The role of warehousing has changed unimaginably with the explosion of ecommerce and online shopping, which explains both the growth in the number of warehouses and the increase in the size of facilities, as detailed in our 2024 Report compiled by Savills (The Size and Make Up of the UK Warehousing Property Sector).
CEO at UKWA
Our role for 2025 is to support warehouse businesses in meeting the challenges ahead and in navigating the future.
The Voice of Warehousing: Influencing Policy
We represent the views and interests of the sector to local and national government. In particular, by promoting the key ‘asks’ that are outlined in our Policy Manifesto. These include a fairer basis for assessing business rates for warehouses, supporting ‘green’ initiatives, such as solar power on warehouse rooftops, and the reform of apprenticeships to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.
UKWA Advisory Boards provide a valuable opportunity for members to share best practice and to feed into shaping policy around key areas, specifically:
• Digitalisation & Technology
• Energy & Net Zero
• People & Skills
• Property & Planning
• Safety
• Trade & Borders
• Young People
Skills & Training; UKWA Warehouse Manager CPC
Last year, we were proud to launch the first independently accredited Level 3 UKWA Warehouse Manager Certificate of Competence (CPC), as an equivalent to the established Transport Manager CPC.
In 2025 we are offering a new stream-lined, accessible digitised format that mixes face-to-face classroom tuition and site visits with more online modules. This offers additional flexibility for study, alongside a wide range of short courses that can stand alone or build towards the full qualification.
Sustainability: Solar power on warehouse rooftops
Since our 2022 milestone report into the benefits and barriers of solar power on warehouse rooftops, a great deal of progress has been achieved. For example, solar power can now be installed on commercial rooftops throughout the UK without going through the planning system, expediting solar rooftop projects and reducing costs for businesses looking to embrace renewable energy.
In 2025, we will be updating and reissuing our Solar Toolkit for members in the light of the changing landscape and we will be holding a Parliamentary Reception in the Spring, focused on rooftop solar and future opportunities for the sector.
UKWA: What we do
UKWA’s mission is fourfold. We talk to those in power about warehousing, ensuring that the voice of our industry is heard at all levels. We drive up industry standards and look to improve training and personal development opportunities for those working in warehousing. We build communities by providing valuable networking events and pooling knowledge on key issues. Finally, we help our members operate sustainably, ethically and profitably, with expert business advice and a range of exclusive benefits, including the ‘gold standard’ UKWA Conditions of Contract and our newly launched UKWA Modern Slavery programme. We are firmly focused on the future and look forward to an exciting year in 2025.
Why not join us? Find out more by visiting ukwa.org.uk
UKWA
0207 636 8856
Comments are closed.