Northamptonshire’s position at the centre of the UK’s logistics network has been highlighted following a recent visit by Lee Barron to Europa Worldwide Group’s warehouse in Corby.
The sector remains one of the county’s largest employers, with around one in seven people working in transport and logistics. Continued investment in major facilities has strengthened the area’s role in national distribution, while supporting jobs and skills development locally.
Mr Barron, MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, visited Europa’s 715,000 sq ft site to see how those opportunities are being delivered in practice. The visit, organised by the UK Warehousing Association, followed an earlier tour of the facility this year.
During the visit, Mr Barron met employees who have progressed within the business, including Toby Hankins and Clive Reynolds, who both joined as agency workers before moving into management roles. Their experiences reflect the company’s focus on training, development and internal progression.
Mr Barron said: “I’m keen to see businesses coming into our area that create good, well-paying jobs for local people. What stood out to me at Europa was the clear commitment to progression, learning and development.
“It’s particularly encouraging to hear from those who started in entry-level roles and have progressed into leadership positions. That’s exactly the kind of opportunity we need to see more of across the logistics sector.”
Europa’s Corby operation employs more than 170 people and supports services including ecommerce fulfilment, inventory management and packing. Across its UK sites, the company manages more than one million sq ft of warehousing space.
Clare Bottle, chief executive of the UK Warehousing Association, said: “It’s important for Members of Parliament to understand the economic value and high-quality jobs that warehouses can offer. Europa is a fantastic example of this in action.
“The team clearly demonstrates how investment in people, alongside technology, creates real career opportunities. From award-winning individuals like Toby Hankins to those developing through the ranks, this is a business that truly shows what modern warehousing can deliver.”
The visit coincides with Europa Worldwide Group’s 60th anniversary and the launch of its “Powered by Better” manifesto, focused on long-term investment in people, innovation and sustainable growth.
Dionne Redpath, chief operating officer and warehouse divisional director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lee Barron back to our Corby site and demonstrate the role our people play in everything we do.
“Creating high-quality jobs with real opportunities for progression is central to our approach. Whether someone joins us at entry level or later in their career, we are committed to supporting them to develop, succeed and build a future within the business.”
The visit comes as Corby continues to benefit from regeneration funding, including investment through the government’s Pride in Place programme, alongside ambitions to secure UK Town of Culture status.
