Botswana forwarder sets up UK office

Extramile Express has gone international with the opening of its new branch in the UK and Namibia. The Botswana-based freight forwarder’s office in the UK will extend the company’s reach even further, says CEO Joy Simakane. “Botswana is reliant on imports as we hardly manufacture here. It is therefore necessary to have an international foothold as well as a strong presence in the region.” With established offices in Namibia and South Africa, the company is set to extend its reach to include all the Southern African countries. “We have just been granted a company reg certificate for Zambia and we intend opening an office there very soon. We are also looking into the possibility of expanding to several other countries in Africa.” That the expansion is proving to be a success is evident from the first month’s turnover, which surpassed £20 000 in the UK. Simakane says that much of this expansion is due to client demand. “It is not just about being client-orientated, but also about saying to our clients here is an African company and we are just as good as our international colleagues – use us.” A big part of its success is its hands-on approach, which starts long before the contract is signed. “We are a team of people who sit down and discuss the pros and cons of signing a particular client – does it make financial sense and is it something we can do successfully.” It is an approach that has paid off as the company continues to expand. “We build relationships with our clients and we keep them satisfied.” Taking into account that only five years ago the company was a one-woman band, this team is definitely doing something right!