Securicor unveils development of nation-wide B2C network with new Joint Venture partner JD Williams

Securicor Omega Express and JD Williams today announced plans of the development of a joint venture for the provision of a new home delivery service.

The resources of each organisation complement one another well, creating an opportunity for the establishment of a significant new player in the highly fragmented B2C delivery market.

Both SOE and JD Williams have recognised the commercial growth opportunity available in the B2C market in the UK. SOE’s infrastructure, linehaul capability and branch network created the nation-wide platform required for the JD Williams courier network to deliver from. The courier coverage will be developed to encompass 85 percent of UK addresses.

John Hogan, CEO of Securicor Distribution commented: “The beauty of the relationship is in the flexibility of the delivery mechanism. Each element of the supply chain solution already exists within each of the partner companies. By simply interlinking the delivery platforms we have created a joint infrastructure that strengthens both businesses and will provide a new product offering that satisfies the requirement of an effective last mile capability.”

Andy Lee MD of the fulfilment logistics division of JD Williams said, ” I am looking forward to the opportunities this business relationship can create. This is a major milestone in the development of both businesses and strengthens our drive for improving delivery capabilities tailored for our customer needs.”

The JV will build on the core strengths that already exist in within each of the parent companies. In due course it will seek new business from retailers and other organisations that have a need for a comprehensive home delivery service.

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Editor’s Notes

Securicor Omega Express is a part of the joint venture between the Securicor group and Deutsche Post, which began operating in April 1999. It is the UK market leader in the field of sameday and nextday document and parcel courier services, and provides its services throughout the UK and Ireland. Employing over 9,500 staff with a fleet of 5,200 vehicles, Securicor Omega Express currently delivers more than two million parcels every week.

JD Williams is the major subsidiary of the N Brown Group plc, the Manchester based direct home shopping, fulfilment and financial services company. J D Williams markets clothing, household and electrical goods from several catalogues, including J D Williams, Simply Be and Fashion World. Employing over 3,500 staff with a 2002 turnover in excess of £450m resulting in a pre tax profit of £58.5m.

Contacts:

Caroline Brakewell – Public Relations Manager, Securicor Distribution
Tel: 020 8722 2848 Fax: 020 8722 2974 Mob: 07802 846660
caroline.brakewell@soe.securicor.co.uk

David Kirk – General Manager Home Delivery, Securicor Omega Express
Tel: 0161 745 9669 Fax: 0161 745 9831
David.kirk@soe.securicor.co.uk

Nigel Weston – General Manager Transportation and Home Delivery, Fulfilment Logistics
Tel: 0161 238 3268 Fax: 0161 238 3040
Nigel.Weston@fulfilmentlogistics.com

Neil Garnet – Gavin Anderson Public Relations
Tel: 020 75541400 Fax: 020 75541499
ngarnett@gavinanderson.co.uk