Warehousing is a vital part of virtually every supply chain. We hear a great deal about transport and shipping, but less about storage and fulfilment, even though this segment of the logistics industry has become increasingly important with the rise of ecommerce and home delivery.
CEO at UKWA
The fact is that the warehousing sector is growing. Our 2021 report into the size and make-up of the UK warehousing market showed 32% growth in the last 6 years, with buildings getting taller and bigger in footprint to meet massively increased demand for units of 1m+ sq ft. There has also been a seismic shift in occupier profile, from traditional High Street retailers to 3PLs and online traders. At the start of 2021, the Office of National Statistics was reporting ecommerce at over 37% of retail sales and despite falling back since then, it seems unlikely ever to contract to pre-pandemic levels.
To keep pace with these changes, warehouses have had to embrace automation and all aspects of the digital world. The long months of Covid-19 lockdown and the UK’s departure from the EU have both played a part in accelerating this process, and UKWA has been prominent in its support for members in this arena, establishing academic partnerships to study automation with the University of Bath and digitalisation with Cambridge University.
During 2021, the Association adopted our own digital update, launching a Risk Analysis Tool for Members. It is a modern approach to maintaining compliance in a rapidly evolving business environment, helping Members identify and manage risk in their business.
For 2022, the UK Government is intent upon creating a modern digital trade ecosystem. A new electronic trade documents bill, which looks likely to be introduced as early as May next year, will enable paper versions to become obsolete, for bills of lading, bills of exchange, warehouse receipts and more. UKWA will be working with the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) to understand the likely impact of these changes, and support members in the adoption and implementation of digital documentation.
Linked to this is our focus on skills and training for the warehousing industry, the standards for which are currently being rewritten, with support and advice from UKWA. It is our mission to ensure that available training is sector specific and relevant, and this will include the additional skills that will be required as new digital systems are rolled out.
Going Digital goes hand in hand with Going Green and removing paper from our processes will contribute towards net zero goals for the industry. As part of our involvement in sustainability, UKWA will continue to offer advice to members on operational gains, such as warehousing lighting standards, the electrification of MHE fleets and the modernisation of temperature control equipment in warehouses, all of which will feature in our route to net zero manifesto for 2022.
Key events for 2022
1. UKWA National Conference on ‘Skills & Training for the Future’ 8-9th March 2022, ‘Skills & Training for the Future’.
2. UKWA Annual Lunch & Awards, 22nd June 2022, with special guest John Humphrys.
UKWA
0207 636 8856
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