Menzies inks deal to boost online parcels business

Logistics group John Menzies is making further inroads into the online parcels arena through a tie-up with e-commerce delivery specialist B2C Europe.

Menzies is seeking to grow its presence in the online parcel delivery market

Under the deal, the Edinburgh-based firm’s drivers will collect packaged orders destined for export from B2C Europe’s retail customers and deliver them to processing centres in the UK.

The move follows the announcement in September of a similar tie-up with fellow delivery outfit wnDirect.

Forsyth Black, managing director of Menzies Distribution, said: “The deal with B2C Europe is another important step in our continued expansion within the UK’s e-commerce market.

“With an unrivalled knowledge of the UK’s delivery routes and a network of more than 1,900 vehicles, Menzies will provide B2C Europe with the perfect partner to expand their capability, allowing them to recruit retailers from a much wider area than currently.”

B2C Europe has operations and offices in ten countries, and its UK operation specialises in processing mixed mail and parcels.

Stuart Rivett, managing director of the firm’s UK arm, said: “Given consumers’ increasing demands and high expectations when it comes to delivery, it is important that carriers start working together in order to meet these challenges and alleviate pressures.

“The deal with Menzies will not only provide our logistics services with more choice and greater flexibility, but also helps us at B2C Europe to widen our customer reach within the UK market.”

In June, Menzies bought Inverness-based AJG Parcels – the biggest parcels delivery firm in the Highlands – for £7.5 million. The group said its 1,900-vehicle distribution arm traditionally delivers newspapers and magazines overnight on behalf of print media publishers, and the deal would enable it to “unlock the potential of the business in daylight hours”.