Europa Road, a dedicated division of ambitious and innovative logistics provider Europa Worldwide Group, is celebrating a 14 year partnership with Walkers Shortbread – the ‘world’s finest shortbread brand’.

Based in Aberlour on Spey, Walkers exports nearly half of its business, with its products transported into parts of Europe. Considering the location of the brand and the distance the product is shipped, transportation is increasingly important to the company – hence its long-standing relationship with logistics firm Europa.

Europa Road has 14 branches in the UK, including Glasgow, meaning it has essential local market knowledge. This gives Europa a competitive edge according to Walkers Shortbread, Head of International Sales, Andrew Stokes. He comments: “When looking for a logistics company over 14 years ago, we wanted a Scottish based supplier with international capability. The challenge of being based in far North Scotland and distributing between Europe and the world is relatively unique, and we always felt needed to have a company with a Scottish base who can understand the issues we have and meet our expertise.”

The Walkers Shortbread business has experienced a huge amount of growth over the last 14 years, more than doubling international turnover, and increasing the number of markets it’s sold in from 50 to over 100.

Andrew continues: “Whilst our growth has a lot to do with our brand, service levels are also a part of it. As we expand, we need to have a partner who is capable of servicing the new markets we secure, whilst still continuing to deliver an excellent service for our existing markets. Europa has gone on the journey with us, making them a trusted and reliable partner and an extension of our business. The good service levels they provide, keep the business moving forward on a positive footing.”

Stewart Lawson, Europa Road Branch Manager for Glasgow, who was on the initial pitch team, comments: “We’ve worked together for over 14 years now, so it’s a really strong relationship and most importantly, we understand their business and its needs. As our client, Andrew knows we will not only be competitive on price but also honest, reliable and responsive should any issues arise. If anything, Andrew has become more of a friend than a client, and we strive to achieve this with all of our customers.”

Dionne Redpath, Director for Europa Road, comments: “This is an example of excellent customer service from the Europa Road team, and I feel proud that we have been able to continue to deliver for Walkers – working with them to resolve any issues whilst continuing to beat our competitors on price, speed and efficiency. It’s also a shining example of why having a Road branch network of offices all over the UK is so important – we have the knowledge in all of these areas, which enables to advise our local clients on what they need, so they can get the best service. We hope this long standing relationship continues to grow and flourish.”

Andrew adds: “One thing I would note is how remarkable Europa has acted on the issues surrounding Brexit. The contingency planning and infrastructure that’s been put in place demonstrates the company’s forward thinking attitude. Whatever the outcome, Europa has given me the confidence to continue working with them through any logistical challenges that may arise.”

Europa Worldwide Group is a specialist road, air & sea, warehouse and showfreight operator employing more than 900 people across 16 sites in the UK, as well as Hong Kong, Czech Republic and Belgium, and with representation in 100 countries.

Europa Road

About the Author: John Loughran