Britannia Games makes its move to first class logistics

Britannia Games, the UK's leading producer of TV themed board games, has awarded its full logistics contract to Import Services, following a number of recommendations from major toy firms and large retailers.

Britannia Games reported a massive 187 per cent growth in 2006 and found its third party logistics provider was struggling to keep up with the phenomenal demand for its unrivalled range of licensed board games and DVD games.

It needed a new, effective logistics solution urgently and chose Import Services for the job – a highly experienced and established company, whose reputation in the toy and gift industry is superb.

Ralph Patmore, sales director of Britannia Games, explained: “It came to a point last year where our previous contractor just couldn't cope with the higher volumes, particularly of our top range of board games – Family Fortunes, Countdown and the interactive DVD Game I'm a celebrity… get me out of here! and product was delivered late which is unacceptable.

“With our growth we needed an expert logistics partner with a proven track record delivering to retailers such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencers and Woolworths. Import Services came highly recommended by a number of people on both sides of the industry – from retailers and also from the toy and gift manufacturers.”

Mr Patmore added that Britannia Games is soon to release the Lennon & McCartney interactive Songs and Lyrics trivia quiz DVD which is expected to be huge for 2007 and Import Services is set to manage the movement of the product to market.

Under the new contract, Southampton Port based Import Services will oversee the transfer of product from quayside to its distribution centre. The specialist logistics company will then provide storage, order processing, high volume pick and pack and distribution to Britannia's clients across the UK.

Import Services will be moving the entire portfolio of Britannia's products including board games, educational games, childrens games, travel games and gifts, supplying retailers such as Argos, Boots, John Lewis, Sainsbury's, Woolworths, Clinton Cards, ToysRUs, W H Smith plus a number of independents.

The new deal will account for multiple daily consignments tracked on Import Services' web enabled systems. This level of support will underpin Britannia Games' business growth forecast this year.

Mike Thomas, client services director at Import Services said that the logistics firm was delighted with the new partnership.

“It is a real compliment to be recommended by both retailers and clients and we are confident that Britannia Games will be delighted with our level of service.

“In 2006 we are proud to say that 98.8 per cent of all our orders were delivered on time – immensely important in this industry – clearly essential for Britannia Games and for our other clients in this sector such as Flair, Toymaster, New Bright, Playmobil, Carte Blanche and Hallmark.

“We have a passionate team, great facilities and the latest systems capable of delivering to tight deadlines. It really is great fun specialising in retail logistics for toys and gifts and our expert retail knowledge helps both established and new start up businesses supplying this sector.”

Import Services, which has three warehouses in and around Southampton provides a full door to door logistics service, from accounting services, purchase order tracking, storage, order processing, labelling, high volume pick / pack and distribution to European retailers. For further information call Import Services on 01489 799500.

Picture shows the Family Fortunes, Countdown and I'm A Celebrity interactive board games, just some of the products from Britannia Games, which will be moved to market by Import Services