A Lancashire company that provides small e-commerce retail businesses with next day and international delivery options has reported a yearly turnover of £13million.

International fulfilment services provider fulfilmentcrowd reported a 71 per cent growth in revenues for year-ending March 31 2021, despite global supply chain disruption.

During the same period, the Chorley-headquartered company grew its customer base from 300 to 500 SME e-commerce retail businesses and expanded its operations in the EU and US.

The company’s US-based distribution centres in Los Angeles and Virginia are now processing 1,200 orders every week for a fast-growing base of British-based exporters.

The company also strengthened its presence in the EU, opening its third centre in Europe, which supported 264 per cent growth in revenues generated by exports to the continent.

Managing director at fulfilmentcrowd, Lee Thompson, said: “Growth is being driven by our unique ability to meet the demands of the fast-growing number of SME eCommerce retailers.

"Online shopping is growing at a phenomenal pace and smaller retail businesses want to increasingly focus energy on selling products, rather than spending time packing and sending them to customers.

Lancashire Telegraph: Lee Thompson, managing director, fulfilmentcrowd.

“SME retailers are keen to outsource this part of their business but often find it cost-prohibitive and complex.

"They are also sometimes cautious they might end-up with a one-size-fits-all fulfilment solution, which doesn’t necessarily suit their size of operation.

“Our straightforward customer-focused offer of no minimum volumes and no lengthy agreements, backed-up by ‘plug and play’ tech, is really resonating with small and medium-sized eCommerce retailers.”

In March 2021, fulfilmentcrowd closed its financial year with a £7.5million investment from growth capital investor BGF.

This is supporting fulfilmentcrowd’s international expansion and continued investment in its cloud-based customer platform.

Over the next 12 months, the business will also create 12 new highly-skilled technical and customer service roles to support its customer platform.

Fulfilmentcrowd is now finalising the development of its second-generation customer app, which supports retailers in improving stock management amidst global supply chain disruption.

Mr Thompson continued: “The sector is undoubtedly facing a number of challenges, ranging from record shipping prices to driver shortages.

"Investing in tech and software is a key part of the solution for addressing these difficulties, as it can provide streams of data that help improve stock inventory forecasting and generate efficiencies.

"This will help protect the success of our customers during times of uncertainty and, in turn, help support our continued growth.

“We realise that owners and senior leaders of SME retailers live and breathe the running of their companies.

“They want to know the status of customer orders in real-time and to ensure products are on track and on time.

"This becomes even more important when they’re selling products internationally.

“The new app embraces this level of visibility and real-time tracking, meaning companies can quickly access data that enhances customer service.

"It really helps smaller businesses maintain the personal service that sets them apart.

"The SME part of UK retail is extremely entrepreneurial and agile and has huge long-term growth potential.

"Consumers are keen to support boutiques and independents, and champion innovative start-ups.

"By providing these businesses with next day and international delivery options they can afford, fufilmentcrowd is well positioned to help SME retailers compete with big businesses and sustain growth in a rapidly rising market."