Maritime and logistics-focused tech firm LogChain will set up a new global base and create jobs in Liverpool city region in an investment worth up to £4m. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool city region has received a second inward investment boost in the space of a couple of weeks.
On Thursday maritime and logistics-focused global tech firm LogChain revealed it was setting up a new £4m global base in Liverpool city region creating an as yet unspecified number of jobs.
This follows on from the news in late January that Chinese automotive giant Chery Commercial Vehicle would set up its European base in Liverpool potentially leading to hundreds of new jobs as well as the possibility of manufacturing.
Singapore-founded LogChain builds digital platforms for maritime, supply chain and logistics customers. These platforms reduce paper-based processes with quicker and more secure digital versions using technology such as blockchain.
Liverpool city region was chosen for its globally connected trade and logistics footprint, and Freeport development. This positions the region as a practical “real economy” testbed for scaling digital trade.
This new UK headquarters will support LogChain’s work with governments, ports, financial institutions and industry partners, while strengthening links between UK capabilities and international trade corridors.
Liverpool city region handles 45% of trans-Atlantic trade through the Port of Liverpool and is home to more than 6,500 digital and tech businesses. This move will see LogChain invest up to £4m in the city region in the next three years.
LogChain chief executive Andie McKeown said: “The UK’s long-standing leadership in global trade is now reinforced by the legal foundations needed for the next era of digital commerce.
“LogChain has already executed the world’s first fully digitalised movement of goods, and by relocating our global headquarters to the UK we’re committing to scale trusted, interoperable digital trade infrastructure from a market that is setting the benchmark.”
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This announcement coincides with UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week where the UK is taking a delegation of AI and data companies to bang the drum for the UK’s tech sector, with over 200 tech “unicorns” produced in the UK.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “We’re a place that gets trade, logistics and technology, and we’re serious about backing companies that are shaping the future of global commerce.
“Moves like this help bring good jobs to the region and strengthen our links with the rest of the world.”