In this edition of KC Unpacked, we speak with Ewan Penman, whose KC journey began at just 18 years old. With family roots in shipping and a passion for problem-solving, Ewan has grown into a role that connects clients with the solutions that keep their supply chains moving.
Here, he reflects on his career path, shares advice for clients, and looks ahead to the future of logistics, from global challenges to the rise of AI.
My dad worked in shipping all his life, so from a young age I was surrounded by people within the industry. He often invited colleagues and clients to family dinners, many of whom became close family friends, and remain so. When I was 18, I heard about a trainee export coordinator role at KC Group Shipping (KC) and begun my career journey.
From my very first day, I knew KC was the right place to develop and grow my career. In those early days, the team was small but very experienced, and everyone had a vital role to play, and worked as a collective, something, even as we’ve grown in numbers, still evident today. KC’s family origins and values resonated with me immediately, and despite being the youngest, my ideas were welcomed, listened to and taken seriously. That gave me a real sense of belonging and confidence to contribute.
As a Business Development Manager in the sales team, my role revolves around building and maintaining relationships with both existing and potential clients. At its core, it’s about effective relationships, understanding customer needs and finding the right freight solutions to keep their supply chains running smoothly.
No two days are the same. However, typically, my mornings often start by checking on current shipments to ensure everything is on track. From there, I might meet prospective customers, prepare tailored proposals, or work with our operations team. Collaboration is constant, whether with internal colleagues, overseas partners, or clients across a range of industries. I mentioned previously about the KC Collective, working as a team, supporting each other and clients, and that’s essential in my role. Conversations throughout each day often involve operations, our customs and Movement Guarantee team, finance and through to regular dialogue with the KC Senior Leadership Team.
A big part of my role is staying informed about market changes; pricing trends, capacity issues, new trade regulations, and ensuring clients navigate these shifts seamlessly. Ultimately, I see myself as the connector between client needs and KC’s delivery. It’s rewarding knowing the conversations and solutions we implement directly support businesses here in Scotland and around the world.
There are several recurring challenges in logistics. One of the biggest is managing supply chain disruptions; whether caused by global events, capacity issues, or unforeseen circumstances. We work closely with clients to provide alternative routes, communicate clearly about delays, and keep goods moving safely and efficiently.
Another challenge is navigating complex international regulations. Every country has its own customs and import/export requirements, and compliance is critical. On behalf of our clients, we continually keep up-to-date with regulatory changes and ensure documentation is accurate, ensuring we mitigate risk, and shipments clear customs with minimal delays.
Cost control is also key. With fluctuating fuel prices and variable port handling costs, we continuously optimise routes, negotiate with carriers, and monitor expenses so clients receive competitive shipping rates without compromising service.
Finally, technological advancements and sustainability are growing priorities, for us, and our clients. We’ve implemented accessible, transparent real-time tracking systems, and regularly partner with clients to align with eco-friendly transport options. We’re committed to making operations more efficient, reducing C02 and environmental impact. It’s an area of shipping I’m personally very passionate about, and a regular talking point with clients with an appetite to meet the growing end-user demand for greener logistics.
A great example of this in action is our recent project delivering efficient and environmentally friendly logistics for Extreme E, a pioneering motorsport series. By optimising routing, consolidating shipments, and applying sustainable transport choices, we reduced costs while significantly cutting emissions. You can read more about that case study here.
Forward planning and agile thinking are vital. Logistics can change suddenly, whether due to weather, customs, or regulatory shifts. Having contingency plans, a flexible attitude to address whatever challenges come our way, is something we work with clients to be ready for. What is it they say: ‘Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail!’ Allow adequate time for shipments, prepare and together we remove the stress and minimise costly setbacks if issues arise.
I also encourage clients to maintain open communication with us. When we stay connected, we can spot potential issues early and react quickly with alternative solutions. Our proactive, flexible approach is what keeps supply chains resilient.
BeKC is foundational to everything we do, from colleague collaboration to client and partner relationships. BeKC is about how we do the job, ensuring customer-centric experiences, our behaviour, company culture and leaving a lasting and positive legacy with every shipment we manage.
Everyone at KC shares the same goal; delivering logistics efficiently, sustainably, and cost-effectively. Open communication and a willingness to help one another creates a strong, dynamic team, and ultimately, clients benefit from this culture.
There’s a genuine sense of togetherness here, again, I’m back to my initial statement on first joining KC, “KC’s family origins and values resonated.” They did on that first day and remain so, today. Whether it’s stepping in to cover, sharing knowledge, or offering advice, we absolutely support each other, across a diverse divisional structure today. People take ownership, and that collective responsibility makes us resilient when challenges arise. We’ve built a team that trusts each other, with a shared purpose that ensures clients choose us.
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) really excites me. AI has the potential to transform how we plan and execute logistics, whether it’s automating operations, optimising routes, improving warehouse efficiency, or forecasting demand. For example, AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of data to predict the most efficient routes for shipments, cutting delivery times and reducing fuel consumption. At KC, many of these developments are already being put into practice to streamline shipping operations and improve the client experience.
One of the most valuable aspects of AI is its ability to support real-time decision-making. It enables us to react faster to disruptions, reroute shipments around delays, and anticipate issues before they escalate. That speed and foresight are game-changers for supply chains, making them more resilient and efficient in the face of uncertainty.
That said, while AI is powerful, the human element remains vital. Technology should enhance the knowledge and creativity of experienced logistics professionals, not replace them. The trust and relationships we build with our clients will always set KC apart. By combining people expertise with emerging technology, we can deliver efficient, future-focused solutions that truly add value.
