LogChain moves global HQ to Liverpool digital trade hub

LogChain is moving its global headquarters from Singapore to the UK and will establish its UK headquarters and growth hub in the Liverpool City Region. The shift brings the trade technology company closer to UK legal and policy frameworks for digital trade.

It plans to base innovation and scaling work in the region, which has a large logistics footprint through the Port of Liverpool and a growing technology sector. The announcement is due during UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week in Kuala Lumpur.

UK relocation

LogChain develops digital processes for cross-border trade, focusing on electronic documentation, shared multi-party data and digital workflows across shipping, ports, finance and government agencies.

The move comes as governments and industry push for wider use of electronic trade documents and standardised data exchange. Many trade flows still rely on paper documents and manual processing, while businesses and regulators face increased scrutiny over compliance, cyber risk and supply chain disruption.

The company is known for work it describes as the world's first fully digitalised movement of goods, which it cites as evidence that end-to-end digital documentation can operate in live trade conditions across multiple organisations.

UK-backed trade digitalisation pilots have reported productivity gains of up to 67% and shipment time reductions of up to 40%, based on figures cited by LogChain. It did not provide a breakdown of pilot locations or sectors.

Legal framework

A key policy backdrop is the UK's Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, which gives legal recognition to certain electronic trade documents. The Act aligns with UNCITRAL's Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, which several jurisdictions use as a basis for recognising digital equivalents to paper trade documents.

Industry participants have long argued that legal recognition is only part of the transition. Adoption also depends on system interoperability, agreed standards, assurance around identity and trust, and the willingness of trading partners to accept electronic documents across borders.

LogChain framed the move as a way to scale work built around trusted data exchange and legally recognised electronic documentation.

"LogChain was built as infrastructure for digital trade, designed to support innovation while meeting the highest standards of security, trust and compliance. This expansion reflects our confidence in the UK as an environment where regulated innovation can scale responsibly. Liverpool City Region's role in global trade, logistics and Freeport development closely aligns with how we think about building dependable systems that underpin international commerce. We see this move as a foundation for long-term collaboration," said Andie McKeown, co-founder and CEO of LogChain.

Liverpool base

Liverpool City Region has pitched itself as a hub where trade, logistics and technology overlap. Its Freeport development is part of broader efforts to attract investment linked to trade and advanced manufacturing.

The region handles 45% of trans-Atlantic trade through the Port of Liverpool, according to figures provided by LogChain. It is also home to more than 6,500 digital and tech businesses, the company said.

The UK headquarters and operational base will work with governments, ports, financial institutions and industry partners. LogChain also expects the base to strengthen connections between UK suppliers and international trade corridors, including Southeast Asia.

Ministers described the relocation as a signal of confidence in the UK's trade technology sector and a source of jobs and local investment.

"LogChain's decision to relocate from Singapore to Liverpool is a clear vote of confidence in the UK as a world-leading destination for trade technology. This investment will boost skilled jobs, energise Merseyside's tech community, and help British businesses to streamline their shipping processes and trade more efficiently with the world," said Peter Kyle, UK Business and Trade Secretary.

Trade corridor

The decision also sits within wider UK activity in Southeast Asia on technology and trade policy. UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week spans events in Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with a programme focused on AI, data centres and cybersecurity.

The UK government's trade team in the region has highlighted the size of the domestic technology sector as it seeks to attract overseas firms and investment.

"We welcome more companies moving their headquarters to the UK, highlighting our position as a global technology hub. Our technology sector is already worth US$1.2 trillion, and we have an open, pro-innovation business environment that makes it easy for ambitious firms to scale and thrive," said Martin Kent, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific.

Leaders in Liverpool City Region also presented the move as validation of the area's role in logistics and digital innovation.

"I'm really proud that LogChain has chosen the Liverpool City Region as its UK base. We're a place that 'gets' trade, logistics and technology, and we're serious about backing companies that are shaping the future of global commerce. Moves like this help bring good jobs to the region and strengthen our links with the rest of the world," said Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

LogChain expects the UK base to serve as its centre for innovation and scaling work as it expands digital trade processes across multiple markets.