Bolton-based online electricals retailer AO.com has partnered with location app what3words to reach more customers.
Almost 46 million people in the UK have an address that does not lead directly to the door of their home or business property, according to research conducted by what3words.
The London-based firm, which is also used by emergency services across the UK, has divided the world into a grid of three million squares and given each a unique combination of three words, which makes up their what3words address.
AO began piloting the technology earlier this year, asking customers to provide the keywords over six weeks in Leeds and Avonmouth, testing how the system made it easier for drivers to reach tricky locations.
Dave Ashwell, MD of AO Logistics, said: “It can be difficult for our drivers to find certain addresses, due to duplicated road names, the UK’s many unnumbered houses and single postcodes covering extensive rural areas.
“Our new partnership with what3words means we can always deliver to exactly the right location and guarantee our customers the excellent AO experience, regardless of where they live.”
Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words, added: “I grew up in a rural part of Hertfordshire, and constantly felt the frustrations of poor addressing.
“I’d have to flag down delivery drivers who drove past our house, and as we shared a postcode with our neighbours, spent my childhood running their parcels over to them. It’s great to see AO, who are often delivering large appliances and need incredibly accurate drop-off locations, roll out what3words.”
