Prioritize transit time to key customer zones, proximity to port and motorway links, warehouse slotting and throughput capacity, labour flexibility for peaks, and carrier connectivity for last‑mile execution. Equally important: WMS/OMS integration, returns processing, and transparent SLA and cost-to-serve reporting.

Property and labour costs in East London are generally lower than central London but higher than outer regional markets. That balance often yields larger usable footprints with access to urban carriers and readily available shift labour—good for balancing real estate expense against shorter delivery windows and urban fulfilment needs.

East London benefits from direct access to the Port of London and efficient feeder routes to the M25/M11, reducing inland transit for imports. The dense network of parcel carriers and local couriers supports same‑day and next‑day urban deliveries and simplified handoffs for cross‑dock or last‑mile consolidation models.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory, EDI/API connectivity to your OMS and carriers, automated ASN and scan‑based receipts, a returns portal with KPI tracking, and reporting dashboards. Also confirm SLA metrics, audit trails, and capabilities for kitting, QC, and customs/document handling where applicable.