TheIndustry.fashion Scale-up Sessions: How building a strong logistics foundation can drive business growth

Finance and logistics are key growth pillars of any business large or small. Whether you’re expanding your operations domestically or internationally, exploring new sectors, or branching into new channels, mastering these disciplines is essential for success.

TheIndustry.fashion Scale-up Sessions brings together a carefully curated group of business leaders from leading fashion brands, retailers and industry bodies - including Celine, Scamp & Dude, Aligne, Bluebella, Belstaff, Florere, Amari Amari, Phoenix Style, Ro & Zo, House of Kind, Pretty Lavish, The Department of Business & Trade, and The British Fashion Council - all focused on taking the next step in their growth journey.  You can watch event on demand here.

Held in partnership with Bleckmann and supported by Barclays and Shoosmiths, the event features insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions, and interactive ‘Meet the Experts’ breakout sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas, share inspiration, and gain practical insights from industry-leading speakers, including representatives from Bleckmann and Barclays, as well as Sepi Agari, Hunza G, Bloobloom, BGF, and Rixo.

Kicking off the event, Erik Janssen Steenberg, Business Development Manager & Innovations at Bleckmann, and Hans Robben, Programme Manager of The Renewal Workshop at Bleckmann, were joined by Sepideh Asghari, founder of the luxury handbag brand Sepi Agari, for a discussion on how building a strong logistics foundation can drive business growth.

Bleckmann is a third-party logistics (3PL) and supply chain management company specialising in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. The company forms strategic partnerships with brands - both large and small - to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique requirements and long-term growth objectives.

Offering end-to-end logistics services, Bleckmann manages the entire supply chain: from collecting products at the point of manufacture and transporting them to its facilities, to picking, packing, dispatch, and final delivery to the end consumer.

With extensive industry experience, the firm helps brands expand across multiple markets while providing strategic guidance that enhances the customer journey and optimises operations.

One standout success story from Bleckmann’s work is Sepi Agari. Rooted in a passion for traditional leather craftsmanship, the luxury brand was founded in 2024 by Sepideh Asghari. Combining artisanal skill with sleek, timeless design, Sepi Agari’s collection of high-end handbags has quickly gained recognition for its elegance and quality.

"We're a Belgian handbag brand, crafted in Italy, where I learned the art of bag-making. There’s so much that goes into it that isn’t visible at first glance. If you want to create a product, you have to speak its language. Fashion itself is a language; it’s about discovering the item that truly speaks to you. A handbag can elevate an outfit and give you a boost of confidence," explains Asghari.

However, launching a luxury brand is never without its challenges. Sepideh acknowledges that while the journey has come with many obstacles, she’s grateful for the valuable lessons each one has brought. She recognised the brand’s potential early on, and strategic partnerships - such as the collaboration with Bleckmann - have been key in overcoming operational and logistical hurdles, allowing the business to scale efficiently.

"There have been so many challenges along the way, but I love what I do and always push through. When problems arise, I focus on finding solutions and uncovering new opportunities. Every challenge has taught me something valuable - I’m truly grateful for those lessons," added Sepideh. "It’s all about having a problem-solving mindset and making the best out of every situation.

"Our partnership with Bleckmann has allowed us to stay stable, and I’m truly grateful to have their experience on board. We grow together and learn from each other. It’s a very mutual relationship. In the beginning, you divide yourself across so many things, but over time, you learn to outsource to partners who have the expertise to do things better. Those partnerships make all the difference."

Adding to this, Janssen Steenberg emphasises: "We place a strong emphasis on partnership. It’s fun and rewarding to add value for someone who is passionate and to be part of their success. When we find businesses early, we get to grow alongside them. We invest time, money, and energy to ensure everyone knows we’re here for the long run - from the very start to their eventual success.

"And scale-up brands often require 3PL support early in their lifecycle. While we previously supported brands at a later stage, we've now introduced Bscale - a solution specifically designed to give startups the support they need from day one.

"At the same time, we make sure our operations are as efficient as possible, minimising costs for the brands we work with. This is why Gymshark is still with us and why Patagonia chose to work with us. With over 400 brands, it’s likely that we’ve helped someone with the same or similar issues before."

Having only launched last year, this is just the beginning for Asghari, with exciting growth and new opportunities on the horizon. Reflecting on her journey, she shares her vision: "To build a bridge between heritage luxury brands and the new generation of customers that I’m part of. I believe in a mindset rooted in quality and sustainable manufacturing - pursuing timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and accessibility. My goal is to unite all these elements and bring them together harmoniously."

Continuing the conversation on craftsmanship, Robben delved into The Renewal Workshop and how this part of Bleckmann’s services helps brands drive progress in circularity and sustainability. Quality extends far beyond end-of-life solutions and it’s about integrating sustainable strategies throughout the entire product lifecycle, starting from design.

"Success in circularity starts with quality from the beginning - it isn’t something you add at the end, but something you build in from the start," said Robben. "Circularity has to become a normal part of business."

Sepideh’s experience demonstrates how combining passion, craftsmanship, and the right operational support can transform a vision into a thriving luxury brand.

"Any stage where you feel you need support or expertise is the right time. We help brands from the ground up, so it’s never too early to reach out for advice or assistance in establishing your 3PL partnership and leveraging our expertise," concludes Janssen Steenberg

To sponsor one of our events or if you would like to ask about speaking opportunities, please email [email protected].

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