Division: eCommerce

eCommerce Case Study

Barnardo’s

Reliable, strategic fulfilment for one of the UK’s leading children’s charities.

Related Solutions

Fulfilment

Client Overview

Barnardo’s has been supporting children and young people for over 150 years, delivering around 650 specialist services across the UK to help them feel safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful. Their services include fostering and adoption, support for parents, carers, and families, mental health counselling, protection and advocacy for vulnerable young people, as well as education and employment support.

Choosing ELOVATE

Partnering with the right fulfilment provider is essential for charities and the success of their fundraising efforts. Barnardo’s selected ELOVATE as their fulfilment partner for their effective project management and robust operational understanding:

“The ELOVATE team demonstrated strong project management, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of our operational needs, ensuring minimal disruption to our fundraising activities”.

This expertise ensures that fundraising kits and merchandise are delivered reliably, allowing Barnardo’s teams to focus on what they do best—raising funds.

Onboarding & Transition

Starting a new partnership can be challenging, but Barnardo’s found the transition to ELOVATE seamless and reassuring:

“The onboarding process with the ELOVATE team was smooth, well-structured, and highly supportive. Communication was clear throughout, expectations were set early, and the team was responsive to any questions. We felt guided at every stage, which made the transition efficient and positive for everyone involved”.

This well-organized onboarding process ensured that operations continued without disruption and built confidence in the partnership from the very beginning.

The Partnership

As the relationship developed, Barnardo’s valued ELOVATE’s coordinated and solutions-focused approach:

“We particularly value ELOVATE’s proactive communication, strategic insight, and collaborative approach. The team takes time to understand our goals and provides tailored support rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Their responsiveness, transparency, and commitment to delivering measurable results have been especially valuable to our fundraising efforts”.

This approach demonstrates that ELOVATE is more than a service provider—they are a strategic partner in achieving Barnardo’s fulfilment goals.

The Result

For Barnardo’s, one of the key benefits of partnering with ELOVATE has been enhanced inventory management and improved operational transparency:

“We particularly value ELOVATE’s attention to detail, responsive support, and the improved visibility and efficiency their systems have brought to our stock management processes”.

These improvements have enhanced Barnardo’s ability to manage their products with greater accuracy and real-time insight.

The Future

Looking ahead, Barnardo’s is confident in the ongoing partnership with ELOVATE and the positive impact it will continue to deliver:

“We see a strong and positive future with ELOAVTE as a partner. Their strategic approach, innovation, and collaborative mindset give us confidence that we can continue to grow our fundraising operations and adapt together. We look forward to building on the foundations established so far and achieving even greater impact through our partnership”.

Barnardo’s and ELOVATE share a vision for growth and innovation, working together to strengthen Barnardo’s operations.

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eCommerce Case Study

UNLTD.

Safe, reliable beverage fulfilment for alcohol-free beer

Related Solutions

Food & Drink Fulfilment

Client Overview

After their heavily boozed up wedding in 2019, founders Johnny and Antonia Johnson decided to ditch alcohol and commit to a healthier lifestyle. Three months later, they found themselves craving the sweet, refreshing taste of a beer after a long day at work, a feeling many of us know well.

The problem? Nothing on the market truly satisfied that craving without the alcohol.

So, they created their own.

That idea became UNLTD., a refreshing, low-calorie, non-alcoholic beer infused with vitamins, giving consumers the taste they love without the guilt.

As demand for alcohol free alternatives surged, UNLTD. quickly gained traction and has continued to grow ever since. With ELOVATE’s scalable beverage fulfilment infrastructure, UNLTD. can meet increasing demand without ever compromising service quality.

Onboarding

With experience supporting drink brands since 2009, ELOVATE brings extensive expertise in handling fragile products, curating gift sets, and managing a broad range of courier integrations, ensuring safe, carefully presented, and timely beverage fulfilment.

After Johnny and Antonia were fully onboarded to ELOVATE, they shared:

“The onboarding process with the ELOVATE team was seamless, structured and incredibly collaborative. From day one, we felt understood as a brand. The team took the time to really listen to our vision and values, which made the whole process feel aligned and purposeful rather than transactional.”

