Metro Expands Indian Presence with New Chennai Facility

Metro Expands Indian Presence with New Chennai Facility

Metro’s momentum in India continues to accelerate, with the opening of a second office in Chennai to support the ongoing expansion of Metro’s operations globally.

Designed to accommodate an additional 130 colleagues, this brand-new facility complements our existing Chennai headquarters and is a clear signal of our long-term investment in India.

This expansion marks another important milestone in Metro’s growth journey across the Indian Subcontinent. With the dual platforms of Metro Global India (MGI), delivering tailored services to select global customers directly in India, and Metro Indian Subcontinent (M-ISC), which serves as our Global Operational Centre (GOC), providing critical operational, accounting, financial, commercial, and administrative support for Metro’s global network.

India is fast becoming a critical operational hub and by the end of 2025, we expect to have more colleagues based in India than in our other global locations combined.

Metro’s Indian presence is powered by two critical pillars:

  • Service excellence for our key global customers business in India, delivered locally through MGI’s expanding footprint.
  • Global support services, delivered through M-ISC’s high-performance teams working across our advanced digital platforms.

This dual approach enables us to deliver tailored, efficient, and scalable solutions for customers in India and around the world, supported by deep local knowledge and global integration.

Our latest investment in Chennai is just the beginning. We have ambitious plans to grow further in the region, including the expansion of our specialist industrial sector division within MGI to meet increasing demand in this high-growth vertical.

Metro’s global expansion is driven by the needs and ambitions of our customers. As their operations grow in scale and complexity, we continue to build the teams, platforms, and facilities needed to support them locally.

Grant Liddell, Metro’s Chief Executive Officer commented. “We are incredibly proud of our Indian teams and their contribution to Metro’s global success. Congratulations to all colleagues in Chennai and across the country on this latest achievement and thank you for your continued commitment to delivering excellence for our customers worldwide.”

To learn more about our services in India or explore opportunities to collaborate, please EMAIL our managing director, Andrew Smith. We’d be delighted to support your supply chain.

Metro Unveils Leading-Edge Invoice Application

Metro Unveils Leading-Edge Invoice Application

At Metro, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our latest advancement, the MVT Invoice Application, is set to transform how customers manage invoices and financial transactions.

Launching for BETA testing on March 17th, this new feature enhances our My Visibility Tool (MVT), delivering seamless, integrated invoice management.

With real-time tracking, a dynamic dashboard, and full visibility across all trading currencies, customers can monitor outstanding payments and settled transactions effortlessly. Advanced search, quick filters, and an intuitive invoice type switcher streamline workflows, eliminating manual effort and saving valuable time.

Additionally, the ability to view and download invoices and credit notes instantly ensures a hassle-free, centralised experience. This innovation empowers users with greater financial control, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances overall efficiency.

Key Features & Functionality:
Visual Dashboard – Get a summarised view of outstanding invoices across all trading currencies at a glance.
Paid Invoice Overview – Track monthly and yearly invoice values in real time across multiple currencies.
Advanced Search Function – Quickly find and retrieve invoices and credit notes with an intuitive search tool.
Invoice Type Switcher – Effortlessly toggle between Freight & Customs and Duty & VAT transactions for better organisation and clarity.
Pre-configured Quick Filters – Navigate to the most relevant data instantly using streamlined widget-based filtering.
View & Download Capability – No more chasing paperwork! Instantly view PDF invoices and credit notes or download bulk invoice documentation in spreadsheet format.
Transaction Summary – Gain quick insights into charged codes and line items with an information icon providing clear transaction details.
Settled Transactions Access – Easily review settled transactions and retrieve necessary records in just a few clicks.

DOWNLOAD PDF Feature Summary

Join the Beta Testing Group
To ensure our new Invoice Application meets the highest standards of functionality and user experience, we are inviting a select group of customers to participate in the BETA phase. This exclusive opportunity allows participants to shape the future of Metro’s digital financial tools while gaining priority access to the latest enhancements.

Interested? Reach out to your key account manager or EMAIL Ian Powell, Customer & Technical Solutions Director.

Metro remains committed to leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. The MVT Invoice Application is just one of many initiatives designed to bring greater control, visibility, and efficiency to our customers.

Stay tuned for further updates and the official launch.

ICS2 Phase 2: What you need to know and how we can help

ICS2 Phase 2: What you need to know and how we can help

On 4th December 2024, Phase 2 of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2) was deployed, requiring maritime and inland waterways house-level filers, including Metro, to directly submit detailed safety and security data to EU customs authorities.

