Southampton firm announces half million investment and new name

Southampton-based specialist transport technology provider Forward Computers has announced a half million pound investment in software, as well as a new name and new brand.

One of the longest established firms of its type, established in 1986, Forward Computers has become Forward Solutions. The firm’s presence in the area started two years’ ago as part of its expansion plans and it moved into new premises in Totton a month ago.

The business supplies software to the transport sector, providing specialist IT systems for leading players in the UK, Europe, Asia and USA, across air freight, sea freight, road freight and rail freight.   

This is the company’s largest single investment and sees Forward Solutions redeveloping and reengineering its product portfolio with the latest technology and a major focus on enhancing user experience, which will be rolled out in early 2022.   

Forward Solution’s managing director Richard Litchfield – who joined the team in January said: "We have invested time listening to our customers which is shaping this new front-end evolution. This is the first of many developments we’re making to ensure our customers have best-in-class technology, to help them improve efficiencies and deliver the best solutions to meet their needs. 

"It has been my ambition since I started to ensure we are utilising the latest technologies to support our customers.  We already have a strong and functional freight management software offering, these new additions will ensure we have a solution like no other in the UK."

IT is fast becoming the cornerstone of a successful transport business. Innovative IT is essential for top class customer service, with visibility and communication being as important as delivery across the supply chain.

According to recent reports multimodal leaders are expected to prioritise operational efficiencies, by investing in technology adoption. Freight forwarders that offer innovative online solutions in freight matching, customs brokerage and transportation management solutions are expected to transform the sector with enhanced customer experience.

Litchfield added: "We are in a dynamic market, and with the continued growth and reliance on top class technology, we thought it was time to switch to a name and look that better reflects the innovative service we provide."

Christopher Hewlett, CEO of Freight Software Group (of which Forward Solutions is a part) added: "This is an exciting time for the business and marks an important step in our evolution.  The rebrand and product innovations mark the next visible stage of development which we believe better represents this business and make it even more focused on meeting customer needs."

Pictured: Forward Solution’s managing director, Richard Litchfield and Christopher Hewlett, CEO of Freight Software Group