The Partnership

For the founders, what truly differentiates the partnership is the team’s energy and commitment:

“What we value most about ELOVATE is their genuine enthusiasm for what we’re building. Their communication is proactive, and they consistently bring ideas to the table that elevate our brand positioning. It feels like a true partnership rather than a service provider relationship.”

ELOVATE’s advanced warehouse management system and state-of-the-art fulfilment technology provide real-time insights, supporting proactive decision-making as brands scale. These actionable insights are communicated to you through online portals and dedicated account managers, who recommend the next steps for continuous improvement.

Beyond fulfilment, ELOVATE’s contact centre services deliver seamless customer support, helping UNLTD. maintain strong, lasting relationships with its growing customer base.

The Future

The couple concludes:

“We see ELOVATE playing a key role in the next phase of UNLTD.’s growth. As we continue to scale, having a partner who understands both our commercial ambitions and our brand ethos gives us real confidence.”

By partnering with ELOVATE, UNLTD. has built a fulfilment operation that protects product integrity and enhances the overall customer experience. From scalable infrastructure and data-driven insights to proactive account management and seamless customer support, the partnership provides a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

With ELOVATE’s non-alcoholic drink fulfilment services, the founders can focus on scaling their brand, knowing that fulfilment and customer service are expertly managed.

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Deliveries
News & Events CharityeCommerce

More carrier changes: DHL and Evri to merge

19 May, 2025

We recently shared news about the merger between Royal Mail and Parcelforce read the update here. Now, the DHL and Evri merger in 2025 marks another major shift in the UK delivery landscape.

On 14th May, Evri and DHL eCommerce confirmed a new strategic transaction. The deal will see DHL eCommerce and Evri merge operations—creating a delivery powerhouse handling over 1 billion parcels and another 1 billion letters annually.

As part of the deal, DHL Group will take a significant minority stake in Evri. This creates a newly shaped carrier network aiming to deliver stronger competition, wider choice and sharper pricing for businesses and consumers alike.

What will the new DHL x Evri offer?

The merged operation is expected to bring together the strengths of both businesses into a combined offer that includes:

  • A premium, dedicated network for high-value and large parcels
  • A one-stop-shop solution for SMEs across mail, parcels, B2B, international and fulfilment
  • 15,000 out-of-home delivery and collection points in the UK
  • DHL’s international expertise and 150,000 global access points
  • Continued investment in Evri’s domestic mail service for UK businesses

The core Evri brand will remain in the UK, with DHL’s premium van network operating under the new name Evri Premium.

What does this mean for Elovate customers?

Just like the Royal Mail and Parcelforce changes, it’s too early to predict how this new move will reshape the delivery market. It could boost competition and pricing—or it could create more dominance in the hands of fewer providers. What matters most to us is service quality, reliability and value.

We’re keeping a close eye on all developments and assessing the impact across our courier partners. We’ll keep you informed of any changes that may affect your fulfilment journey.

—
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Partnership
News & Events eCommerce

Partnership that powers growth

13 May, 2025

Why partnership matters more than ever in eCommerce

In 2025, eCommerce businesses are navigating more complexity than ever—rising costs, evolving customer expectations, and fast-moving supply chains are all part of the landscape. In this environment, having a supplier isn’t enough. You need a partner.

At Elovate, we don’t operate on the sidelines. We work side by side with our clients, blending expertise with transparency to create the kind of fulfilment partnership that powers real business growth.

Built for agility. Powered by partnership.

Successful eCommerce brands don’t go it alone. They team up with partners who can share responsibility, reduce operational friction, and move fast when the market does. That’s where we come in.

We offer more than reliable fulfilment. We bring foresight—flagging risks early, sharing market insights, and helping you make informed decisions that protect margins and unlock new opportunities. When the pressure’s on, we’re in it with you.

Transparency that drives action

Visibility fuels smart decisions. That’s why our systems give you a real-time view of your inventory, order volumes, and shipping performance—helping you respond faster, plan better, and stay ahead of the curve.

