Emma Verkaik explains why outsourcing matters more than ever for brands and retailers in the year ahead
As we continue into 2025, businesses are taking stock of the opportunities and challenges ahead and for many brands and retailers, the ability to navigate these uncertain times effectively will determine their success. Outsourcing has emerged as a key strategy, allowing companies to adapt swiftly to market demands, control costs, and remain competitive.
At the BCMPA, the UK’s leading trade association for contract manufacturing, packing, fulfilment, and logistics, we’ve seen the relevance of outsourcing reach an all-time high. Whether you’re an established brand, a growing SME, or an entrepreneur, outsourcing offers immense benefits by enabling you to focus on your core business activities while experts handle production, packing, and logistics.
What is outsourcing?
Outsourcing involves partnering with third-party providers to manage specific tasks such as manufacturing, packing, fulfilment, or logistics. For FMCG brands, this means working with skilled providers to create products and deliver them efficiently. The scope is vast – everything from blending face cream and filling into pots, bottling drinks, and the production of food, to assembling gift packs, or handling e-commerce fulfilment. These partnerships allow brands to scale operations without the financial and logistical burden of setting up in-house facilities. They provide access to cutting-edge technology, specialist expertise, and high-quality assurance standards, ensuring a smooth path from concept to consumer.
Focus on what matters
The beauty of outsourcing lies in its ability to let businesses focus on growth and innovation. By delegating production and logistical operations, brands can concentrate on crafting compelling marketing strategies, enhancing customer experiences, and driving sales. Outsourcing bridges the gap between a brand’s vision and its execution. It ensures products are brought to market quickly and cost-effectively while freeing business owners from the complexities of day-to-day operations.
Managing costs in uncertain times
Economic uncertainty often demands smarter cost management, and outsourcing delivers on this front. By paying on a per-unit basis, brands avoid significant capital investment in manufacturing facilities, equipment, and staff. This approach helps control overheads, allowing companies to price their products competitively and safeguard profit margins. Outsourcing partners are also adept at managing fluctuating demands. From running small-scale trials, responding to seasonal peaks, or scaling up quickly to meet market trends, this flexibility ensures brands can adapt without disruption.
Sustainability is also a growing priority for brands and by outsourcing to UK-based partners they can meet these goals. Through reducing transport-related carbon emissions and ensuring ethical production practices, UK manufacturers help businesses align with their ESG commitments.
Collaboration and connections
The BCMPA connects brands with trusted outsourcing partners across diverse sectors, including food, drink, personal care, pharmaceuticals, eCommerce/fulfilment and many more. These partners provide everything from initial product development to full-scale production, packing, and delivery. For those considering outsourcing, the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show, part of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 at Birmingham’s NEC (February 12-13), is the perfect opportunity to learn more. The BCMPA will be alongside nearly 20 members, all leaders in their fields.
Our ‘What is Outsourcing?’ campaign at the show will highlight the extensive range of services available, helping you identify the right partners to meet your needs.
Embrace the outsourcing opportunity
As brands and retailers face the challenges of 2025, outsourcing remains a hugely effective tool to drive growth, manage costs, and stay competitive. It’s time to leverage the expertise of trusted partners and focus on what you do best – delivering exceptional products to customers. We look forward to welcoming you to the BCMPA hospitality stand at the NEC Birmingham this February.
Emma Verkaik is the CEO of BCMPA – the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics
