Kerry Logistics has signed an agreement with Debenhams for the provision of logistics services in support of the British retailer’s Middle East growth.

Under the contract, Kerry will be handling the transportation of inventory from the Debenhams distribution centre in Peterborough in England to a range of destinations in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“We are delighted to have Kerry Logistics on board as our air export logistics provider,” said Steve Bowkis, director of imports and exports at Debenhams. “Kerry Logistics is able to offer us innovative supply chain solutions that support an important growth area of our business as we expand our stores internationally.”

Emma Rowlands, director of UK sales at Kerry Logistics, said that Kerry would not be overly reliant on a single hub in the UK.

“We offer a flexible and innovative approach, as well as a competitive value proposition, and have solid experience of working in the region,” she said. “Other logistics providers are committed to a strict hub-and-spoke system and are dependent on Heathrow, where space is getting more limited, but we can be flexible and can work around our clients’ requirements.”

The Middle East is a major growth market for Debenhams, which has more than 240 stores in 27 countries, according to a statement. The department store is also available online in 70 countries.