Prioritise throughput capacity (orders/hour), SKU density and slotting flexibility, WMS functionality and integrations (API/EDI), SLA guarantees for pick/pack/dispatch, error rates, returns processing, and peak labour scalability. Also verify performance reporting, onboarding timelines, and value‑added services such as kitting, labelling, and temperature control if required.

A central Midlands location shortens average driving distances to major conurbations and enables more efficient trunking routes, often reducing transit days to multi‑region UK customers versus southeast consolidation. Combined with close carrier hubs, this can lower last‑mile and pallet freight costs through shorter lanes and improved carrier negotiating leverage.

Confirm direct parcel carrier integrations (multiple carriers), daily pallet collections, express/next‑day lanes, local trunking partners, and access to rail or port freight where applicable. Also check cut‑off times, carrier reporting, multi‑carrier shipping capability and the 3PL’s contingency planning for disruptions.

Sites in the Midlands generally offer lower land and unit rent, and more favourable labour cost structures than southeast hubs, which reduces fixed warehousing expense and allows larger square footage for the same budget. Factor in distribution savings from reduced inland mileage to balance overall landed fulfilment cost.

Require an enterprise WMS with real‑time inventory APIs, OMS connectivity, multi‑carrier shipping, barcode scanning and cycle count processes. Service-level needs include pick accuracy guarantees, configurable SLAs for channel prioritisation, support for returns workflows, and transparent reporting dashboards for inventory and order KPIs.