Newsletter 50

Same-day home deliveries, already more widely available than ever before, could become even more common if a service called Shutl takes off.

It is a combined internet hub and technology platform for retailers wanting to offer same-day deliveries, and it works by allocating deliveries to one of a range of participating courier companies. Already on board are eCourier, Lewis Day and Excel Couriers. Initial users include fashion retailers Georgina Goodman and Start London.

Whilst it aims to build up national coverage, Shutl also makes strong play of its ability to empower local multi-channel retailers, pointing out that they are likely to have stock available for immediate delivery in their own area. It is starting in the London area, but plans to expand nationwide during 2010.

Among its impressive claims, the company suggests that through bulk buying and use of spare capacity, it may be able to reduce same-day delivery costs to something approaching the level of next-day costs – which, if true, could galvanise the same-day market, though some couriers might view the idea askance.

 

Its board members have extensive online experience behind them. They include non-executive chairman Simon Murdoch, who has been involved with Amazon Europe, Betfair, Shazam and Love Film, and non-executive director Chris Ohlund, who has headed parcels carrier DPD, and also worked with Geodis.

Founder and executive director Tom Allason previous created and built up eCourier.co.uk.