Looking forward to what the New Year holds, it’s clear that some of the challenges created by Brexit, followed by the global pandemic and finally the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, will continue to impact on our industry. Critical labour shortage remains a major issue and it looks unlikely that this situation will change any time soon. This has led us to look to new solutions. In warehousing, we have seen even smaller businesses looking to see how they can retrofit some automation into their operations; accordingly, our National Conference in March will focus on the rise of robotics, the spread of digitalisation and what this means for the future of warehousing.
We’ve been proud to work alongside Generation Logistics in putting the many and diverse career opportunities in our industry into the spotlight. The campaign will reach the end of its initial 12 month programme in the summer, and we look forward to hearing the results. Targets include increasing awareness of career opportunities in the sector by 25% and positive sentiment by 40%.
Workers repeatedly cite career development as an important factor in choosing employment, so part of UKWA’s mission is to ensure training opportunities are available and visible. To that end, last year we appointed a UKWA Head of Training, and this month will see the delivery of the first UKWA Warehouse Management Training Course. Later in the year, we will be rolling out a new Warehouse Manager CPC.
Those outside of our industry have certainly begun to see a career in warehousing and logistics in a different light – and we’re here to ensure that good work continues!
Another challenge will rear its head when new business rates come into force in April. These will penalise warehousing more than other types of property, unless the government listens to UKWA and introduces better reliefs. But increasingly it’s clear that costs are only going to go up and stay up in 2023. Not just rates, but also rents, labour costs and energy too.
Naturally, we will continue to highlight to warehouse owners and operators the huge potential savings achievable by installing solar PV on warehouse rooftops. Our report last year showed solar could deliver savings of between 40-80% on electricity costs.
Our solar project will also play into the national debate on climate change. According to the Future of Freight Plan, this year we can expect the third National Adaptation Programme, which will report on government policies to help prepare for climate change.
Government should prepare detailed assessments of the infrastructure required to enable the uptake of battery, electric or hydrogen HGVs and work with Ofgem, as part of the next energy distribution price review (RIIO ED2) starting in 2023, to include clear requirement for distribution network operators (in partnership with the freight industry) to map out infrastructure upgrades and opportunities. UKWA has contributed to various consultations on this, in which we have stressed the potential benefits of warehouse rooftop solar.
Finally, now that COVID appears to be behind us, people will likely want to meet up with colleagues face-to-face, not least at IWLEX – a new exhibition launching this year for our sector. So, in 2023, let’s face the challenges together, seize opportunities and try to keep some of the focus on wellbeing and work-life balance that emerged during the pandemic. A Happy and Prosperous New Year to You All!
Clare Bottle
UKWA, CEO
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