Freight News, Logistics

No need to be stumped by logistics problems

[ January 12, 2016   //   Chris ]

Essex forwarder Woodland Group has launched a dedicated sports logistics division,, including a members-only buying consortium for cricket clubs.
Woodland Sports Logistics is headed by Deborah Smith, who joined the Woodland Group from Essex Cricket Club, and is the first forwarder to offer a buyers’ club to its clients.
It has already signed up more than half of the 18 first-class cricket teams in England to the consortium – The Clubhouse – and plans to invite clubs from around the world.
Deborah Smith explains that rather than each club buying its own merchandise independently and then organising and pay for logistics, “the Clubhouse sources and supplies cricket equipment from around the world at a more competitive price than any cricket club could enjoy.”
Merchandise material can be branded with the club’s logo, for sale in fan shops, online and at cricket grounds.
Deborah Smith adds: “We are sometimes confused with a wholesaler but in fact we are a buying circle and members are only supplied with the products we source on their behalf. Clients place orders with us and we consolidate these into one large order. Through the economies of scale we pass on the competitive element to the clubs. We move the manufactured items to our fulfilment centre where we quality check and re-pack the products, then distribute the items nationally.”
Woodland Sports Logistics also makes factory and site visits to ensure the highest standards of safety and legal protection are in place for workers.
Initially focussed on the cricket sector, The Clubhouse will be rolled out to other sports and industries.
The Clubhouse project has helped Woodland to the finals of the Supply Chain category of the 2015 British International Freight Association’s Freight Service Awards.

Tags: Woodland