Lee Barron MP visited Europa Worldwide Group’s flagship warehouse in Corby recently, shining a spotlight on how investment in logistics can deliver high-quality, sustainable jobs for local communities.
Representing Corby and East Northamptonshire, Mr Barron has been vocal about the region’s position at the heart of the UK’s logistics “golden triangle”—while also recognising growing concern from residents about the rise of large-scale warehouse developments offering limited progression and insecure work.
His visit to Europa Warehouse, arranged by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and repeated following an initial visit earlier this year, provided a clear example of how the sector can create long-term careers, not just jobs.
A Sector Under Scrutiny – and Opportunity
Northamptonshire’s logistics sector is a major regional employer, with around one in seven people working in transport and logistics. Major warehouse developments in the area can create between 1,000 and 2,000 roles, underlining the scale of inward investment and economic opportunity. As the sector continues to expand, the focus is increasingly shifting from the number of jobs created to their quality—ensuring roles offer security, fair pay and genuine opportunities for progression.
Mr Barron’s visit comes as Corby continues to attract regeneration funding, including investment through the government-backed “Pride in Place” programme, aimed at improving local communities over the next decade. The town is also preparing a bid to become a future UK Town of Culture, reflecting wider ambitions for growth.
Demonstrating the Value of Quality Employment
During the visit, Mr Barron met employees who have built long-term careers at Europa, hearing first-hand how the company’s approach to training, development and internal progression is shaping opportunities for local people.
Toby Hankins and Clive Reynolds shared their experiences of joining as agency workers and progressing into management roles, now playing an active role in mentoring and developing others. Their journeys highlighted how structured learning, investment in skills and a supportive culture can transform entry-level roles into meaningful careers.
Lee Barron MP said: “I’m keen to see businesses coming into our area that create good, well-paying jobs for local people. What stood out to me at Europa was the clear commitment to progression, learning and development.
“It’s particularly encouraging to hear from those who started in entry-level roles and have progressed into leadership positions. That’s exactly the kind of opportunity we need to see more of across the logistics sector.”
A Model for Modern Warehousing
Europa Warehouse operates a 715,000 sq. ft. facility in Corby, employing more than 170 people and supporting over a dozen clients from its highly automated site. Europa Warehouse provides a comprehensive range of services, including ecommerce fulfilment, inventory management and packing for leading brands. Across its UK sites, the company manages more than one million sq. ft. of warehousing space, including fully authorised bonded customs facilities and AA-rated British Retail Consortium accreditation.
Alongside investment in technology, the business has placed equal emphasis on building a strong workplace culture focused on people, progression and long-term development.
Clare Bottle, Chief Executive of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), who joined the visit, said: “It’s important for Members of Parliament to understand the economic value and high-quality jobs that warehouses can offer. Europa is a fantastic example of this in action.
“The team clearly demonstrates how investment in people, alongside technology, creates real career opportunities. From award-winning individuals like Toby Hankins to those developing through the ranks, this is a business that truly shows what modern warehousing can deliver.”
She added that Mr Barron’s return visit underlined the impact of what he had seen: a business combining operational excellence with a genuine commitment to its workforce.
A Business Built on People
The visit coincides with Europa Worldwide Group’s 60th anniversary and the launch of its new company manifesto, “Powered by Better,” which reflects a long-term commitment to investing in people, innovation and sustainable growth.
Dionne Redpath, Chief Operating Officer and Warehouse Divisional Director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lee Barron MP back to our Corby site and demonstrate the role our people play in everything we do.
“Creating high-quality jobs with real opportunities for progression is central to our approach. Whether someone joins us at entry level or later in their career, we are committed to supporting them to develop, succeed and build a future within the business.”
Supporting the Future of the Region
As the logistics sector continues to expand across Northamptonshire, the focus is increasingly shifting towards the quality of employment being created.
Europa’s approach—combining investment in facilities, technology and, critically, its people—demonstrates how warehousing can play a positive and sustainable role in the region’s economic future.