Global’s Eastern growth

Apr 7 2008 By Jez Davison, Evening Gazette

A HUSBAND and wife team has revealed plans to fast-track expansion of its Teesport logistics firm by opening new warehousing in the south of England and Hong Kong by the end of 2009.

Gary Smith and Clare Saddington-Smith, who founded Global Transport Logistics (GTL) in May 2006 and are already on course to hit £3.5m turnover this year, said the facilities would help to secure extra business from burgeoning Asian markets and retail and wholesale clients who require speedy distribution to the south of England.

Mr Smith said: “Effectively, we are a one-stop shop that is responsible for all aspects of the logistics process, including freight forwarding, container transport, distribution, and customs clearances. Around 85% of our business comes from Asia and having a presence there will give us greater control over our management of projects.”

The firm’s chances of winning new business from the Far East improved dramatically with the recent approval of a £300m deep sea container terminal at Teesport, which means goods can be shipped directly to the region rather than via Rotterdam or Antwerp.

Mr Smith welcomed the news but said it should have happened “30 years ago”. He said: “As a region, we have only recently started marketing Teesport as the northern gateway to the UK. Around 54% of containers into Felixstowe are now coming here, and this will increase .”