Assess coverage (local delivery density vs regional reach), inventory segmentation (reserve vs fast-moving), integration with your order management system, pick/pack SLAs, returns processing, and carrier options for same-day/next-day delivery. Prioritise providers with transparent KPIs and scalable labour plans.

Look for bonded storage, customs brokerage, EDI with HMRC, temperature-controlled zones if needed, secure racking, and segregation for duty-paid vs duty-unpaid inventory. Verify documentation workflows and lead times for import clearance to avoid demurrage.

Key drivers include real estate rent, labour rates, inbound freight, last-mile carrier fees, and inventory holding. Optimise by balancing proximity to customers with unit economics, consolidating SKUs, increasing cube utilisation, and negotiating carrier tiers based on volume commitments.

Require real-time inventory feeds, API order exchange, weekly SLA reports, pick/pack accuracy, on-time shipment rate, return processing time, and incident response SLAs. Confirm WMS/WCS compatibility and a clear roadmap for automation or EDI improvements.

Proximity to major roads (M25, A-roads), distribution hubs, and parcel carrier depots reduces transit time and cost for high-density delivery zones. Urban sites enable shorter last-mile runs but may have higher rent; regional edge locations can offer lower rent with marginally longer lead times.