In 2024, Distinct Group introduced a dedicated in-house warehouse to transform how supplies are delivered, stocked, and managed across client sites. This shift has improved delivery precision, reduced operational waste, cut costs, and supported ESG goals through a tailored, efficient supply chain model.
Rethinking the Supply Chain
Many of the environments we support, whether retail, corporate or hospitality, demand a meticulous standard where every detail contributes to the brand experience. But behind the scenes, logistical inefficiencies can create friction.
Consumables and equipment were previously delivered by third party couriers, often arriving with excess packaging, inconsistent timing and unclear tracking. These issues disrupted site operations and added unnecessary costs, time and environmental impact.
Building Something Better
In August 2024, Distinct launched a fully in-house warehouse operation in Peterborough, staffed by Distinct employees and supported by a dedicated delivery fleet. Unlike standard courier services, this bespoke logistics model is built specifically for high-standard, multi-site environments.
The new system begins with stock being picked, quality checked and packed into returnable tote boxes, removing the need for any single use packaging. Deliveries are handled exclusively by trained Distinct drivers who are uniformed, ID badged and inducted at every site. Where permitted, they unpack directly into cleaning cupboards, removing the need for on-site teams to handle stock, waste or packaging.
At the same time, reusable microfibre cloths and mop headsare collected, laundered in-house and reissued, creating a fully closed loop system that keeps operations both sustainable and streamlined.
What It Means in Practice
The impact has been both immediate and significant. By consolidating stock and removing third party courier inconsistencies, clients now benefit from a smoother, more brand aligned delivery model. Site teams are no longer tied up unpacking or managing stock, which has allowed them to focus entirely on presentation and customer experience.
The use of returnable crates has eliminated packaging waste entirely, while the introduction of pre-diluted chemicals has enhanced safety, reduced on-site storage needs and improved compliance. Most importantly, the consistency and professionalism of having the same familiar drivers acrossevery delivery has created a sense of trust, continuity and calm in fast-paced environments.
Sustainability Built In
Every element of the warehouse model was designed with sustainability in mind. All chemicals supplied through the warehouse carry Nordic Swan and EU Ecolabel certification, two of the most rigorous and respected environmental standards in Europe. Unlike self-awarded claims, these accreditations are independently verified and carry zero tolerance for greenwashing.
By shifting chemical dilution to the warehouse, Distinct removes the risk and complexity of on-site mixing, while enabling deliveries as small as a single unit. This reduces chemical waste and supports safer, cleaner back of house storage.
Reusable microfibre cloths and mop heads are washed and rotated in-house up to 300 times before replacement. Fewer, consolidated deliveries mean fewer vehicle movements, reducing emissions and making it easier for our clients to meet their own environmental reporting and compliance goals.
A Platform for Smarter Support
With a trusted logistics partner already visiting sites regularly, the warehouse model has created a platform for broader support. Distinct is now able to offer additional services such as bulky waste removal, clearance work and internal stock redistribution, all delivered through the same trained, on-brand teams without the need for separate contractors or procurement processes.
Looking Ahead
By September 2025, Distinct’s warehouse model will support all client sites across Greater London. Expansion into new product categories, investment in smarter inventory systems and further service integration are all planned as the model scales.
Conclusion
We didn’t build a warehouse because we had to. We built it because we saw a better way forward. A way to give our clients more control, more consistency and more value, without asking them to change a thing.
Because great service isn’t about doing what’s expected. It’s about doing what’s right.
And sometimes, that means building something from the ground up.
