Prioritize carrier connectivity, dock and yard capacity, IT integration (WMS/OMS/APIs), SLA performance for pick/pack/ship, scalability for SKU growth, and proximity to key highways and customer clusters to minimize transit costs and delivery windows.

Strong motorway access and carrier density reduce last‑mile miles and enable multiple depot options. Faster trunk haul from national hubs and local carrier choices improve cutoff times, support next‑day windows, and lower freight spend.

Expect lower rents and land costs versus London, but factor in distribution labor rates, multi‑modal handling fees, and potential investment in automation. Savings often come from reduced transit premiums and improved delivery density.

Require dedicated returns processing areas, cross‑dock lanes, flexible labor models, WMS workflows for RMA, seasonal scalability clauses, and clear KPIs for throughput, accuracy, and dwell times.

Request demonstrations of their WMS, API endpoints, EDI support, real‑time inventory synchronization, reporting dashboards, and sample integration timelines. Validate prior integrations with marketplaces and major carriers.