ICS2 is the EU’s advanced customs system designed to enhance supply chain security and facilitate smooth trade across its external borders. By collecting and analysing cargo data in advance, ICS2 allows customs authorities to identify risks early, ensuring efficient processing of low-risk goods while prioritising inspections for high-risk consignments.

Key benefits of ICS2

ICS2 streamlines customs procedures while securing the supply chain by:
Proactively identifying high-risk consignments for early intervention.
Reducing delays and costs through faster and smoother cross-border clearance.
Simplifying data exchange between Economic Operators (EOs) and customs authorities.

Enhanced data requirements
To comply with ICS2, all exporters and logistics providers must provide comprehensive data via the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS), including:

6-digit Harmonised System Code.
Commercial descriptions of goods.
EU-registered EORI numbers.

Complete details of the seller, buyer, and consignee.Prompt submission of this data enables accurate risk assessments, helping to avoid shipment delays.

ENS filing timelines

For maritime transport, ENS submissions must adhere to strict timelines:
1. Two hours before arrival at the first EU port of entry for goods from nearby regions (e.g., Greenland, Morocco, or the Mediterranean) with journeys under 24 hours.
2. Four hours before arrival for bulk cargo in other cases.
3. 24 hours before loading for containerised cargo on longer journeys.

Please note, some carriers may require submissions earlier, such as 24 hours before the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the port of departure.

Implementation timeline
ICS2 is being deployed in three stages:

1.3rd June 2024: Maritime and inland waterways carriers.
2.4th December 2024: Maritime and inland waterways house-level filers.
3.1st April 2025: Road and rail carriers.

Since 4th December, Metro has been filing directly with EU customs authorities, ensuring compliance and early clearance of shipments. Non-compliance or incomplete ENS submissions can result in shipment delays, stops, and fines.

How we support your compliance

To simplify your compliance with ICS2 Phase 2, we’ve adapted our CuDoS customs brokerage platform to integrate seamlessly with the Shared Trader Interface (STI). This ensures your shipments are cleared early in the process, avoiding costly disruptions.

Our dedicated brokerage team is here to:
Guide you through ICS2 requirements.
Assist with data provision and ENS submissions.
Provide comprehensive support for import and export documentation across the EU.

Don’t let delays or penalties impact your operations. EMAIL Andy Fitchett today to learn how we can help ensure a seamless transition to ICS2 Phase 2 and keep your supply chain moving smoothly.

Metro spreads festive cheer with staff gifts and charitable giving

Metro spreads festive cheer with staff gifts and charitable giving

This Christmas, Metro is celebrating the festive season by showing appreciation for its staff and supporting those in need through meaningful charitable initiatives.

The company has partnered with Booni Box, a social enterprise dedicated to creating environmentally friendly, personalised gifts that deliver a lasting impact.

A gift with purpose
Metro staff across the company’s global headquarters and three regional offices will receive a ‘Homelessness Prevention Box’ from Booni Box as a token of gratitude for their hard work throughout the year. However, this gift is about much more than appreciation.

Each box is a collaboration of purpose-driven products from independent brands committed to making a difference. In addition to providing thoughtfully curated items, a portion of the profits from Metro’s purchase will be reinvested into social projects, amplifying the positive impact of every purchase.

The initiative directly supports proactive outreach and coaching for individuals at risk of homelessness, with each box also funding a hot meal for someone in need, ensuring that Metro’s Christmas gift extends far beyond its workforce to touch the lives of those facing hardship.

Charitable highlights in 2024
This initiative is part of Metro’s wider commitment to giving back. In 2024, Metro raised £23,000 for JCB’s NSPCC charity fundraiser, with a team of staff participating in a 50-mile sponsored cycle to JCB’s head office. The company also contributed £15,000 to other charitable causes, supporting staff-driven initiatives, local community projects, and customer-affiliated fundraising efforts.

Metro’s support extended internationally as well, with donations to the Monsoon Accessorize Trust, helping to uplift the communities that supply materials for the business.

Looking forward
Metro’s partnership with Booni Box reflects its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. By choosing a gift that makes a tangible difference, the company is not only thanking its staff for their dedication but also giving back to those in need during the festive season.

As 2024 comes to a close, Metro continues to exemplify the spirit of giving—ensuring that its impact is felt within the organisation and far beyond.