Port of Liverpool operator Peel Ports hires former head of supply chain at retail chain B&M to strengthen relationships with importers

Former B&M head of supply chain Jerome Wildsmith has joined Port of Liverpool operator Peel Ports.

Jerome brings more than 30 years of experience in supply lane logistics. As well as working for the Liverpool-based value retail giant, he also spent periods at Matalan, Mamas & Papas and Regatta.

Based within the Port of Liverpool’s container division, his new role will be to drive container volumes and leverage the port’s proximity to major distribution centres north of Birmingham.

Jerome started his role in September and brings with him extensive knowledge of port-centric solutions and container management within retail, as well as strong relationships with shipping industry leaders.

David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “Jerome’s huge success at improving supply chain efficiency from the retail side is expertise that we can now offer our customers and will go a long way towards streamlining supply chain processes.

“In the current climate, cargo owners are seeing their margins being squeezed ever tighter while being expected to simultaneously deliver greener logistics solutions.

“We will work with them to achieve these goals by maximising the benefits of more effective use of sea transport, for closer to end destination logistics.”

As the UK’s second largest port operator, Peel Ports Group has a key role to play in supporting retailers.

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The business recently surveyed more than 2,000 retail leaders, with findings revealing 83% felt it would be beneficial to liaise with ports directly to implement necessary transformational market change.

And 76% of participants stated they would opt to import goods closer to end destinations if they were given a choice on their port of entry by shipping lines, while 68% felt a better choice of ports would improve supply chain efficiencies.