Global logistics: strengthening EU and APAC clinical trial supply chains

Woodley Trial Solutions’ export and logistics manager Ryan Catterall reflects on five years of growth during a period of logistical upheaval.

We’re now approaching the fifth anniversary of the UK’s departure from the European Union. Looking back, how well did Woodley Trial Solutions navigate the challenges of that new landscape?

Responsiveness and expertise have always been hallmarks of our business, so our planning for Brexit had begun in the immediate aftermath of the 2016 referendum. We didn’t action those plans until very late, because like everyone else we simply didn’t know what was going to happen. But once it was confirmed that the UK would be leaving the single market and customs union, we moved quickly because the implications were huge.

Without your own entity in Europe, you’d have to import individually into all 27 EU member states. That means 27 countries’ worth of regulation, VAT registrations, and EORI numbers. Instead, we opted to open our own site in the Netherlands. By doing that, we managed to circumnavigate those issues almost as soon as Brexit had happened.

In the early days after Brexit, we were running vehicles twice a week taking goods direct from the UK, through Rotterdam, and into our distribution site in Tilburg. Today, the development of our Tilburg site means goods stay within the EU as much as possible, reducing the frequency at which those vans need to run and generating a significant positive environmental impact.

What were the key skills your team needed to demonstrate?

Dedication and a can-do attitude were key. Many companies, even now, still struggle with the impacts of Brexit. We’d had our final plan laid out six months before the UK’s exit from the EU in January 2020.  Because of all that work, dedication, and determined problem-solving, we’ve managed to keep growing and adapting throughout the ever-changing landscape of EU regulation and customs processes. Plenty of others haven’t.

Why do EU-based CROs and sponsors engage so well with Woodley Trial Solutions?

Everything we do has been designed to remove hurdles, increase efficiency, and ensure CROs and sponsors never miss an SIV date   simply because goods haven’t arrived where they should have. We know that reliability is absolutely critical. If you’re a CRO dealing with us, you don’t have to worry about importer of record services, VAT registrations, customs clearances, or any other regulatory/customs related tasks.

For decentralised trials, our door-to-door service can be provided without any interaction from the healthcare provider (HCP). This is critical in streamlining the entire process and makes life even easier for those conducting the trial.

At every turn, we have deliberately worked to mitigate all possible supply challenges, and we’ve managed to reduce importing into the EU from five days to just 24 hours. We also guarantee that every product we place on the EU market meets its strict compliance requirements, adhering to either the MDR or MDD extension.

Have you replicated this successful model anywhere else?

Yes, we have a similar set-up in Singapore serving clinical trials across the APAC region. Again, it means we can distribute goods much faster and get them wherever they’re needed without delay. For trials happening in Singapore, we effectively offer a domestic delivery. For other APAC countries, we have expanded our Importer of Record capabilities and we’re ready with the same reliability, care, support, and expertise that Woodley Trial Solutions is known for in its other markets. The new global logistics page on our website details exactly what support we can offer in territories around the world.

What role does sustainability play in your logistics set-up?

It’s crucial. From the outset, we looked for ways to reduce the need for direct vehicles travelling from the UK to the Netherlands. Where available, we utilise the carbon reduction services provided by our carriers, making our CO2 reduction something that can be actively monitored. We’ll always do everything we can to minimise and offset our carbon footprint.

You can find out more and get in touch here about our global logistics services for clinical trials equipment supply.