Tigers pounces on Brexit logistics opportunity

Hong Kong-based forwarder Tigers Global Logistics has gained Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certification in the UK as part of a raft of measures to counter any disruption caused by the country leaving the European Union (EU) in 2019.
It has also opened a new office in Leeds. With AEO in place, it says that its customers will benefit from fewer inspections and checks, along with simplified documentation.
London-based regional managing director, Europe, Shahar Ayash, said: “The AEO certification is internationally recognised, including key markets such as China, India, Japan, and the US, inspiring even greater confidence in businesses worldwide to work with Tigers.”
He added that global brands entering the European market will be able to take advantage of both Tigers’ growing global footprint, and its SmartHub Connect web portal, which offers a ‘virtual warehouse’.
Tigers’ post-Brexit solution creates a virtual single logistics facility, physically placing products across the UK and EU, whilst offering full visibility, inventory control and a single IT system, tariff and currency billing.
Shahar Ayash explained: “The virtual warehouse means that, while goods may be physically located between the EU and the UK, they will simply appear to be located on different shelves in our system.
“We know how challenging it is to deal with change, but we truly believe that the responsible approach is to be proactive to minimise disruptions that may arise from Brexit.”
Tigers also offers full or limited fiscal representation to foreign companies wishing to set up new entities in the EU, the UK, or both, should they need it.
Ayash added: “Our IT solution for the post-Brexit situation will not only eliminate the risk of the tax and Customs implications created by this new situation, but will also allow for shorter transit times for last mile deliveries, being closer to the end consumer and yielding reduced overall costs.”
The new office in Leeds is the group’s seventh in the UK and brings the total number of Tigers offices in Europe to 13 including Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Ayash added: “The new office in Leeds allows us to combine our expertise in the China and Asia-Pacific markets with the local presence necessary to support brands in the largest regional economy outside of London.”
Operations manager for Tigers Leeds, Natalie Ryan, added: “The opening of the new Leeds office provides an excellent opportunity, not only for Tigers, but also for our current and future partners in the North."