Last week, Andreea Manaila and Katya Kalinina, sales executives at BeFlexi, attended Multimodal in Birmingham, UK. Here, they share their views.

 

What is Multimodal?

The Multimodal event is the most important logistics exhibition in the UK and Ireland, and this year alone it attracted over 9,000 visitors. We found that approximately half of the audience were local freight forwarders, shipping lines and container professionals; the other half were providers of logistics services (warehousing, customs formalities, IT solutions, technical equipment, etc.). The vast majority were local with only a few overseas companies present.

 

Why is it important?

This was the first time BeFlexi participated as an exhibitor, and of course, it was our first time there too! The UK is the fifth largest national economy in the world and is the second largest national economy in Europe (measured by GDP and PPP). As a company, we have ambitious growth targets and are striving to reach new frontiers all the time. The UK is an interesting market and the exhibition allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of it and uncover any new business opportunities.

 

What are the trends in the UK logistics market?

We found that, like much of North and West Europe, many companies are open to hearing about and exploring innovations and new technologies. However, with those who are already operating with flexitanks, they are a bit more traditional when it comes to flexitank providers, preferring to work with local businesses.

 

What were the highlights?

The UK is a new market for us so we wanted to talk to as many people as possible to find out more about their business and challenges they face. Whilst people were very open to discussing the commodities that they currently ship, the volumes and destinations, we found that relatively few actually knew about flexitank technology and the advantages it can bring them. It was therefore a fantastic opportunity for us to present them with this innovative solution. We were able to uncover some potential flows that could be switched to shipments via flexitanks.

The presence of our local SGS associates, Shaun Daly (Global Operational Focal Point – Chemicals) and Robin Lloyd (London International Sales Manager), helped to bolster the message that we can provide safe, secure and efficient flexitank services around the world. Whether you’re a cargo owner, trader or freight forwarding company, with 2,000 locations worldwide covered and our extensive experience and network, you’re in safe and reliable hands.

When the exhibition wrapped up, we took advantage of our time in the UK to visit the SGS Oil Gas & Chemicals International Sales Hub in London to further discuss our partnership and new business opportunities.

 

What’s next?

We’re already beginning our follow up with the companies we met and are continuing to research the market more closely with the hopes of starting operations there this year! Stay tuned.

Connect with Andreea and Katya on LinkedIn.