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Exciting updates in Metro technology: What’s coming in 2025

Jan 23, 2025 | , ,

At Metro, we’re continuously working to improve the tools and technology that support your supply chain operations.

Over the past year, we made significant updates to our platforms, including MVT, our proprietary supply chain management platform, and CuDoS, our automated customs brokerage tool powered by machine learning and AI.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re introducing new applications and enhancing existing ones to help you better manage your processes, gain deeper insights, and streamline operations.

New Applications Launching in 2025
We’re excited to announce the development of several new applications designed to make your supply chain operations more efficient and transparent:

– Invoicing Application
– Shipment Booking Application
– Digital Customer Tariff Application
– Reporting & Analytics Application
– Online Quoting Application

Invoicing Application
Managing invoices and accounts receivable shouldn’t be a burden. That’s why we’re introducing an Invoicing Application to simplify these processes for both Metro and our customers.

Key Features:
– On-demand access to digital invoices and credit notes
– Real-time tracking of invoice status (paid, outstanding, or overdue)
– Dashboards offering spend insights by period and currency

Next Steps:
We’ll begin BETA testing in February, with a full rollout planned by the end of Q1. This application is designed to make invoicing easier and give you greater visibility into your financial interactions with us.

Enhancements to Existing Tools
In addition to launching new applications, we’re committed to improving the tools you already use, such as Track and Trace, CuDoS, and DCM. We’ve adopted a more agile approach to product updates, ensuring frequent releases that bring:

– New functionality based on customer feedback
– Improved user interfaces for a more intuitive experience
– Compatibility and accessibility enhancements

You’ll notice these updates rolling out throughout the year, making the tools you rely on even more effective and user-friendly.

Redesigned Purchase Order Management
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is the launch of our redesigned Purchase Order Management Application. This upgrade is tailored to the unique needs of each customer, offering features that simplify and enhance your supply chain processes.

We’re coordinating the migration of over 700 suppliers and thousands of users across 25+ countries to the new platform. To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll provide training and support every step of the way.

Supporting Your Supply Chain Success
These updates reflect our commitment to building technology solutions that provide you with the visibility and control you need to manage your supply chain efficiently. Whether it’s through new applications, regular enhancements to existing tools, or tailored solutions, we’re here to support your business goals.

Want to learn more about MVT, CuDoS, or how our technology can help your operations? Have suggestions for how we can better meet your needs?

Email Ian Powell to start a conversation.

Visit Metro’s Website for more details and updates as we continue to enhance our platform to serve you better.

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Investing in the team: Our people development strategy for 2025

Jan 8, 2025 | ,

At Metro, we believe that investing in our people is essential to driving success, innovation, and engagement across the organisation. 

The aim of this initiative is to continue to grow capable, creative and expert people within the organisation that will benefit our customers through a consultative and proactive approach. We will continue to lead the market and have the latest innovation to ensure that you achieve your own goals.

As part of our People Development strategy for 2025, we are introducing three key initiatives designed to empower our employees, foster growth, and align individual contributions with our strategic objectives.

Performance management
This year, we are rolling out a new performance management system designed to provide clarity, transparency, and alignment for every employee. For the first time, every team member will have clearly defined goals that connect directly to the company’s strategic objectives. This ensures that everyone understands their role in driving Metro’s success while highlighting how their individual efforts make a difference.

The platform will celebrate achievements, recognise contributions, and identify areas for development, offering a balanced and supportive approach to performance management. Managers will also have the tools to set personalised goals tailored to individual strengths and team needs, creating a culture of continuous improvement.

This system will launch across the UK this month and expand to our India operations later in Q1, laying the foundation for greater accountability, motivation, and engagement company-wide.

Mentoring
In late 2024, we introduced a new mentoring programme, and the initial results have been overwhelmingly positive. Thirteen mentoring partnerships are already underway, fostering meaningful connections between senior professionals and talent across the business.

Mentoring is a powerful tool for growth, offering employees the chance to learn from experienced colleagues while gaining insights into the wider industry, career progression, and personal development. This programme not only enhances individual capabilities but also promotes networking, collaboration, and cross-functional learning.

As we move through 2025, the programme is set to expand, with more employees applying to join mentoring partnerships. We are excited to see this initiative continue to grow and positively impact both individuals and the organisation.

Learning management system
To further support the development of our workforce, we are launching a new Learning Management System (LMS) accessible to all staff. This flexible, on-demand platform will provide employees with the resources they need to enhance their skills, knowledge, and performance.

The LMS will include:
Internal content: Videos introducing specific areas of the business to broaden organisational understanding.
External content: Sessions on personal development skills, such as assertiveness, time management, and communication.
Management training: Targeted resources to support leadership development.
Expanding library: A growing repository of industry, technical, and personal skill topics updated throughout the year.

Employees can access this content anytime, anywhere, enabling them to fit learning into their schedules and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Building a stronger future together

Our People Development strategy for 2025 is designed to empower every individual to reach their full potential while driving the success of Metro as a whole.

By aligning personal growth with organisational goals, promoting mentorship, and offering flexible learning opportunities, we are building a future-ready workforce equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Through performance management, mentoring, and LMS, we are not just investing in our team—we are investing in our future.

If you, or someone you know, would like to work with a progressive colleague-focused business, please EMAIL Paul Moss a CV, with covering letter.

