Critical labour and skills shortages were identified in UKWA’s recent survey as the number one issue facing our sector in 2022. But there are other challenges to meet too, such as increased digitalisation and the drive towards net zero. At the same time, the rise of online shopping and the move towards more resilient supply chains with more stock held closer to market, has created a seemingly insatiable demand for high quality, well located commercial property.
These same issues are being felt across the industry and in all parts of the UK, so it seems like the perfect time, post Brexit and – hopefully – post pandemic, to share relevant expertise, intelligence and best practice, supporting each other in developing successful solutions. To that end, in co-operation with AIWA (The All Ireland Warehousing Association, which is an informal joint venture between Fleet Publications and the UK Warehousing Association), UKWA is rolling out a ‘bite size’ version of its National Conference content to Ireland, with a Warehousing Showcase at Stormont Hotel in Belfast on 31st March.
Speakers will include Simon McKeever from the Irish Exporters Association, who was formerly one of the founders of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. We will also share an update on UKWA’s work with Enterprise Ireland, supporting Irish retailers and manufacturers to hold stock on the mainland, to mitigate risks and provide shorter lead times for customers over the water.
The global dearth of warehouse property has hit both the Republic and Northern Ireland hard too, so we have brought together experts from McConnells, JLL, Savills and TR Logistics to outline how planning issues are affecting new developments, greener buildings and landlord/occupier relationships.
As we focus on training, we hope to hear more about new schemes in Warehousing & Storage, Logistics Operations and Supply Chain Management, launched by Irish social enterprise TTS for the Department for the Economy under the Apprenticeships NI programme, designed to help young people find a pathway into our sector. In turn Ruth Edwards of Talent in Logistics and Richard Atkinson, teaching fellow at Aston University, will talk about UKWA’s existing work on Apprenticeships and the importance of proper training to improve staff retention and stop the ‘revolving door’ effect.
The UK logistics sector contributes £127 billion to the UK economy, delivers social value though job creation and holds the key to a greener future. With the boom in online retail over the last couple of years affecting both the Republic of Ireland and the UK, attracting the best people into logistics jobs has never been so vital for us all.
To find out more about the UKWA Warehousing Showcase in Belfast, visit ukwa.org.uk/events or contact sue@ukwa.org.uk
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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