Shipster bolsters senior team to target 2024 growth ambitions

A shipping technology firm is aiming to double growth after boosting its senior team.

Shipster, based in Manchester, has appointed James Stockton as Sales and Partnerships Director.

As a custom shipping integration platform, Shipster connects online retailers, eCommerce warehouses and distributors with over 100 leading couriers.

Launched in 2015 by software innovator Oddsphere, the tech scale-up has grown organically to support more than 100 businesses including Rixo, AYBL, Lounge and Bully Billows.

Shipster's offering is disrupting the ecommerce shipping space offering growing companies an affordable, customisable and flexible alternative to existing products.

Once a consumer pays for an order, Shipster automatically creates shipments and courier bookings, generates tracking information and all shipping and customs documentation.

Stockton, who has previously held senior roles at AppLearn and AccessPay, has been tasked with creating and building on key partnerships throughout 2024 and beyond, ahead of the Shipster’s 10th anniversary.

Stockton said: “Shipster is the best kept secret in shipping and logistics. To be able to grow a business year-on-year organically from word of mouth and referrals is extraordinary. This achievement can be attributed to two things: highly customisable and flexible software at an accessible price, and exceptional customer service.”

“I am excited by the opportunity to help grow Shipster’s client base further, form new partnerships and accelerate growth in 2024.”

Stockton joins at an exciting time for the business, following investment from Fearless Adventures in 2022 and a move to Lloyds House in Spinningfields, originally the home of Manchester Shipping Office and Packing Company.

Tony Cheetham, Founder and MD, said: “The arrival of James couldn’t have come at a better time. We have huge ambitions to scale Shipster and double the number of customers and partnerships.

“James’s vast experience working for technology companies and his shared passion for our goals made him the perfect candidate to join the leadership team and take the business to the next level.”

Shipster is currently running on over 1,500 warehouse packing benches and over 100 leading couriers have been integrated, including the addition of five services in the Middle East.

In 2023 alone Shipster processed tens of millions of shipments.