A global customs agent handling parcels and mail to and from the UK is thriving in its new home and is set for expansion.
Managers at UKP Worldwide (UKPW) want to take on up to 10 new staff over the next year having recently moved into newly renovated 10,000 sq ft premises at Century Court.
Paul Taylor, Director of Strategy and Finance, said: “Moving to Westcott has allowed us to consolidate our operations under one roof which means we can streamline our processes making us more efficient in everything we do.
“We had been spread across three different units and had outgrown our previous site. Westcott is more fit for purpose for our business. Transport links, facilities for the truck drivers, security and the gatehouse are all much better than our previous location.
“It is an exceptional working environment, and we look forward to working with other businesses on site to offer our services and benefit from their expertise.”
UKPW, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, provides logistics and customs services for haulage and retail business shipping millions of parcels internationally. It specialises in bulk clearance of eCommerce orders, offering end-to-end delivery including customs clearance and returns.
All shipments are processed using its in-house accredited system, taking care of mandatory GB and EU customs declarations and requirements on the retailer’s behalf. This ensures duty and VAT are accounted for and goods flow seamlessly across borders.
Paul added: “As well as the import and export work we also carry out returns management for retailers or anyone who has imported or exported from the UK.
“This is a new business venture which we are setting up with one of our customers and launching in June. It was another reason for our move to Westcott, so we would have additional production space in our headquarters facility to accommodate this service and is why we are looking to employ more people.
“Our speciality at the moment is ecommerce and moving parcels but we can handle any type of freight movement – import or export. We are keen to meet as many of our Westcott neighbours as possible and if anyone has a requirement in the field of import or export then please come and talk to us.”
UKPW now employs 27 staff who are enjoying a major upgrade in their facilities.
“We have made a number of changes to our new facility by installing offices upstairs and downstairs along with dining facilities and meeting spaces,” said Paul.
“Many of our people have been with us for a long time, some more than 20 years - so it was a real priority to improve their working environment. Staff retention is really important to us, on average people stay with us between eight and 10 years.
“We have created breakout spaces, a collaborative brainstorming area and places for staff to play table football or simply relax on sofas.”
Nigel MacKenzie, Development Manager at Westcott, said: “UKPW was attracted to Westcott because it offers space to grow along with unrivalled security and the company is a fantastic addition to our business community.
“Already UKPW is proving to be a great fit and attended last year’s Westcott Showcase showing how keen it is to work with other businesses on the Park.”
Anyone interested in working with UKPW or in its recruitment opportunities, should contact info@ukpworldwide.com
