Supply chain operations across the UK and EU are under pressure like never before. The pandemic, Brexit and outdated fulfilment models are all contributing to a major rethink on how supply chains operate. The participants will offer valuable thought leadership on what companies need to do to address the challenges and develop more sustainable models of operation in the new normal.

Topics for discussion;

Within the UK and European warehouse sector, the traditional model adopted by fulfilment centres for dealing with peak periods has been the subject of much debate – even before the pandemic.

Volume fluctuations in peak periods can have serious implications on labour provision. During peaks, fulfilment warehouses can often need up to six times the normal size of workforce to service growing order volumes. But as the ecommerce sector grows, drafting in huge armies of temporary workers to cope with seasonal spikes has become increasingly unsustainable.

Rising labour costs and the availability of workers in a shrinking labour pool was already forcing many companies to consider change; add to this the effects of the pandemic and the need to have socially distanced warehouses, plus Brexit, then pressure on even the most robust of supply chains has been severely tested.

The challenges of Brexit, especially on sourcing temporary workers, is having major implications for the UK. Many multi-national operations are now seeking warehouse locations outside of the UK on the European mainland to maintain continuity of supply. There are plenty of incentives available to locate a business in the EU, for example in the Netherlands or Belgium, so what can the UK do?

A more sustainable solution is required.

Planning ahead has enabled some fulfilment businesses to install the automation needed to maintain productivity – even when the pandemic hit. Effective automated solutions will reduce the need for such volumes of temporary labour and free up the existing workforce to be redeployed where they can be of most use.

Reasons to Register;

• Critical business insight – delivering important and actionable intelligence to share amongst development teams to improve supply chain management

• Engaging thought leadership – learn the best strategies from experts in the field

• Interaction discussion – pose questions to those in a position to deliver the best advice

When is this exclusive webinar taking place?

April 29th 2021 at 2pm.

John Baker UK Business Development Manager @Locus Robotics
John has extensive knowledge of the UK and European logistics and supply chain industries having served at director level for leading businesses across the sector. Prior to joining Locus Robotics in 2020 to spearhead its business development in the UK, John worked companies including FedEx, TNT, Geodis and Expeditors, helping to deliver multi-million-pound growth over many years. His exceptional record in increasing sales and profitability owes much to his detailed customer focus and the development of new structures, training and measurement processes to support consistent business growth. His areas of expertise include: Supply Chain & Logistics, Directing Sales, Account Management, Sales & Marketing, Strategic Selling, Multi – Modal Knowledge and Product Development. His extensive knowledge of the complex and diverse European logistics industry has enabled him to develop successful overseas trade networks for the companies for which he has worked.

Peter Ward Chief Executive @UKWA
Peter Ward has more than 35 years’ experience in international transportation and logistics and is recognised as a principal authority in global supply chain management, based on his achievements at director level with some of the world’s leading global logistics providers. He took the helm of the UK Warehouse Association in 2015 following the decision by Roger Williams to stand down from his role. Prior to joining the UKWA, Ward served as Commercial Director and Head of Cargo Supply Chain at London Gateway. A graduate of the Institute of Export and Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, his career started in the export shipping department of Courtaulds plc. He then joined his family’s freight forwarding company, DH Ward (Shipping) Ltd, where he became Managing Director. In 1994 he masterminded the company’s merger with American-owned Fritz Companies, which under his leadership became a top-five forwarder in Europe prior to acquisition by UPS in 2001.

Nick Bradley Editor at Logistics Manager
Nick was appointed Editor of Logistics Manager in April 2021, roughly 22 years after cutting his teeth in journalism working within the Handling Division of DMG World Media opposite former LM editor Malory Davies. He subsequently spent 15 years as Editor and Editor-in-Chief of numerous B2B titles covering industrial vehicle design and engineering, intelligent transportation systems and even launched technology publications focusing on ADAS, autonomous vehicles and winter resort operations. After a five-year spell running a Top 100 Amazon third-party seller company, he has found his way back to his first love, publishing, via an events company specialised in sustainability-themed conferences where he tried to rid the world of plastic pollution and electronic waste.

Stephen Murrell Senior Director of CSO @Manhattan Associates

To register for this exclusive event, kindly click here!