Brexit: The Ripple Effect on Warehousing and E-commerce

Learn from our clients' success stories and stay proactive in a post-Brexit world.

April 18, 2023

Brexit warehousing manager

Brexit has shaken up the world of e-commerce fulfilment and warehousing in a big way. In this article, we’ll explore how Brexit has impacted the logistics industry and share some insider tips on how businesses can adapt and stay ahead.

brexit warehouse chess game

Brexit: The Game Changer

Brexit has undoubtedly stirred the pot for trade between the UK and the EU, with businesses bearing the brunt of its impact. In fact, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, trade with the EU fell by 23.1% in January 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. Navigating the new customs rules, tariffs, and taxes has created a labyrinth of red tape that companies must traverse to maintain smooth operations. And we haven’t even touched on the additional expenses and headaches that accompany these changes! Businesses are now tasked with finding ways to stay afloat in this post-Brexit environment.

Feeling the Squeeze

Brexit has certainly shaken things up for the warehousing and e-commerce fulfilment sector, and boy, have we heard about it! Our clients have been sharing their ups and downs as they navigate the new world of customs processes, tariffs, and taxes. These new hurdles have bitten into their profits and made it tougher for UK businesses to stay on par with their European rivals.

Slowing Down

Brexit has also put a dent in the efficiency of the e-commerce fulfilment sector. Those new customs procedures have added extra delivery time between the UK and the EU, causing supply chain hiccups and hold-ups left and right. No one wants to be the one telling customers their packages are delayed because we all know that can lead to lost sales and a dinged reputation. Ouch!

Finding Solutions

Despite the Brexit obstacles, businesses always have room to bounce back, and our clients’ experiences prove just that. Here’s what they’ve discovered:

  1. Building Strong Ties with Customs Brokers: Our clients have found that collaborating with customs-process experts can significantly help businesses reduce extra costs and delays. These experts facilitate smoother transactions and provide valuable insights for navigating the complexities of Brexit.
  2. Harness the Power of Technology: Automation is a game-changer. Many of our clients have invested in software that manages the flow of goods between the UK and the EU, along with real-time shipment tracking systems. This not only saves time but also ensures cost-effective operations. Embracing technology has allowed them to stay ahead of the curve and adapt quickly to the changing landscape.
  3. Exploring Alternative Logistics Providers: Some clients have considered alternative logistics providers like sea or air freight, which can be more flexible and cost-effective than traditional road or rail freight. Since these alternatives are less likely to be affected by Brexit-related changes, they offer a more reliable solution in these uncertain times.

Looking Ahead

Brexit has undoubtedly disrupted the warehousing and e-commerce fulfilment sector, increasing costs and reducing efficiency. However, our client’s success stories show that businesses can overcome these challenges by forging partnerships with customs brokers, investing in cutting-edge technology, and considering alternative logistics providers. By doing so, they can continue to thrive in a competitive market and confidently navigate the post-Brexit landscape.

The Role of WMS Technology in the Brexit Era

So, Brexit has thrown a curveball at the warehousing and e-commerce fulfilment scene, huh? Fear not, because innovative solutions like Clarus WMS and other warehouse management systems (WMS) have your back. They’re here to help businesses like yours overcome hurdles and stay in the game.

Now, let’s talk about Clarus WMS specifically. It’s a one-stop shop for warehouse management, with excellent features like inventory control, order management, and real-time reporting. By using a system like this, businesses can smooth out their operations and tackle the extra costs and efficiency hiccups caused by new customs processes, tariffs, and taxes. Plus, having better visibility and control over inventory means staying on the right side of changing regulations and dodging potential penalties.

What’s more, WMS tech can help businesses make intelligent, data-driven decisions to fine-tune their logistics processes. With advanced analytics from systems like Clarus WMS, companies can spot bottlenecks, predict demand, and manage resources like a boss. This kind of info is gold for adapting to the ever-changing post-Brexit world and staying one step ahead of any supply chain snags.

Don’t let Brexit challenges hold your business back! Embrace the power of Clarus WMS and other warehouse management systems to streamline your operations and stay competitive. Book a demo today and discover how our cutting-edge solutions can help you overcome the hurdles and thrive in this new era. Secure your spot now by clicking here and taking the first step towards optimising your warehousing and e-commerce fulfilment!

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