And when it comes to flexibility, we match your pace. Whether you’re scaling up, rethinking SKUs, or pivoting to new strategies, our fulfilment model is built to flex with you—not hold you back.

What partnership looks like at Elovate

  • More than fulfilment: Our team acts as an extension of yours—flagging slow-moving stock, advising on kitting options, and suggesting smart moves to drive efficiency and boost sales.
  • Consistent communication: We don’t just wait for you to ask. We proactively share updates, raise red flags early, and stay connected so you’re never left guessing.
  • Smart integrations: Whether you’re using Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom platform, our systems integrate seamlessly—keeping everything running smoothly in the background so you can focus on the front end.

Ready to grow with you

We’re here to be the partner who doesn’t just deliver boxes, but delivers impact. If you’re looking for a fulfilment provider who’ll take the time to understand your business—and move with you, not behind you—it’s time to talk to Elovate.

Ready to grow with a smarter fulfilment partner?

Let’s talk about how Elovate can support your next phase—flexible, transparent and built for your goals.

Talk to us

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eCommerce Case Study

Visibly Fit

Workwear That Fits: High-Vis with Comfort and Performance

Related Solutions

Contact Centre
Personalisation
B2B
TikTok Integration

How Elovate Supports Visibly Fit

John, founder of Visibly Fit, started the company after realising that workwear was largely generic—one size fits all tends to mean it doesn’t fit anybody well. Having worked in manual labour and serving in the Marines, he saw how military gear was leagues ahead in terms of quality and functionality. That sparked the idea: why not bring that level of design and durability to workwear?

He first launched a muscle-fit, slim-fit polo shirt—something that didn’t exist in the market.

I dipped my toe in the water with that one, he says, but demand quickly took off. From there, Visibly Fit expanded into joggers, hoodies, jackets, and trousers. I can kit you out from top to bottom now, he adds, with plans for socks, boots, and female-specific designs next.

Visibly Fit
Visibly Fit

Goal

As Visibly Fit grew, John wanted to create workwear that not only performed well but also fit properly and looked good. “It’s about making kit that actually works—stuff you can rely on every day,” he explains. His focus was on function-first innovation, taking inspiration from military-grade apparel and applying it to workwear.

At the same time, orders were increasing, and managing everything—from fulfillment to customer service—was becoming a challenge. John knew he needed the right support to scale, and soon, personalisation, B2B sales, and contact centre support will become a reality, helping him reach even more customers while maintaining the brand’s high standards.

Solution

As demand skyrocketed, handling everything alone became impossible.

“I’d check the site and see orders coming in for hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds. It was clear these weren’t just individual customers—businesses were kitting out entire teams. I needed a way to keep up with demand without compromising quality or customer experience“

That’s where Elovate came in. With a growing customer base and a Shopify website that could finally integrate properly, Elovate took over fulfillment, stock management, and logistics, allowing John to focus on designing and improving his product range.

“Now, I don’t have to worry about it—Elovate takes care of everything. Orders go out, stock is managed, and I can focus on growing the brand instead of stressing about logistics. And with B2B sales, personalisation, and a contact centre coming soon, the business is about to go to the next level.“

Results & Benefits

  • Seamless fulfillment: Orders are now shipped efficiently without any bottlenecks.
  • Scalability: Visibly Fit can now handle larger bulk orders without operational strain.
  • Future growth: Personalisation, B2B sales, and Contact Centre support will soon become a reality, unlocking even more opportunities.
  • TikTok Integration: A new marketing avenue is in place to help Visibly Fit expand its audience.
  • Confidence in growth: “I know my customers are getting their orders quickly and efficiently, and that gives me the confidence to keep pushing forward.“

Inspiration

For John, Visibly Fit isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about creating workwear that actually works.

“If you’re wearing horrible, uncomfortable stuff all day, it makes you miserable” he says. “But if it fits nice, feels nice, and looks nice, you’re gonna feel better in yourself. That’s why I exist.“

Looking at how smoothly everything has come together, John is more optimistic than ever about where the brand is headed.

