In the footwear industry efficiency is seen as a driver to keep down costs and to help ensure quality customer service. However it is recent concerns over the environmental impacts of unnecessary journeys, extra drop offs and excessively wasteful elements within the logistics industry and the supply chain process as a whole that might finally prove to be the catalyst for improvement.

Sourcing merchandise from a wide range of production countries and making your supply-chain truly global has obvious advantages. Trouble is, companies find the complexity of taking the leap into bringing everything together a huge challenge, and one that can lead to unexpected and unwelcome costs creeping into the equation. So, we've developed a personalised service that provides individual supply chain solutions to any or all of the problems, by working in close partnership with clients, their suppliers and retail stores.

For many years DHL Express has played a key role in the business operations of clients working in the fashion and footwear industries. In this fast moving industry where product availability on shelf is critical, DHL has an unmatched global presence to support its clients.

As sourcing from Asia remains the single biggest influence in the UK footwear market,with particularly emphasis on China and Vietnam, the importance of having a suitable logistics company, with relative knowledge of these markets is huge. The sourcing patterns for footwear, the region's transport infrastructure and local environment, are significant and can be a vital factor in attracting and sustaining suitable business.

As General Manager European Sales for TNT Fashion Group, I know that the key to sustained growth - for our footwear customers and us - lies in providing comprehensive, integrated logistics solutions. It's true for every part of the fashion industry - helping to meet fast-changing demands, seasonal shifts and smoothing the route from manufacturer to retail outlet.

As we are all aware, the footwear business presents all the same challenges as the ever-changing fashion industry. To name but a few, these include rapidly changing demands, seasonal shifts and the need for a smooth and effective route from manufacturer right through to the retailer.

Kerry Logistics' effective Supply Chain Management means delivering a seamless and integrated range of services that bring tangible results to cost efficiency, customer satisfaction and bottom-line results. The key to the success of Kerry’s service is our own people providing hands-on expertise in both the UK and Asia, particularly in China.

New airfreight and seafreight services specially designed for small to medium –sized (SME) footwear manufacturers in Latin America, South Asia and the UK have been launched recently.