Family-owned and run Southampton Freight Services (SFS) has taken its next step for future growth with the acquisition of international courier business EXPD International Ltd.
Based in Totton, Southampton, UK since it was first established 25 years ago, SFS Ltd employs over 50 people. This latest move in a series of investments and initiatives in the last year, which has seen the business mark its 25th anniversary, is set to enhance and expand the company’s range of global freight forwarding and logistics services.
SFS Managing Director, Ross Negus said, “This acquisition is wonderful news for all our customers and employees, and we’re delighted to welcome the EXPD team to our work family. It means we’re adding yet more expertise to our portfolio of global logistics services, with an even wider range of courier products, expanding the choice for customers of both businesses. It’s a perfect cultural fit.
“We’re extremely proud of our reputation and the entire SFS family shares the same commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service with that all-important personal touch. The proof is our long-term relationships of 20-plus years with many of our customers, suppliers, and our employees.”
EXPD has been in operation for over 20 years and its former managing director Steve James will remain with the business in a consultancy capacity. Steve said, “By joining a bigger group, this is a really positive move that brings together complementary strengths and expertise. SFS has a well-deserved reputation for personal service and attention to detail and we see this as an obvious match of cultures that secures a bright future for everyone involved.”
The acquisition brings a range of additional services for customers of both businesses including: · Access to an established global network of partner offices. · A wider and more flexible range of UK and international courier services. · 27,000 square ft. of fully racked and bonded warehouses for pick/pack operations. · In-house completion of all HMRC/Customs work, operating a Transit Waiver Guarantee. · Full accreditation for dangerous goods handling. · SFS is an IATA-accredited airfreight agent. For imports, SFS operates an External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF) for air and ocean. · CAA Approved Regulated Agent. · A global network of dedicated marine-focused partner offices means efficient last mile delivery for world-leading industry names.
The ongoing programme of investment at the SFS purpose-designed facility has seen over £200,000 invested in new technologies and the latest equipment to continue to improve the global movement of cargo over the last 12 months.