“The onboarding and setup with Elovate have exceeded my expectations. I can see a future where they allow my brand to truly excel in the clothing market.“

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News & Events CharityeCommerce

Process Direct Debits correctly during the upcoming Bank Holidays

5 March, 2025

Plan your Direct Debit processing so payments do not get delayed

As we approach four Bank Holidays in April and May, it is vital if you are processing your own Direct Debits that you plan ahead to ensure these non-processing days are taken into account when submitting your Bacs files.

What are the Bank Holiday non-processing days for April and May 2025?

Friday 18th April

Monday 21st April

Monday 5th May

Monday 26th May

Planning ahead to ensure Direct Debits are claimed correctly and in accordance with the Service User rules is so important. To make life easier, we have detailed below what you need to do to ensure payments arrive correctly but do check the 2025 Bacs calendar. If you are using Elovate as your Bacs Approved Bureau, sit back and relax, we have this covered!

Easter 2025 Bacs processing dates

Payment arrival date
Thursday 17th April
Tuesday 22nd April
Wednesday 23rd April
Wednesday 23rd April

Processing date
Wednesday 16th April
Thursday 17th April
Tuesday 22nd April
Wednesday 23rd April

Latest submission date
Tuesday 15th April
Wednesday 16th April
Thursday 17th April
Tuesday 22nd April

May Bank Holiday 2025

Payment arrival date
Friday 2nd May
Tuesday 6th May
Wednesday 7th May
Thursday 8th May

Processing date
Thursday 1st May
Friday 2nd May
Tuesday 6th May
Wednesday 7th May

Latest submission date
Wednesday 30th April
Thursday 1st May
Friday 2nd May
Tuesday 6th May

Spring Bank Holiday 2025

Payment arrival date
Friday 23rd May
Tuesday 27th May
Wednesday 28th May
Thursday 29th May

Processing date
Thursday 22nd May
Friday 23rd May
Tuesday 27th May
Wednesday 28th May

Latest submission date
Wednesday 21st May
Thursday 22nd May
Friday 23rd May
Tuesday 27th May

For 2026 Bacs processing days, take a look here.

Reduce stress and outsource your Direct Debits

contact us today for a no obligation quick quote

Contact us

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secure payments
InsightsNews & Events CharityeCommerce

ELOVATE achieves Certification for PCI DSS 4.0 Compliance

3 March, 2025

Key Updates in PCI DSS 4.0

From 31st March 2025, all organisations must ensure they are fully prepared to meet the updated compliance standards and implement the necessary security controls. PCI DSS 4.0 introduces several enhancements designed to strengthen security measures, provide flexibility in security approaches, and improve validation processes. Some of the key updates include:

  • Proactive Risk Assessment: A more rigorous approach to risk assessment and security control evaluations.
  • More Frequent Audits: Regular documented reviews of sensitive authentication data security.
  • Stronger Protection Against Cyber Threats: Enhanced safeguards against malware, phishing, and social engineering attacks.
  • Security Awareness & Training: Expanded requirements for security awareness programmes to ensure all personnel understand and uphold security best practices.
  • Stronger Authentication & Password Requirements:
    • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now required across more system components.
    • Minimum password length increased from 8 to 12 characters.
    • Well-documented encryption protocols must be in place.
    • Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for security measures.

What is PCI DSS?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of information security standards established by major credit card companies, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover Financial Services, American Express, and JCB. Managed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), this framework is designed to protect credit and debit card transactions from data breaches and fraud.

PCI DSS certification validates an organisation’s compliance with these security standards, reinforcing trust and ensuring the secure handling of payment card data. Certification requires completing a self-assessment questionnaire and passing a PCI compliance scan to assess the security of systems and processes. To enhance accountability, Elovate employs an external Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) to independently validate compliance each year.

With its robust guidelines, PCI DSS plays a crucial role in safeguarding cardholder data, particularly during transmission, providing organisations with a framework to create and maintain secure payment card environments that effectively detect and mitigate threats.

