UK TNT expansion programme continues apace
Britain’s leading business-to-business express delivery operator is continuing to drive through an expansion programme designed to strengthen its strategic infrastructure and enhance its customer service levels across the UK and Ireland.
The programme, spanning an 18-month period stretching into the first half of 2007, has already seen TNT Express Services open a National Customer Contact Centre, three new depots, a fashion clothing distribution centre and a state-of-the-art archiving facility, creating in excess of 700 new jobs.
It began when the company bucked the trend for transferring customer call centres overseas when it delivered 240 new jobs in the North East by opening a sophisticated customer help centre at Team Valley, near Gateshead.
Tom Bell, Managing Director of TNT Express Services said: “We believe our customers best interests are served by keeping our customer service activity within the UK. Our people can draw on knowledge of our business, familiarity with the geography of the UK along with continuing the best practice customer service procedures we have cultivated over the years. We appreciate that our customers want that ‘personal touch’ in their dealings with us.”
New operational depots in the North West of England and Scotland, namely Preston, Glasgow and Liverpool are, and will be, providing an additional 300 new roles in the fast moving, time sensitive world of express delivery.
In the Midlands, TNT opened a 700,000 square feet warehouse as part of a long-term agreement with high street clothing retailer, Primark, just eight months after a blaze devastated the previous facility in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The new and extended clothing distribution centre is expected to create up to 250 new jobs.
The second phase of the programme will see new and upgraded depots established in South Wales and Northern Ireland during 2007. TNT Express Services is also seeking to establish an even stronger foothold around London Heathrow Airport and also upgrading its operational capabilities in Shannon, Ireland and North East England.
The renewed and sustained focus will benefit tens of thousands of businesses as a result of TNT being able to offer later collection and earlier delivery times.
Commenting on the substantial levels of investment, Tom added: “This is further evidence of our determination to maintain and build on our share of the express delivery market in the UK and Ireland. You cannot stand still in this industry it simply isn’t an option, consolidation is a luxury that nobody can afford.
“Our policy of identifying and capitalising on every opportunity to improve our already comprehensive network of depots and strategic sites will continue to give us a vital competitive edge.”
