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Irish firms invest in Merseyside’s SSO Logistics

[ September 4, 2024   //   ]

Bolton-based Irish Freight Solutions (IFS) and Armagh-based Allied Fleet Services (AFS) have signed a partnership with Merseyside-based SSO Logistics, bringing a seven-figure investment to the St Helens-based company that would help take it to the next level, said chief executive, Peter Draper.

Founded in 2019 by Bolton native James Wood, IFS says it is a key player in logistics services to Ireland, growing from a start-up to achieve a turnover of £11 million in 2023.

AFS, founded in 2017 as a logistics company says that, following Brexit, it is recognised as one of Ireland’s premier customs service providers, achieving an annual turnover of £4.5m through its expertise and adaptability in navigating new trade regulations.

SSO already has a firm foothold in Ireland and Peter Draper said the new investment aligned with all three firms’ strategic growth plans there.

Peter Draper, said: “This investment is about taking the business to the next level. We already move freight to Ireland and by sharing our contacts and business relationships, we can expand this even further. With IFS’ expertise in freight forwarding and AFS’ knowledge of customs clearance, we can ensure an even smoother transit of freight into Ireland.”

He added that IFS was attracted by SSO’s ability to send loads into Ireland – he’d done a lot of due diligence on us.

AFS already clears all SSO’s deliveries through Ireland, vital for traceability as a letter of authority must be signed at every delivery point.

James Wood, said: “I have known SSO and Peter personally for several years and we have a synergistic approach to customer service. Although we operate in different areas in the logistics sector, our views and visions are aligned.

SSO Logistics was the first company to register as a Customs Site Operator (CSO) under the UK government’s new Freeports legislation. It offers services such as duty inversion – where raw materials and manufactured goods are subject to different duties, the lower rate is applied, allowing companies to save potentially millions of pounds worth of duty.

SSO says also that it can take away the headache for companies in operating complex customs regimes like bonded warehousing or IPR (import processing relief), effectively becoming their customs department.

SSO has set up a Cloud-based customs system based on a bar-code system to track the location and movement of every pallet in its warehouse, allowing Freeport and non-Freeport goods to be stored together.

Wood added: “Being in the freeport for the North West and having a full in-house customs team means SSO can offer a one-stop solution for businesses across the UK, especially Merseyside and the North West. Our partnership with SSO Logistics demonstrates our commitment to growth and service excellence. By combining our expertise with SSO’s strengths in warehousing and distribution, we’re poised to offer unparalleled logistics solutions across the UK and mainland Europe.”

AFS managing director Stephen McAneney, commented: “This investment marks a significant milestone for our business as we continue to strategically grow across the UK and Europe. SSO has the unique proposition of freeport status in the North West, which combined with Allied Customs Services in Ireland will drastically reduce the import costs of goods. While both companies will operate independently, we will collaborate to further strengthen our positions as the go-to people in customs.”

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