Interview

"The UK is one of Europe’s most mature and strategic logistics markets"

We interviewed Léo Barlatier, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of Barjane, a mission-driven, B Corp-certified company specialising in sustainable logistics and industrial real estate. He reflected on Barjane's expansion into the UK market, the development of their flagship Rugby 106 project, and the company's commitment to combining economic performance with strong environmental responsibility. As a member of the French Chamber, Léo also shared his perspective on the Chamber's role in supporting French entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses in the UK.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and Barjane?

I’m Léo Barlatier, co-founder and co-managing director of BARJANE. BARJANE is a mission-driven company and certified B Corp, founded in 2006, specializing in sustainable logistics and industrial real estate. What makes us unique is our fully integrated model: we act as investor, developer, asset manager, and operator, while also producing photovoltaic energy.

We manage projects from A to Z — from land sourcing and development to construction and long-term asset management. Our ambition is to create high-performance, low-carbon logistics platforms that combine economic efficiency with strong environmental and social commitments, benefiting both our clients and the territories we operate in.

2. Why did you choose to expand Barjane in the UK? What challenges did you face when entering the UK market, and how did you overcome them?

The UK is one of Europe’s most mature and strategic logistics markets, with strong demand driven by e-commerce and supply chain transformation. Expanding into the UK, particularly in the Midlands, was a natural step in our European growth strategy.

One of the main challenges was adapting to a different regulatory framework and market dynamics, especially in planning processes and land acquisition. We also had to build strong local partnerships and understand specific client expectations.

We overcame these challenges by relying on local expertise, building trusted relationships with stakeholders, and staying true to our integrated model and long-term vision. Our ability to deliver high-quality, sustainable projects helped us quickly establish credibility in the market.

3. What advice would you give to French entrepreneurs looking to set up or grow their business in the UK?

First, invest time in understanding the local market — the UK has its own business culture, regulatory environment, and decision-making processes.

Second, surround yourself with strong local partners. Having people on the ground who understand the ecosystem is key to accelerating your development.

Third, be agile and pragmatic. The UK market is fast-moving and competitive, so the ability to adapt quickly is essential.

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of building relationships. Trust and long-term partnerships are fundamental to success in the UK.

4. How does the acquisition and development of the Rugby 106 logistics and industrial facility reflect your ambitions in the UK, as well as your commitment to sustainability?

The Rugby 106 project is a flagship development for Barjane in the UK and perfectly illustrates both our growth ambitions and our sustainability commitments.

First, it reflects our strategy of positioning ourselves in prime logistics locations, as Rugby sits at the heart of the UK’s “Golden Triangle,” a key hub for national distribution.

But beyond its strategic location, what makes Rugby 106 particularly meaningful is that it is a brownfield redevelopment project. The site was previously occupied by vacant offices and industrial workshops, which we have cleared and transformed into a new-generation logistics facility.

This approach is central to our philosophy: rather than consuming new land, we aim to regenerate underused or obsolete sites, contributing to more responsible land use and supporting local economic revitalisation.

In terms of sustainability, Rugby 106 embodies our low-carbon strategy. The project targets high environmental standards, including a BREEAM Outstanding certification and EPC A+ rating, and integrates features such as rooftop solar panels, low-carbon materials, and energy-efficient systems.

It also incorporates biodiversity enhancements, soft landscaping, and employee wellbeing features, demonstrating that logistics platforms can be both high-performing and environmentally responsible.

Ultimately, Rugby 106 showcases our conviction that economic performance, environmental responsibility, and territorial regeneration must go hand in hand.

5. How has the French Chamber supported you throughout your business journey?

The French Chamber has played an important role in supporting our development in the UK by facilitating connections and helping us better understand the local business environment.

It provides valuable networking opportunities, access to key stakeholders, and a platform to exchange with other companies facing similar challenges.

More broadly, it helps create a bridge between French and British business ecosystems, which is essential when entering a new market. This support has been instrumental in accelerating our integration and strengthening our presence in the UK.

BARJANE is a property group strongly engaged in the sustainable development of its activities. BARJANE develops tomorrow’s logistics real estate: innovative, responsible & value-creating assets benefitting its customers, their employees, the regions where the projects are developed and the environment.