Prioritise proximity to key motorways and ports, WMS and API integration, slotting and pick productivity, and cross‑dock capabilities. Assess peak labour scalability, handling for returns and reverse logistics, and carrier connectivity for next‑day and economy services.

A northern base reduces transit times to Scotland and the North, lowering last‑mile costs and enabling faster SLA windows for northern customers. Proximity to Port of Tyne and regional carriers can reduce road miles for import consolidation and short sea transits to northern Europe.

Look for robust WMS with API, real‑time inventory, batch and lot control, barcode scanning, and options for automation (ASRS, conveyors) to increase throughput. Confirm EDI/API connectivity to marketplaces, carrier integrations, and reporting for labour and order metrics.

Negotiate transparent fee schedules for storage, receiving, picking and returns. Include volume banded pricing, service level credits, short notice scalability clauses, and exit/transition terms. Validate invoicing detail and chargeback handling to avoid unexpected variable costs.

Evaluate existing carrier contracts, scheduled linehaul frequencies, and pallet networks serving regional depots. Test typical lead times and costs for your SKU mix and lanes. Consider consolidation services, container unpack options, and inbound appointment systems to streamline flows.