Independent logistics operator Europa Worldwide Group (EWG) is strengthening its Board with two senior technology appointments. The company is putting software development and IT at Board level as it advances its ambition to operate as a technology-led logistics business.
Paul Hinchley has been promoted from Head of Software Development to Software Development Director. Meanwhile, Chris Mitchell has been promoted from Group Head of IT to IT Director.
The long-serving technology leaders join the Board as Europa increases its investment in proprietary software, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure to support its continued international growth.
Andrew Baxter, CEO of Europa Worldwide Group, said, “Paul and Chris bring different but complementary strengths to the Board. Their appointments recognise the contribution they have already made to Europa and ensure that software development, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure are represented at the highest level of the business.”
Technology investment supporting international growth
Technology has been at the heart of Europa’s success for more than a decade. The Group now employs more than 120 programmers and IT specialists across multiple sites. They are also planning further investment in its technology capabilities over the coming years.
In 2016, the business launched the first version of Leonardo, its proprietary transport management platform for European road freight.
Since its launch, Leonardo has supported five million Road and Air & Sea shipments, more than 1.7 million import and export customs declarations and nearly 28 million label scans through its Road transit warehouse operation.
Europa has subsequently extended its proprietary technology through myeuropa, a tailored self-service platform for European Road freight and Air & Sea customers.
Europa is using technology to simplify international logistics, improve efficiency and deliver services around the evolving needs of its customers.
Software innovation built around customer needs
Paul Hinchley has played a central role in harnessing this technology to deliver tangible benefits. With a 30-year career in logistics software development, he has led Europa’s development teams for more than a decade. He has overseen the continued advancement of software innovations across the business.
Among these is Europa Flow, developed to simplify post-Brexit customs processes. The system aimed to reduce delays for British exporters through software-led customs integration.
Paul said, “Europa Flow is a perfect example of how we use technology to solve real logistics challenges.
“Our eight software development teams work closely with senior stakeholders and operations specialists across the business. As customs and regulatory requirements grow, customers expect real-time shipment visibility and greater control through self-service platforms whilst operations and finance teams need smarter, faster and more reliable systems.
“Leonardo, Europa Flow and myeuropa have already demonstrated what we can achieve by developing technology in-house. Joining the Board will bring software development even closer to strategic decision-making as Europa enters its next phase of growth.”
Building resilience and preparing for an AI-driven future
Alongside software development, Europa has significantly strengthened the IT capability, support and infrastructure needed to support its expanding international operation.
Since joining Europa six years ago, Chris Mitchell has transformed the Group’s IT function. He has expanded it from five people to a team of more than 30 specialists. He has strengthened cybersecurity and operational resilience, created secure and scalable platforms, and embedded greater security awareness throughout the organisation.
“Technology is no longer simply a support function,” said Chris. “It plays a critical role across every part of Europa. Joining the Board will strengthen the connection between our business and technology strategies. It will allow my team to engage earlier, anticipate future requirements and ensure our investment continues to deliver value.”
His team now provides 24/7 support across all 10 countries in which Europa operates, providing 99.9 per cent uptime, backed by independently audited cybersecurity systems.
Technology-led growth
Under Chris’s leadership, Europa has recently achieved ISO 27001 certification. The achievement is an internationally recognised assurance of its approach to protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. This is something that the company believes is fundamental to retaining the trust of its customers, colleagues and partners in an increasingly digitally driven world.
Looking ahead, Chris believes that one of the biggest changes facing every business will be the continued growth of artificial intelligence (AI). “AI is transforming how businesses operate. It is creating opportunities to automate routine processes, improve decision-making and give our people more time to focus on activities that add real value. However, it is also changing the threat landscape. My priority is to ensure Europa embraces these opportunities responsibly while continuing to protect our business, our customers and their data.”
Andrew Baxter concludes, “Our investment in proprietary technology has already demonstrated what can be achieved when excellent people, deep operational knowledge and innovation come together. By developing systems around the needs of our business and customers, we have simplified complex logistics processes. We have also strengthened our operations and created services that give customers greater visibility, control and opportunity.
“As logistics becomes more complex and digitally driven, technology will be central to Europa’s future. Continued investment in proprietary software, resilient infrastructure and specialist expertise will enable us to respond faster, innovate with purpose and build secure, reliable services around the evolving needs of our customers.”
