TLP Ipswich & A Leading Felixstowe Distribution Centre | Case Study
At one of the UK's busiest container ports, workforce demand can change overnight. Here's how TLP Ipswich became the go-to staffing partner for a major Felixstowe distribution centre, now supplying up to 90% of their temporary workforce.
THE CHALLENGES
Our client operates a large-scale logistics operation at a Felixstowe Mega Distribution Centre, where demand fluctuates significantly due to shipping schedules, container volumes, and seasonal peaks. Shipping schedules don't wait, and neither can staffing.
When TLP first engaged in July 2023, the operation relied heavily on agency labour; effective in the short term, but creating real challenges around consistency and long-term workforce planning. What they needed was a partner who could respond at speed without compromising on quality.
BUILDING THE RELATIONSHIP
TLP Ipswich came on board in July 2023 with a small share of the temporary labour requirement. Rather than a transactional approach, the team invested in on-site presence and face-to-face engagement with the operations team, laying the groundwork for something longer-term.
As confidence in delivery grew, so did TLP's share of supply, until the team became fully embedded within the Felixstowe operation.
DAY-TO-DAY DELIVERY
- 30–40 workers placed per day at peak demand
- Majority of requirements turned around within 24 hours
- Regular on-site presence at every shift start
- Frequent check-ins with the operations and management team
THE OUTCOMES
TLP now covers 80–90% of the site's temporary workforce. A significant number of temporary workers have converted to permanent roles, growing the client's core headcount and reducing long-term agency reliance. The result is a staffing model that flexes with the operation rather than working against it.
DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US
"I've had the pleasure of working with Gemma Stoner and the team at TLP Ipswich for the past four years. I've typically brought my preferred suppliers with me when moving sites — in this instance, I've had no need to make changes.
Our operation experiences significant fluctuations in volume, often with little notice. TLP consistently rises to the challenge without compromising the quality of staff they supply. In today's temporary labour market, that's both rare and impressive. I would not hesitate to work with them again."
— General Manager
THE TEAM BEHIND THE PARTNERSHIP
- Gemma Stoner, Regional Business Manager — senior oversight and strategic support
- Leanne McKinney, Ipswich Branch Manager — day-to-day management of the relationship
- Jamal Wiggins, Senior Consultant — operational delivery and high-volume staffing
- Nick Reeve, Consultant — fulfilment and workforce coordination
- Eve Stanzaite, Resourcing & Admin Support — resourcing, onboarding, and compliance
TLP Ipswich works with logistics and supply chain businesses across East Anglia and Essex. Get in touch at ipswich@tlprecruitment.co.uk, call 01394 675510, or pop into our Ipswich office.
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