Kent-based customs and freight forwarding specialist Zelir Logistics has opened a new office in Dublin, marking a significant step in the company’s growth.
It means Zelir can now provide a more complete service for customers moving goods between the UK and Ireland, providing both import and export declarations in-house, without relying on third-party partners.
For businesses, that means greater consistency, quicker turnaround times and a clearer line of communication at a time when cross-border trade continues to evolve and companies are under increasing pressure to stay on top of regulatory change.
Joe Jeffery, Director of Zelir Logistics, said: “Opening in Dublin is a really important step for us because it gives us greater control over the service we provide on Irish movements. Our reputation has been built on speed and responsiveness, and this enables us to keep control of efficiency levels at all stages of the process.
“At the same time, the wider customs and freight landscape has become more complex, with continued attention on new and evolving border requirements such as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and Import Control System 2 (ICS2). These changes are increasing demand for practical, up-to-date support from businesses that need fast answers and dependable handling.”
The move also marks the next step in Zelir’s longer term ambition to open more European offices.
“We’ve always tried to grow in a way that is sustainable. For us, that means strengthening what we already do well, putting the right foundations in place, and then expanding,” Joe added.
“To that end, Ireland felt like the right next step. We already have customers there, it’s an important route for UK trade, and having that direct presence means we can offer a more complete service on both sides.
“It also gives us a model for the future. Our long-term aim is to build more of that capability in-house across Europe, but the priority is to keep improving what we do and make sure the service remains as strong as the growth.”
The Dublin office is the latest development in a period of sustained expansion for the Ashford-based business, which was founded in 2023 by Joe Jeffery and Matt Dawson. Since launching, Zelir has grown quickly through recommendation and repeat business, expanded its team, moved into larger premises, and continued investing in technology to speed up manual processes and improve visibility for customers.
Work is also continuing on Z Clear, a new online platform designed to allow customers to submit some customs documents themselves when needed, while still having access to Zelir’s support and guidance.
This is in line with Zelir’s approach to use automation and AI to reduce manual administration and make the customs process more efficient for customers, without losing the reassurance of expert backup.
Joe said: “Things are changing all the time, whether that’s customs systems, border processes or wider global events affecting freight and logistics. Customers want to know they can get their documents sorted quickly, while still being able to pick up the phone and get a clear answer from someone who understands the current situation.
“That’s one of the reasons we’ve continued to grow. We stay up to date with legislative and market changes, and we make ourselves available when clients need support. Freight doesn’t only move Monday to Friday, nine to five, so that peace of mind really matters.”
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