BIFA Awards
Cargo (now Samphire Customs) in 2019, followed by the opening of a Samphire office in Lesquin, France, in 2024. “Having preferential customs capability on both sides of the Channel gave us control,” said Beechener. “It meant we could plan properly, avoid queues and take complexity away from customers. That support has been instrumental, especially for export cargo.” With customs processes stabilised and experience hard- won, Simpex was able to relaunch its express van co-load service to and from 26 EU countries. The service eliminates hubs and unnecessary handling, improving transit times while reducing risk and offering a more cost-effective, secure alternative to groupage services. “Co-loading done properly is a real advantage for customers. It means better pricing, fast transit and the confidence that freight is being handled by people who understand every step of the journey,” Beechener summed up. That confidence is underpinned by people. Simpex’s original team has largely remained unchanged, and staff retention is one of the company’s greatest strengths. In its 16-year history, no employee has ever resigned. Culture of trust “We’ve built a culture where people feel trusted, supported and part of something,” Beechener explained. “There’s a shared belief in doing the right thing for customers and for each other.” As the post-Brexit landscape continues to evolve with new requirements such as ICS2 and future digital systems on the horizon, Beechener remains convinced that logistics will stay human-led. “Technology will help, but the complexity and nuance in decision-making aren’t going away,” he said. “Customers still want competent people looking after their freight. That’s where we will always add value.” Winning the BIFA Award means a huge amount for everyone at Simpex, Beechener said. “It shows that sticking to your principles, even when things are tough, really does pay off.”
Simpex offers an express van co-load service to and from 26 EU countries Sticking to principles
Brexit reshaped European logistics almost overnight. For BIFA European Logistics Award winner Simpex Express, it tested everything the business stood for, and ultimately proved the value of experience, people and long-term thinking
were new barriers, new documentation and no margin for error. You couldn’t just absorb that overnight.” Rather than pushing risk onto customers, Simpex made difficult decisions, including temporarily withdrawing its express van co-load service. “It wasn’t something we wanted to do, but it was right at the time,” Beechener said. “We needed to be confident we could offer the same standard of service as before and maintain our reputation.” Behind the scenes, the work to rebuild that ability was already under way. Investment in customs expertise became critical, including the acquisition of Dover-based customs specialist Samphire
W hen Simon Beechener founded Simpex Express in 2009, the aim was simple: to offer a more reliable, more communicative express transport service between the UK and Europe. What began as a small, close-knit express freight operation has grown into a European logistics provider offering express, semi-express and wider services by road, air and sea, keeping the principles it was built on unchanged. “From day one it was about getting every detail right, and ultimately looking after customers,” Beechener said. “That hasn’t changed over the years and is something we are all proud of.” Growth has come steadily, shaped as much by external pressures as by ambition. No challenge has had a greater impact than Brexit, particularly on express transport, where time, certainty and control are everything. “For express operators, Brexit hit hard,” he explained. “Suddenly there
“ From day one it was about getting every detail right – Simon Beechener, Simpex Express
European Logistics Award
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20 | March 2026
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