Member Article

Nicholson Group launches niche logistics firm

TEESSIDE-based Nicholson Group has launched a new niche transport and logistics company targeted at e-commerce and online traders.

Burnside Distribution will provide warehousing and a pick and pack distribution service for companies that do not have their own fulfilment facilities.

The firm has created 15 new jobs at its facility in Billingham, including three drivers, with clients including high end bathroom and furniture companies, sportswear brands and machinery part manufacturers.

Nicholson Group launched Burnside with a view to best utilising its 55,000 sq ft warehouse as part of a wider strategy to diversify its logistics offer.

Group managing director David Nicholson said: “Burnside Distribution allows us to concentrate on customers who want their distribution done properly and with an emphasis on service and care.

“Many of these are digital business who need the confidence of a full warehousing, fulfilment and distribution service. This model, where essentially we become a customer focused fulfilment centre, allows us to offer much higher service levels with greater control over that relationship.

“The Nicholson Group has operated within this sector for more than 30 years and we can now pass that expertise on to our customers directly rather than being tied to the national distribution hubs.”

Although the Nicholson Group comprises a portfolio of businesses within the logistics and warehousing sector, it has diversified in an effort to spread its interests beyond transport. Caravan and container storage firm Box Clever will soon expand to a third site while lorry-mounted crane operation Nicholson Hi-ab is performing well on the back of growth within the construction sector.

Bespoke furniture importer J N Rusticus has enjoyed its busiest year to date providing rustic furniture to bars, restaurants and homeowners, while Burnside Wood Pellets is gearing up for its first full winter supplying to homes across the country. A new property management and investment business is expected to launch in the coming months. Mr Nicholson has predicted quick growth for Burnside Distribution and is now looking to expand its warehouse to meet demand.

He added: “We want to build Burnside Distribution as the go to place for this kind of operation, providing a quality service for high growth e-commerce businesses who can no longer manage warehousing and distribution on their own.

“The ethos with the Nicholson Group is always to allow our firms to prosper under their own management teams and I am pleased that Burnside Distribution has quickly and efficiently established itself in this niche market.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonathan Ward .