Why PCI DSS Matters to Elovate

Alastair Fell, Commercial Director at Elovate, explains:

“As digital payments grow, so do the risks of attacks targeting cardholder data. Every transaction processed by our contact centre, digital mailroom, or online platforms is a potential point of vulnerability within the digital payments infrastructure. With businesses increasingly integrating payment systems with cloud technologies and IoT devices, the stakes have never been higher. Addressing these risks requires a comprehensive security framework—this is where the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is essential to Elovate. Ensuring PCI compliance is critical for businesses handling card transactions, and at Elovate, we recognise our responsibility in protecting both consumers and donors from payment card-related fraud.”

How Elovate Invests in PCI DSS Compliance

Achieving and maintaining PCI DSS compliance requires ongoing investment in security measures, technology, and best practices. Elovate takes a proactive approach by implementing the following:

  • Internal Audits: Regularly conducting audits and in-depth assessments to monitor cardholder data storage and security policies, identifying and addressing any compliance gaps.
  • Patch Management: Implementing a continuous patch management programme to detect vulnerabilities, apply updates promptly, and maintain compliance documentation.
  • Automation & Threat Monitoring: Leveraging automation tools and maintaining a 24/7 manned Security Operations Centre (SOC) to detect and respond to potential security threats in real-time.
  • Employee Training & Awareness: Conducting regular training sessions for employees on data security best practices, compliance procedures, and real-world security challenges.

A Commitment to Secure Transactions

Elovate’s certification for PCI DSS 4.0 underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest level of security in payment processing. By continually investing in cybersecurity measures, compliance protocols, and employee training, Elovate ensures that its clients, donors, and consumers can trust that their payment data is handled with the utmost care and protection.

As the digital payments landscape evolves, Elovate remains dedicated to staying ahead of security threats, upholding industry-leading standards, and providing a secure environment for financial transactions.

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News & Events eCommerce

Balancing sustainability and visibility in food & beverage fulfilment

24 February, 2025

Sustainability is now a priority for consumers, with 62% preferring recyclable or biodegradable packaging. But for brands in the food and beverage sector, balancing sustainability and visibility without raising costs is a challenge. Are these pain points slowing your growth?

Is balancing sustainability with cost management a challenge?

Incorporating sustainable materials and green logistics is no longer optional for F&B brands. But for many, it comes at a financial cost.

What you might be experiencing:

  • Sustainable materials and green logistics options are expensive.
  • Difficulty finding cost-effective suppliers for eco-friendly packaging.

How to solve it:
Elovate integrates sustainable practices into its core services, offering eco-friendly packaging and optimised delivery routes to reduce emissions. By making sustainability a built-in part of operations, brands can meet customer expectations without excessive cost increases.

Do you lack visibility and transparency across the supply chain?

Without real-time data on stock levels, demand trends, and expiry dates, brands risk overstocking, wastage, and delivery delays.

What you might be experiencing:

  • Limited access to data on inventory and supply chain performance.
  • Inaccurate forecasting that leads to waste and missed delivery windows.

How to solve it:
Technology-driven fulfilment solutions provide real-time visibility into stock levels and order statuses. Elovate’s data-driven forecasting tools help brands monitor product expiry dates, minimise waste, and optimise stock levels efficiently.

Stay in control

Work with Elovate today.

Contact us

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wine scanning
News & Events eCommerce

The four hidden pains of food & beverage fulfilment

12 February, 2025

In the UK’s growing ambient food and beverage market—expected to reach £6.4 billion by 2025—brands face hidden challenges that can severely impact their operations. Are you facing these common fulfilment issues? Here’s how to overcome them.

1. Are you struggling to scale during seasonal peaks or promotions?

Whether it’s holiday hampers, promotional product launches, or subscription boxes, seasonal surges in demand can overwhelm fulfilment systems and disrupt delivery schedules.

What you might be experiencing:

  • Stockouts, late deliveries, or inaccurate orders during busy periods.
  • Limited capacity or flexibility to expand fulfilment when demand spikes.

