Seabourne experience’ is the same,” adds Garry. Indeed, the global Starrz-Link family is creative, dedicated, and inspired to deliver the best service possible to its vast client base. “We all share an unshakeable commitment to problem solving and delivering a personalised service to all,” says Volante.

Starrz-Link focuses on a basket of main services that include warehousing, distribution, courier, clearing and forwarding, air, rail, and sea freight, in addition to specialised solutions customised for specific industries. “We always aim to enter into partnerships with our clients, whereby we effectively become an extension of their business as a trusted advisor and service provider,” says Flitterman. He attributes the longevity of the group to its triple pedigree of ‘trust, reliability and flexibility’, which has allowed it to become one of the leading independent operators in the world.

The ‘Seabourne Experience’ is based on the following factors:

Industry specialists: Personalised, best-in-class solutions offered at excellent rates.
Single point of contact: Gives clients peace of mind to focus on their core business.
Latest technology: IT systems both acquired and internally developed specifically for respective markets to boost communication, assess service levels, and provide real-time information for easy tracking and data integration.
Large consignment negotiations: Partner discounts are passed onto clients for added cost-savings.

The post Starrz-Link launches new vision to capitalise on global synergies first appeared on Starrz-Link (UK).

Rules of origin for EU-UK trade

Admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 07:59:02 +0000

In the beginning of this year there have been some changes in the rules of origin and how to use preferential tariffs when you buy and sell goods with the UK. We also explain upcoming changes to the requirement for supplier declarations to support proof of origin.

Rules of origin and how to use preferential tariffs for trade between the UK and EU

Rules of origin are one of the most important trading requirements you need to understand and meet if your business buys or sells goods internationally. These rules are used in trading agreements between different countries, like the UK’s deal with the EU – and vice versa, called the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The rules are used to determine the country of origin of goods being imported and exported and whether they’re eligible for preferential tariffs.

The preferential zero tariffs in the UK-EU TCA mean that if you sell goods into the UK, your buyer brings the from the EU into the UK, you and your buyer needs to meet the rules of origin in the TCA, so your buyer will not need to pay any Customs Duty on those imports. You will be able to do the same for goods you buy from the UK.

To benefit from preferential tariffs, you as an exporter and your buyer must have proof that:

goods they import into the UK from the EU originate in the EU
goods you export from the EU to the UK originate in the EU.

What is ‘origin’

By ‘origin’ we mean where goods (or the materials, parts or ingredients used to make them) have been produced or manufactured. It is not where the goods have been shipped or bought from. Rules of origin are not the same for all types of goods. Different kinds of goods face different rules and specifications, called product-specific rules, so you need to check the individual rules for your goods.

You can find more information about rules of origin when trading between the EU and EK on GOV.UK. You can also watch the ‘Rules of origin recorded webinar’ for information on how to check if your goods meet the rules of origin requirements.

How to prove the origin of goods traded between the EU and UK

To benefit from preferential tariffs, the rules of origin requirements in the TCA must be met for:

goods imported into the UK from the EU, and
goods imported into the EU from the UK.

UK and EU importers will need to have one of the following proofs of origin:

a statement on origin that the product is originating, made out by the exporter
the importer’s knowledge that the product is originating.

You can find more information about how to prove the origin of goods you trade between the UK and EU on GOV.UK.

New requirements for supplier declarations from 1 January 2022

For some goods, you, as the exporter may also need to hold supplier declarations. Supplier declarations are documents that your supplier provides to you, that help you establish whether the goods you’re exporting meet the product-specific rules of origin. These are needed as supporting evidence to confirm the origin of the goods, when the manufacture alone is not enough to meet the product specific rules of origin.

From 1 January 2022, if you make out statements on origin for goods you export to the UK, you must have supplier declarations (where needed) at the time you export your goods.

Between 1 January and 31 December 2021, you have been allowed to export goods to the UK using preferential tariffs without supplier declarations, as long as you were confident that these goods met the rules of origin. This was to allow you more time to get your supplier declarations afterwards. This temporary easement will end on 31 December 2021 and you must hold supplier declarations for goods you’ve exported this year.

If you cannot provide a supplier declaration, or other suitable evidence, to confirm the EU origin of goods you exported to the UK between 1 January and 31 December 2021, you must let your UK customer know.

If you’re asked to verify the origin of your goods and you can’t provide this supporting evidence:

your UK customer will be liable to pay the full (non-preferential) rate of Customs Duty,
you may be charged a penalty, and
you may be excluded from using preferential tariffs going forward.

You can find more information about using a suppliers’ declarations to support a proof of origin on GOV.UK.

Where you can get help with importing and exporting

There is a range of webinars and YouTube videos on importing and exporting with the UK and EU that you can watch by going to the help and support for UK transition page.

Contact Borders and Trade, HMRC UK

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