The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Shakespeare, CEO of Aprolis UK, to its Board of Directors with immediate effect.
Steve brings more than three decades of experience in the materials handling industry and joins the Board at a pivotal time for the sector, as businesses continue to navigate technological change, sustainability challenges, skills shortages and evolving customer expectations.
As CEO of Aprolis UK, Steve leads the UK materials handling operations of the Aprolis Group, part of the global Monnoyeur organisation. The UK business encompasses multiple companies and employs more than 600 people nationwide, supporting customers across a wide range of industries and applications. Steve’s career in materials handling began as a 16-year-old engineering apprentice with Lex Harvey. Aside from a three-year period leading a commercial vehicle business, he has spent his entire professional career within the sector, developing extensive expertise across both major OEMs and independent organisations.
This includes senior leadership positions with leading manufacturers including Linde and Jungheinrich, as well as independent businesses such as Acclaim Handling. Steve joined Impact Handling in 2020 and was appointed CEO in 2022. Following Impact Handling’s acquisition by the Aprolis Group in 2021, he now leads the wider Aprolis UK materials handling operation.
A passionate advocate for apprenticeships and vocational development, Steve remains committed to attracting, developing and retaining talent within the industry. Having started his own career as an apprentice, he is a strong believer in creating opportunities for young people and ensuring the sector continues to benefit from a skilled, diverse and professional workforce.
Steve Shakespeare said: “I’m delighted to be joining the UKMHA Board and to have the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that supports companies of all shapes and sizes across our industry.
I join at a time when the sector is navigating what seems to be an ever-increasing number of significant changes, challenges and opportunities. These are being driven by innovation, including AI, sustainability, growing global influences and increased customer expectations. All of these changes are occurring at a time when employees are seeking and expecting different things from their careers and workplaces. This gives the UKMHA a pivotal role in supporting its members while helping to shape how we, as an industry, attract, develop and retain the very best talent.”
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