MS Direct and UKP Worldwide (UKPW) are intensifying their long-standing partnership and establishing a joint venture. The company, called ‘Unwind – Bridging borders, simplifying returns’, will simplify access to the respective e-commerce markets for online shops in the EU and the UK and make them more customer-friendly with its returns, customs clearance and shipping services.
The joint venture, based in the United Kingdom, combines the extensive expertise of MS Direct and UKP Worldwide in the areas of returns management, customs clearance, duty reclaim and shipping solutions. Both MS Direct and UKPW have years of experience in cross-border e-commerce, serving top international brands and retailers.
The solution from UKPW and MS Direct supports holistic entry into the UK. The goal of the merger is to offer an outstanding customer experience by removing any barriers for the end customer and shortening delivery times. Additionally, the returns process is relocated to the location of customs clearance, which is logistically sensible as the goods do not travel unnecessary distances. With the joint venture, online shops also benefit from a single point of contact and a modular service structure.
The advantages for online stores
- Everything from a single source: a service for customs clearance and returns in the UK
- Unlimited customer experience: fast delivery times and local process for returns
- High level of returns expertise from the Swiss market at MS Direct
- Perfect Match: UKPW – an established player in the British e-commerce market
- Ideal location: consolidation of returns near the parcel hubs
«With Brexit, complex tax and customs regulations have led to increased uncertainty and barriers to cross-border trade in the UK that are still being felt. Our mission is not only to overcome these hurdles, but to actively support online stores in fully exploiting their market potential in Europe’s largest e-commerce market. Thanks to optimized delivery times and automated processes, customers do not feel the trade barriers when shopping online» says Peter Egger, VP Growth at MS Direct about the joint venture.
Guy Cliffe, Sales Director, UKP Worldwide adds: “We are extraordinarily pleased about the establishment of the joint venture with MS Direct. This step is not only the solidification of a partnership that has grown over the years, but also the merger of two companies that can perfectly bring their respective strengths to provide a seamless, transparent, and effective solution for e-commerce between the UK and the EU.»
The e-commerce market in the UK
The UK has one of the most developed e-commerce markets in Europe. In 2023, the country had almost 60 million e-commerce users – only a minority of the almost 67 million inhabitants do not shop digitally. According to Statista, e-commerce sales in 2023 are estimated at 109.0 billion British pounds (128.9 billion euros). By comparison, sales in Germany amounted to EUR 79.7 billion according to the industry association BEVH.
The partners
About MS Direct:
MS Direct AG is a leading partner in online retail for automated solutions in the areas of fulfillment, shipping, and cross-border e-commerce. Customers benefit from a «worry-free package»: Whether nationwide or from the European Union to third countries like Switzerland, the UK, and Norway – MS Direct ensures that online orders arrive quickly and smoothly, turning shoppers into loyal fans.
About UKP Worldwide:
UKP Worldwide specialises in the customs clearance of e-commerce parcels and postal shipments to and from the United Kingdom, as well as returns management, including the reclaiming of customs duties. With more than 20 years of experience in the e-commerce industry, we offer the confidence and expertise that online shops and their customers desire, combined with practical advice and excellent customer service.
Further information
Returns service in the UK with Unwind
Contact information
MS Direct AG
Peter Egger | VP Growth | peter.egger@ms-direct.ch
Carolin Garbe | Marketing Lead | carolin.garbe@ms-direct.ch
UKP Worldwide
Guy Cliffe | Sales Director | guy.cliffe@ukpworldwide.com
Kelly Hudson | Marketing Manager | kelly.hudson@ukpworldwide.com