Logistics software veterans launch ProprGroup to give UK fleets route optimisation without the lock-in

Old Basing, Hampshire, 20 October 2026 – Propr Group Limited (ProprGroup) has launched with one aim: to make route optimisation something UK fleets can prove before they commit to it. Its core product, ProprTMS, brings together four modules, ProprPlan, ProprDispatch, ProprExecute and ProprInsights, covering everything from building the plan to capturing proof of delivery at the doorstep.

The business is founded by three people who have spent their careers inside logistics software: James Holt, Gary Rosier-Taylor and John Hayes. Between them they bring more than 40 years of product, commercial and operational experience, much of it at Descartes and the companies it acquired.

Why ProprGroup, and why now

The founders believe the UK market for route optimisation has stopped working for the people it is meant to serve. Large enterprise vendors dominate. Customers face heavy implementation fees, either up front or folded into high monthly pricing, and are typically tied into 36-month contracts before they have seen any value.

Industry estimates suggest around 70% of UK logistics operations either have no optimisation solution or do not use the optimisation engine in the system they already pay for. ProprGroup's view is that this is a symptom of the buying model, not a lack of need. When switching means another long contract and another costly implementation, most operators stick with "better the devil you know", even when they know they are leaving savings, fuel and carbon on the table.

ProprGroup is setting out to change that. Customers will be able to prove ProprTMS in their own operation first. Longer-term agreements come later, once a customer is happy and comfortable with the results, or sooner if they choose to go all in from day one.

What ProprTMS does

• ProprPlan – route optimisation with planning at its core, building efficient, compliant routes for real-world vehicles, drivers and delivery windows.
• ProprDispatch – gets vans out onto the road with the right work, and keeps the plan on track as the day changes.
• ProprExecute – a mobile app for drivers that captures photos, signatures and proof of delivery at the doorstep.
• ProprInsights – AI-driven reporting that shows what is happening across the operation and where to improve.

ProprTMS is built for UK operations running 30 or more vehicles, with a focus on food and beverage, wholesale distribution and big-box home delivery. It is priced per vehicle per month, and customers choose the modules they need.

The platform is market ready and built securely using modern development practices that let the team release improvements quickly and safely. That matters to the founders: customers should see the product get better every month, not just at renewal time.

Built on a proper ethos

The name comes from three meanings of the word "proper", which the founders say will shape both the product and the service:

• Suitable and fit for purpose. Built from the ground up for planning, dispatching and the doorstep, not bolted onto legacy code.
• Correct and to the standard. Continuous investment, with enhancements shaped by the people who use the tools every day.
• The right way to behave. Straight answers, honest timelines and people customers can actually reach.

The founders

James Holt has spent 24 years as a product leader in logistics, with a deep focus on route optimisation. He was most recently Product Director at Descartes UK.

Gary Rosier-Taylor has led the commercial side of logistics software businesses since 2016, at Verizon, at Localz through its acquisition by Descartes, and then across EMEA for Descartes. He is driven by helping fleets run cleaner while staying safe and compliant on the road.

John Hayes has more than 10 years of experience consulting on logistics operations. Also ex-Descartes, he runs his own consultancy advising UK organisations on how to improve their operations.

“Route optimisation has been around for decades, yet most UK fleets still aren't getting the benefit. That isn't a technology problem, it's a trust problem. We've built ProprTMS so customers can see the value in their own operation before they're asked to commit.”

“Every mile you don't need to drive is fuel saved, emissions avoided and a driver home sooner. We want to make that achievable for the thousands of UK fleets who've been priced out or locked in.”

“I spend my days inside UK operations, and the pattern is the same: good teams, working hard, with tools that don't properly support the way they need to operate. We believe the Propr way is to deploy software that supports the way business works, not one that asks you to change it to fit the software.”

Become a founding customer

ProprGroup is now inviting 10 to 15 UK operators to join its beta programme as founding customers. Founding customers will work directly with the founders to shape the product's roadmap, and ProprGroup has committed to recognising that investment of time and knowledge with commercial terms that work for both sides.

UK operators running 10 or more vehicles who want to take part can register their interest at propr.group.

About ProprGroup

Propr Group Limited is a UK logistics software company founded in 2026 by James Holt, Gary Rosier-Taylor and John Hayes. Its core product, ProprTMS, helps delivery and field operations plan, dispatch, execute and analyse their work, with no long lock-in until customers have proved the value. Find out more at propr.group.