As proud Patrons of Essex Chambers of Commerce, Ziegler UK recently had the pleasure of hosting an exclusive networking event at our London Gateway premises in the DP World Logistics Park. Our patronage with Essex Chambers represents our commitment to fostering business growth and collaboration within the Essex business community. As Patrons, we not only support the Chambers’ mission but also gain unparalleled opportunities to connect with local enterprises and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
“Our Patron membership with Essex Chambers of Commerce aligns perfectly with Ziegler’s values of building meaningful business relationships,” explains Lee Marshall, Managing Director of Ziegler UK. “It provides us with a platform to showcase our expertise while simultaneously learning from and connecting with diverse businesses across Essex.”
Championing Local Business Connections
Inviting local businesses to our premises is more than just networking—it’s about fostering understanding of the complex logistics and supply chain solutions that underpin global commerce. By opening our doors to both Chamber members and non-members, we aim to demystify what happens behind the scenes of international shipping and logistics operations.
The event attracted a diverse group of business professionals eager to explore how global logistics functions and to understand how Ziegler’s services might benefit their operations. For us, raising awareness about our capabilities creates opportunities for collaboration that might otherwise remain undiscovered.
Inside the Heart of Operations: The Warehouse Tour
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the comprehensive guided tour of our warehouse facilities. Attendees were visibly impressed by the scale and efficiency of our operation, with many expressing surprise at the level of technology and precision involved in modern logistics.
Our team guided guests through the various zones of our warehouse, explaining each step of our process—from initial receipt of goods to storage, picking, packing, and final dispatch. Particular interest was shown in our specialized handling areas for different types of cargo and our quality control procedures that ensure goods arrive at their destinations in perfect condition.
Most guests were particularly fascinated by our newest addition to the team, Ziggy—our autonomous stock-taking robot. Capable of scanning every item in the warehouse each evening, Ziggy provides both our team and customers with daily accurate stock counts, dramatically reducing inventory discrepancies and improving operational efficiency.
Sharing Our Journey: Lee Marshall’s Introduction
The event began with a warm welcome from our Managing Director, Lee Marshall, who shared Ziegler’s remarkable story with the gathered guests. Lee spoke passionately about our humble beginnings in the UK in 2009, when the team started with nothing but a vision, and how we’ve grown to become a significant player in the logistics industry with 15 branches across the UK.
“What makes Ziegler special isn’t just our 116-year heritage as part of a Swiss-founded, Belgian-headquartered global group,” Lee explained during his presentation. “It’s how we’ve maintained our family business values while embracing cutting-edge technology and innovation.”
Lee’s presentation included insights into our recent relocation to the purpose-built London Gateway facility just a year ago, highlighting how the design prioritizes both operational efficiency and employee wellbeing. He proudly showcased our breakout area, which has become the heart of our company culture—hosting everything from informal meetings to spirited pool tournaments that build camaraderie among our team.
Cultivating Connections: The Networking Experience
The event’s relaxed atmosphere, complemented by excellent refreshments in our breakout space, created the perfect environment for meaningful business connections to form. Conversations flowed easily between Ziegler team members and guests, with discussions ranging from specific logistics challenges to broader industry trends.
Several attendees commented on how the informal setting allowed for more genuine conversations than typical networking events. The shared experience of touring our facilities provided natural conversation starters, while our team members were on hand to answer specific questions about our services and capabilities.
“We designed this event to be different from standard networking opportunities,” notes Lee Marshall. “By showing people what we do rather than just telling them, we create deeper connections and real understanding. That’s the foundation of lasting business relationships.”
One particularly satisfying outcome was witnessing collaborations being formed on the spot between different Chamber members. A prime example was seeing how our promotional videos, created by Chamber members Main Media Ltd, sparked conversations about creative business solutions.
Looking Forward
Hosting the Essex Chambers of Commerce networking event aligns perfectly with our vision of being not just a service provider but a true partner to businesses across Essex and beyond. We believe that by opening our doors and sharing our expertise, we strengthen the entire business ecosystem.
We look forward to continuing our patronage of Essex Chambers of Commerce and hosting similar events in the future. The connections made and knowledge shared during such gatherings are invaluable—not just for Ziegler UK, but for all businesses involved.
For more information about how Ziegler UK can support your logistics and supply chain needs, please contact our team by completing the form on our contact page: https://www.zieglergroup.com/gb/contact/
