Warehouse Association Assesses the Post Viral Landscape and Looks Toward More Automation
Major Industry Players Consult on a Changing Industry
UK – In a wide-ranging logistics users panel discussion, hosted by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) on Wednesday 3 March, senior supply chain directors representing four major brands spoke of their optimism for the future, the increased importance of automation in warehouses and the key role for 3PL partners in the new post-pandemic, post-Brexit world.
The panel discussion, chaired by UKWA CEO Peter Ward, included high profile speakers, Chris Warn, Global Logistics Director at Pentland Brands; Juan Manuel Santiago Mendez, CEO Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics UK; Iain Bartholomew, Director of Logistics, International & Europe at Urban Outfitters and John Munnelly, Head of Distribution Operations at John Lewis plc.
Freeports, Fuel Duty and Tax Changes Delight for Some and an Anathema to Others
UK Logistics Sector Gives a Variable Reaction to Budget
UK – The logistics sector drew breath this week and then released a torrent of words to comment on the Budget measures, taken as they are in the light of chaos caused by both the Covid pandemic and the exit from Europe.
Whilst some see Freeports as the road to Damascus, others are sceptical of the advantages or downright hostile, seeing them as an excuse to lower employment standards. Measured comments come from such as Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), who welcomed some of the macro-economic announcements in the UK Budget that will offer ongoing support to businesses in the freight and logistics sector that have been hit hard by the double whammy, saying:
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Snippets of Logistics and General Freight News This Week
What You May Have Missed but Want to Know
CYPRUS – WORLDWIDE – This week Cypriot Shipping Deputy Minister, Vassilios Demetriades wrote to both the EU Transport and Health Commissioners and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Secretary-General outlining proposals to better ensure the safe vaccination of all crew against the Covid virus.
The Minister suggested that seafarers involved in short sea traffic should all be immunised locally whilst deep sea staff should be vaccinated ashore and those at sea designated as ‘bubbles’ in isolation. In all cases the vaccines used should be subject to a globally agreed standard with adequate numbers of approved vaccines, acceptable to all governments, administered in the seafarers country of residence to before travelling to join their ships.
On Line Discussion to Inform Logistics Providers What Major Retail Clients Are Now Looking For
High Powered Panel to Elaborate on What is Needed from 3PLs in Light of Covid
UK – Video meetings and webinars have rapidly become the new normal as the problems of networking during the pandemic persists. Some however are better prepared for the difficulties of setting up a suitable online environment than others and, in this, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) has form.
Over the last couple of years or so UKWA gatherings have employed audience responses and questions using reactive technology linked directly to the audience’s cell phones. Now, in our current situation, the organisation is hoping for similar success with a forthcoming virtual panel discussion to take place on Wednesday March 3.