How to solve it:
Partner with a scalable fulfilment provider. Elovate offers flexible ambient storage and agile logistics, ensuring brands can adapt to demand spikes without sacrificing accuracy or speed.

2. Is meeting customer expectations for fast delivery and personalised packaging a challenge?

Today’s customers expect fast, reliable deliveries and a personalised unboxing experience that resonates with their values.

What you might be experiencing:

  • Rigid fulfilment processes that make customisation difficult.
  • Delays in deliveries and limited visibility into shipment tracking.

How to solve it:
Bespoke fulfilment options, such as custom packaging for hampers and subscription boxes, provide the personal touch customers crave. Combined with Elovate’s real-time tracking, you gain full visibility over deliveries.

3. Are compliance requirements creating bottlenecks in your supply chain?

Meeting food safety regulations and maintaining product traceability are essential for any food and beverage brand. But managing batch control manually can lead to costly errors.

What you might be experiencing:

  • Struggles with batch control, best-before dates, and traceability.
  • Worries about failing inspections due to changing regulations.

How to solve it:
Automated batch control and expiry tracking ensure compliance and protect product quality. Elovate’s tech solutions provide real-time monitoring to minimise errors and avoid penalties.

4. Are labour shortages and Brexit-related issues slowing your operations?

The UK’s food and beverage sector continues to be hit by labour shortages and post-Brexit trade complexities. Without proper support, fulfilment bottlenecks can escalate.

What you might be experiencing:

  • Insufficient staffing, leading to delays in packing and delivery.
  • Brexit-related disruptions affecting shipping timelines and costs.

How to solve it:
Elovate’s automation and tech-driven fulfilment solutions minimise labour dependencies. With optimised processes and real-time data, brands maintain efficiency even during staffing shortages.

Scan your products

Scale beyond the bottlenecks

Partner with Elovate.

Contact us

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Contact Center elovate 2025
News & Events CharityeCommerce

Shared or Dedicated?

13 January, 2025

A guide to Contact Centre resource planning 

When is the right time to use outsourced staff for your communications, and what are the main options? In this blog we look at the different types of Contact Centre support available from Elovate.

‘Shared’ Resource

This refers to a team that will carry out multiple tasks for a number of different companies and charities. The shared team will often manage smaller number of communications coming in from clients throughout that week. The team will be trained across multiple clients and agreed Service Levels will often be less than dedicated teams.

Shared resource can be a great way to expand your communication options. It gives your customers or supporters the means to contact your organisation when it suits them, without the need for significant capital investment from you. This can give greater insight into the level of support you may need and allows a business case to be created based on evidence from the data gathered by using shared voice or alternative communications.

‘Dedicated’ Resource

A dedicated resource is where highly trained team members focus on exclusively servicing your account across multiple interactions. Often seen as an extension to in-house team members, they will work closely with an organisation to ensure seamless communication and service flow.

Dedicated resource teams are better suited for high volume or complex communication requirements where at least two agents are needed to oversee tasks. The total number of agents will depend on volume, service levels and type of activities to be completed.

‘Hybrid’ – a flexible solution

It is not uncommon to use both sets of resource teams, for example, investing in dedicated at peak times, and utilising shared service for overflow or for those time periods when communications may be less in volume.

Implementing a hybrid solution and aligning a training programme for dedicated resourcing can also help you have more staff “ready to go” if unforeseen circumstances arise. This helps ensure continuity of service for your communications and allows the continual improvement of your customer/supporter experience.

“Flexibility is key when looking at a Contact Centre solution and partnership working to expand and develop any communications programme is key to success. People still love to interact with a human and, while we are seeing AI come into our webchats, voice

calls remain the main driver of communications, regardless of what level of resource our clients choose.” Scott Gray – Marketing & Service Director

Time to explore your options?

If you’re looking for support to answer your calls, emails or webchats or, have any times where you are unable to deliver the service you would like, now may be the best time to explore the various options that Elovate can provide for you to continue providing an excellent customer experience.

Call, email, or use our webchat to see how we can help you.

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