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Road freight market update and Metro review

Dec 10, 2024 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The road freight market in the UK and Europe is grappling with structural cost challenges, evolving regulations, and capacity constraints, while Metro’s road freight division continues to expand, delivering innovative solutions and outperforming market trends.

In the UK and Europe, road freight rates have remained under pressure due to structural cost drivers. The market stabilised in Q3 as softer short-term demand provided some relief. However, higher costs associated with fuel, tyres, insurance, and maintenance are sustaining elevated freight prices.

New truck registrations in Europe have fallen by 7.5% year-to-date, limiting capacity growth. As a result, many carriers are extending vehicle lifespans, with the average truck age now at 14.2 years. This decline in fleet renewal, combined with new EU regulations banning non-compliant rubber imports by year-end, has further tightened capacity and increased costs.

The TEG Road Transport Index showed a slight month-on-month decline but remains 4.4 points higher than the same period last year. Similarly, the haulage price index rose marginally in November but has seen a 10.4-point increase year-on-year.

Consumer demand around Black Friday offered a brief boost to the sector, with UK retail destinations seeing an 11% rise in footfall compared to the previous Friday. However, this temporary spike is unlikely to offset the ongoing challenges posed by inflationary pressures and volatile diesel prices, which continue to drive rates higher.

Metro’s road freight performance
Metro has made significant strides in its road freight division, upgrading its groupage services to France and Germany to deliver greater speed, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. These enhanced services ensure regular, reliable departures and seamless distribution throughout key regions.

France: Metro’s groupage services remain a standout feature, offering efficient, dependable shipping across the country.

Germany: Metro has expanded its presence, particularly in the Ruhr area, a vital industrial hub. Frequent departures ensure swift distribution through a trusted partner network.

Metro’s commitment to excellence extends beyond speed and cost. By prioritising communication, reliability, and trust, the company has built a reputation for hassle-free European shipping. Features such as GPS-tracked vehicles, dedicated routes, and door-to-door solutions ensure customers benefit from transparency and timely updates throughout the process.

Metro’s growth and outlook for 2025
The road freight division has seen exceptional growth, outpacing the market. While many competitors have experienced flat volumes, Metro has achieved over 50% year-on-year expansion, with a 60% increase in team size in the last year alone. The division is projected to grow by a further third in 2025, targeting an additional 40% volume increase.

Key priorities for 2025 include:
New groupage services: Recently launched lanes to the Netherlands, Poland, and Iberia are expected to play a significant role in Metro’s growth strategy.

French and German services: Continued development of these high-demand routes will remain a focus, with plans to enhance service frequency and efficiency.

Pan-European LTL and FTL services: The bulk of Metro’s volume is expected to come from its less-than-truckload (LTL) and full-truckload (FTL) offerings, supporting both inbound and outbound trade across Europe.

The road freight market faces continued pressure from rising costs and capacity constraints, but Metro’s proactive approach and investment in innovative solutions position it as a leader in the sector. By prioritising customer satisfaction and expanding its services, Metro is set to maintain its strong growth trajectory in 2025, even as the broader market navigates challenging conditions.

To explore the potential and benefits of our road freight services EMAIL Richard Gibbs to begin a conversation.

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Metro enters UK publishing industry with seasoned expertise

Nov 25, 2024 | ,

Metro has announced its entry into the UK publishing industry, a sector that has experienced robust growth and significant challenges in recent years.

Supported by senior publishing logistics executive, Declan Fallon, with over 40 years of experience, Metro aims to bring its advanced logistics solutions to an industry valued at over £7 billion in 2023.

A thriving industry with unique needs
The UK publishing industry is a cornerstone of the economy, recording a record revenue of £7.1 billion in 2023. This marked a 3% increase from the previous year, driven by growth in consumer and academic publishing. Consumer publishing revenue reached £2.4 billion, while academic publishing grew to £3.6 billion, fuelled by a rise in export market revenue.

However, the sector faces challenges, including Brexit-induced costs, inflationary pressures, and supply chain complexities. These issues have highlighted the need for resilient logistics solutions tailored to the publishing sector’s unique demands.

Metro’s specialised publishing solutions
Metro is uniquely positioned to address these challenges with its comprehensive suite of logistics services and Declan’s decades of experience in handling books and print.

– End-to-end supply chain management: From import and export management to last-mile delivery, Metro ensures seamless operations.

– Customs clearance and compliance: Expertise in navigating complex regulations for smooth international trade.

– Advanced warehousing solutions: Integrated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) provide real-time tracking and efficient order fulfilment.

– Sustainability initiatives: Carbon-neutral shipping options and sustainable packaging align with the publishing industry’s growing focus on environmental responsibility.

Leveraging technology for resilience
Metro’s cutting-edge technology platforms, such as the MVT ECO system, offer data-driven insights into supply chain performance. Features include global inventory visibility, predictive analytics, and eCommerce integration, enabling publishers to adapt to market demands quickly and efficiently. These tools are critical for meeting time-sensitive requirements like seasonal releases and peak periods.

Seasoned expertise driving the strategy
At the core of Metro’s publishing strategy is the expertise of its senior publishing logistics executive, Declan Fallon. With over four decades of experience working with some of the biggest names in publishing, this leadership ensures a deep understanding of the sector’s complexities and priorities. This combination of expertise and innovative solutions positions Metro as a trusted partner for UK publishers navigating an increasingly dynamic landscape.

To learn how Metro can add value to your print and publishing supply chain operation EMAIL Declan Fallon, Head of Publishing & Print Logistics.

VISIT our Publishing and Print web page.

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