Prioritise transit times to your primary customer base, carrier and port connectivity, WMS and API integration, SLA and reporting capabilities, scalability for peak demand, breadth of value‑added services (kitting, returns, custom packaging), and transparent cost structures for storage, pick/pack and inbound handling.

Proximity to major corridors (M4/M5) and Bristol freight gateways reduces transit distances to large swathes of the UK, lowering parcel zone charges and enabling faster lead times. Locating inventory regionally can eliminate multi‑hop moves and support more consistent next‑day services to densified postcode clusters.

Require a modern WMS with real‑time inventory and APIs for OMS/ecommerce platforms, barcode/RF scanning and cycle counting, configurable pick/pack workflows, a returns portal and reverse logistics process, and clear SLA dashboards for order and inventory performance.

Model total landed cost including per‑m2 storage, pick/pack and handling fees, inbound haulage to suppliers or ports, carrier zone impacts, and any service premiums for faster SLAs. Industrial rents and some labour costs may be lower than larger metros, but factor accessorials and speed requirements into the comparison.