The Cool Chain Group has opened UK subsidiary CCG Logistics (UK) Ltd with some of the best-known names in the UK perishables trade. Headed up by md Dave McLean and operational director Lloyd Gibson, the 22 staff members have almost 400 years of experience in the trade between them.

CCG Logistics (UK) operates from a 1,000sqm site near the main cargo area of Heathrow airport, with three separate temperature-controlled chambers giving a total capacity of 170 pallets, with further storage space in the temperature-controlled work area. “We have experienced a level of business since the inception of the company this autumn that clearly demonstrates the personal relationships we have nurtured over the years, along with our high service levels and competitively priced structures. We have exhibited to our customers our desire and determination to be the best at what we do,” said McLean.

The company runs its air and sea operations from one office, and prioritises reporting structures while working closely not just with its carriers, clients and producers, but also Defra, HMRC and horticultural research bodies in Florida and Stellenbosch, for example. McLean has found that passing on CCG’s own expertise is proving very beneficial to its customer base. “We hold workshops offering our knowledge on customs procedures, duty regimes and terms of sale,” he said, “not only in the UK, but also at country of origin. All of this is vitally important for our customers and their suppliers and growers to understand the importance of this aspect of the perishables business.”

Although CCG Logistics (UK) already offers full air and seafreight logistical services, including customs clearance and Defra applications at all major UK ports and airports, as well as re-packing and order picking from Europe, it is looking to enhance operations in the New Year.

“We have a sister company in Germany called Rungis Express, which procures and supplies food products to top-range restaurants and hotels,” said McLean. “CCG has 400 staff and 16 offices worldwide, but further global expansion is underway …we want to work with our customers on making CCG the benchmark in perishable logistics.”

Topics