Chris Clarkson MP visits Heywood's ITD Global HQ

Last month, Chris Clarkson, MP for Heywood and Middleton, visited the offices of international freight logistics and express courier specialist ITD Global to learn how private equity investment has helped the business to scale its services and develop its proprietary technology.

Headquartered in Heywood, the business secured a £15 million investment from BGF – one of the largest and most experienced growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland – in August 2022.

The funding has helped to deliver ITD Global’s ambitious growth plans through the expansion of its UK depot network and the development of its cutting-edge technology platform.

During the visit, which was organised by the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), Chris Clarkson MP met employees from ITD’s 65-strong team and was accompanied on a tour of its Heywood headquarters by CEO Jonny Mocton, chief financial officer Simon Rodgers, and operations director Steve Lee.

As a member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Chris Clarkson MP was encouraged to learn more about the pace of IT development and technological progression in the courier and logistics industry.

He was particularly keen to understand how BGF’s growth capital has been invested in advancing the business’ IT systems and growing the company’s headcount to provide solid foundations for future growth.

Commenting on the visit, Chris Clarkson MP for Heywood and Middleton said: “ITD Global is an excellent example of a local business with international reach. It was interesting to learn about how the business has approached the development of its own technology to support eCommerce retailers in consolidating their fulfilment and logistics requirements using its proprietary software.

“It was also hugely encouraging to see the progress the business has made since receiving minority investment from BGF – not just in terms of financial backing, but in its long-term outlook and the advisory support it has provided ITD based on its track record of helping businesses scale, both domestically and overseas.

“I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the team at ITD and wish them every success.”

Jonny Mocton, ITD Global’s CEO, added: “It was a pleasure to meet our local MP, Chris Clarkson, and it was extremely encouraging to see him take a keen interest in local businesses. The 12 months since BGF’s investment have been transformational for ITD, and the value that it has added as a minority partner has proven vital. From the introduction of John Browett, former CEO of Tesco.com, who joined as independent non-executive chair, to the wider portfolio network and its wealth of knowledge and experience.

“We have an ambitious growth plan to deliver, and our aim is to continue to strengthen our services and expand our offering to provide a full end-to-end logistics service and extend our geographical presence.”

In the last 12 months, the business has expanded its operations adding two further UK sites in Glasgow and Leeds, while also operating internationally from sites in the Netherlands, China and Hong Kong. The next phase of growth will include expanding the company’s presence in further locations across the UK such as Bristol and Sheffield.

Investor at BGF, Harry Jones, said: “ITD continues to make huge strides forward and the team is demonstrating the tenacity and ambition needed to make its mark on the industry.

“When we first invested in ITD, we saw the potential the business had, not only to expand its physical footprint, but to develop market-leading technology that drives value for both customers and carriers. We look forward to working alongside Jonny and the management team moving forward to accelerate further growth.”

ITD works with a multitude of shipping partners and parcel delivery carriers offering bespoke solutions for online retailers, including freight, domestic and international parcel delivery.