Barloworld Logistics, a leading provider of logistics and supply chain management solutions, is expanding its specialised logistics solutions targeting the retail sector.

The company is anticipating a surge in demand driven by the positive growth outlook of the GCC retail industry, which is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3 per cent from 2010 to 2015, a statement said.

The company further revealed that it will focus on providing integrated logistics solutions from supply chain strategy, design and modelling, demand forecasting, inventory optimisation, freight forwarding and clearing to transportation management, warehousing and distribution which are some of the main components of the retail logistics mix.

The UAE serves as a key element in Barloworld’s growth plans in the GCC as recent studies indicate that the UAE has leapfrogged to the top tier of the global rankings of prime retail destinations, having the second highest number of international retailers operating in the local market.

Moreover, the UAE’s retail industry is expected to sustain a CAGR of more than 3 per cent from 2012 to 2015, underpinned by a growing economy, rising purchasing power and strong consumer confidence.

Frank Courtney, Barloworld Logistics chief executive for EMEA region, said: “The GCC is fast emerging as one of the biggest growth markets for the world’s leading brands, opening a window of opportunity for the region’s retail industry to grow and expand.”

“On the other hand, this positive trend will create new challenges in terms of managing the logistics mix in an integrated retail supply chain. Moreover, retailers are increasingly looking for specialised logistics solutions that give them greater leverage to control, organise and manage the supply chain from production to consumption.

“Barloworld Logistics is strongly positioned to cater to this demand as we have extensive experience dealing with high-profile clients that look to us to help make their large and complex supply chains more efficient, effective and competitive,” he added.

“Barloworld Logistics is one of the few companies with the full set of competencies required to analyse, design, implement, manage and operate any element in the supply chain or to integrate them and manage the supply chain itself,” Courtney continued.

“We believe this is a key attribute that enables us to help retailers in the region boost their productivity and profitability by optimising their value chain networks. Ultimately, our smart solutions work to great effect because we work with our clients to align their supply chain strategy to their business strategy ensuring the right operations, resources and capabilities are in place to implement their strategy and realise their goals.”

A recent industry-wide study conducted by Barloworld Logistics revealed that most companies in the GCC region are aiming to extract more revenue from the existing markets.

This implies that there are many untapped opportunities in the GCC region, Courtney noted, adding these companies are equally challenged by fierce competition and volatile market conditions. – TradeArabia News Service