21.10.2025 | Logistics

This year marks a significant milestone for TIDE, as the fast-growing logistics group celebrates its fifth anniversary.

In just five years, the business has evolved from a small warehouse brokerage startup into a trusted name within the logistics industry, recognised for its exceptional service, reliability, and forward-thinking approach.

We caught up with owner and managing director Matt Watkins to reflect on TIDE’s journey so far, the lessons learned along the way, and what lies ahead for the group.

Matt, congratulations on TIDE’s fifth anniversary. Take us back to the beginning. What sparked the idea to start the business, and how did it all come together?

After being placed on furlough by one of my previous employers, I finally had time to think about what I really wanted to do next. I’d been considering starting a business ever since leaving MSC and had even gone so far as to buy a few domain names, but I never truly believed it would happen.

The idea for TIDE originated from years of observing the fragmentation of the logistics industry. Having worked across different sides of the sector, I noticed that small to mid-sized shippers were often underserved. They needed a partner that could offer global capability while maintaining a personal and flexible approach.

So, in September 2020, I decided to take the leap – and by October, the company was born. I officially joined as the first employee on my birthday at the end of that month. The aim was simple: to build a logistics company that genuinely listens to its customers and delivers with transparency and reliability.

We started small, with just one client. A few more followed me from my previous employer, as they were looking for a more adaptable partner for their blue-chip customers. I met Lorraine, who became my bookkeeper and helped set up our accounting system in Xero. Not long after, Julie, whom I had also worked with previously, joined the journey too.
From day one, it was all about service and relationships. That ethos hasn’t changed, even as we’ve grown.

Five years on, how does it feel looking back at how far TIDE has come? Are there any standout moments or milestones that really sum up the journey so far?

It’s honestly quite humbling. When you’re in the thick of it, you don’t always take time to look back – but when you do, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come as a team.

A few milestones really stand out. Moving from the “broom cupboard” to a bigger office. Julie joining the team. John coming out of retirement to help me build the foundations, then moving offices again and welcoming Emily. Taking on and developing our own yard. Running our first warehouse. Buying our first trucks and naming them after my daughters.

We are now continuing to build for the future, with additional warehouse space coming online, more trucks joining the fleet, and new team members strengthening our operations as we expand the group structure under the TIDE Worldwide Group banner.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Steering the business through turbulent times – ranging from COVID-19 and post-Brexit disruptions to freight spikes, wars, and numerous global challenges – has tested every bit of our resilience. But those moments define you as a company. It was the team’s determination, flexibility, and adaptability that got us through and continues to drive us forward today.

TIDE has now grown to include several businesses under the TIDE Worldwide umbrella. How did that expansion come about, and how do the different parts of the company work together?

That growth happened quite naturally.

As our clients’ needs expanded, we realised we could add real value by offering more joined-up services. Rather than trying to be a one-size-fits-all freight forwarder, we chose to build specialist businesses that complement each other – and now even collaborate with other freight forwarders.

Today, TIDE Shipping, TIDE Warehousing, and TIDE Transport collectively form the TIDE Group, offering comprehensive, end-to-end logistics solutions. Each company has its own area of expertise but shares the same core values: efficiency, transparency, and reliability.

The logistics landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years. How has TIDE evolved to stay ahead and continue delivering value to its clients?

You’re right, logistics never stand still. Technology, regulation, and customer expectations are all evolving rapidly, and you must keep pace with them.

For us, that’s meant investing heavily in technology and data visibility. Clients want real-time information, so we’ve introduced digital tracking and analytics tools that enable them to see their shipments in motion and anticipate issues before they arise.

We’ve also focused on being more agile operationally. The pandemic taught us the value of flexibility, being able to reroute, switch modes, or adjust capacity quickly and effectively. We’ve built that into our structure now.

And people are a massive part of it. Having a team that’s proactive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about doing things right – that’s what allows us to adapt quickly. It’s not just about systems; it’s about mindset.

TIDE has built a strong reputation for service and reliability. What do you think makes the company stand out in such a competitive sector?

For me, it all comes down to culture.

We’ve built a team that takes ownership. Everyone here understands that logistics doesn’t always go perfectly – ships get delayed, weather changes plans – but how you handle those challenges is what defines your reputation.

Our clients consistently tell us they value our transparency and communication. If something goes wrong, we don’t hide behind it – we call, we explain, and we solve it. That honesty builds trust.

We’re also proud of our end-to-end approach. Because we manage and coordinate many parts of the supply chain in-house, we can deliver a smoother, more controlled experience for our clients. Behind the scenes, we’ve invested heavily in systems and automation to streamline our processes, making them faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective.

But ultimately, it’s about people. The reason TIDE works is because our people genuinely care – about the business, about each other, and about getting it right for our customers.

And finally, as you celebrate this milestone, what’s next for TIDE Worldwide? What are your priorities for the years ahead?

The next few years are all about sustainable growth, scaling up while maintaining the quality and service that got us here.

We’re planning to expand with a new warehouse coming online in December/January, which will increase our total floor space to over 50,000 sq. ft.
Several clients have expressed interest in a new location, with Southampton frequently mentioned. Through a combination of organic growth and strategic partnerships, we aim to make this a reality.

There’s also a significant focus on digital transformation, with smarter tools for clients and enhanced systems working closely with Mintsoft and Xero behind the scenes. Sustainability is becoming an integral part of our strategy, alongside continued investment in our people – training, development, and nurturing the culture that forms the heartbeat of the business.

We’ve achieved a lot in five years, but honestly, it still feels like we’re just getting started.

From an ambitious startup to a multi-division logistics group, TIDE’s five-year journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and customer-first thinking. As Matt and his team look ahead, the focus remains unchanged from day one: building trusted partnerships and delivering logistics solutions that genuinely make a difference.