LOGISTICS SECTOR STRUGGLING TO FILL VACANCIES

“I am working on a programme for Warwickshire County Council which will be piloted in a couple of secondary schools to inspire young people to think about the skills needed for the logistics sector and challenge them to look at the industry in a different way by highlighting the potential changes new technology will bring.

“I would love to see the Department of Education look at what we are doing for a national programme, as they have with creative career programmes like Digital Schoolhouse.”

In the West Midlands, the Novus Trust (part of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) offers a degree in logistics with Aston University to help build a talent pipeline for the industry, but there is a more urgent need that may require short-term financial incentives and support for training from government to ensure logistics companies, especially small and mediumsized enterprises, can take advantage of the new talent being created.

While some small and medium-sized logistics businesses have a visionary leader willing to trial new technology, they often struggle to upskill their employees to make best use of it, explained Sarah.

Don’t fear new technology, it creates new opportunities

“I think there is a fear of new technology taking jobs in the sector rather than creating new opportunities.”

“This is a problem for bigger businesses too, as the implementation of new technology is often the responsibility of a Head of Digital Transformation or Chief Technology Officer who will still need to ensure the culture of the business is ready to accept these changes.

“So far the actual programming and technical skills have been identified as less of an immediate need in the businesses I have interviewed, with people-led skills like cyber security, digital leadership, and data analytics given more of a priority.”

Multi-million pound move for APC Streetwise Couriers

Logistics

A Warwick-based company is celebrating a major milestone with a multi-millionpound move and expansion.

APC Streetwise Couriers, based on the Heathcote Industrial Estate has moved to a new hub at the Tournament Fields development just off the A46 at Warwick.

The logistics carrier, which employs 65 staff, has signed a 15-year lease on a new 25,500 sq ft headquarters which will see it treble its space this month.

The move, completed through Leamington-based commercial agents Wareing & Company, comes 20 years after owner Dave Cleaver started working for the business which he went on to buy in 2015.

The company has delivery and collection rights for parcels and packages across the CV postcode area for the national APC network but the move will allow it to take more and bigger consignments.

Dave said: “This is a very big move for the company and will allow us to continue the growth of the business.

“We have simply outgrown our current base and we have ambitious expansion plans and this move will allow us to put those into action.

“Tournament Fields is ideally placed very close to the A46 and M40 and transport links are vital to our business. It also helps that two of our major clients are neighbours.

“We have five double-decked delivery lorries visiting every day and having a modern building will massively improve our efficiencies.”

Midlands law firm Wright Hassall acted on behalf of APC Streetwise Couriers.

Haulage sector gets £1 million boost to increase workforce

A £1 million boost to help the logistics sector increase its workforce and recruit new talent has been announced by the government.

The Road to Logistics programme aims to support those who may find it difficult to get permanent jobs, such as veterans, ex-offenders and the longterm unemployed, by supporting them in a career in transport.

Employment in the transport and logistics sector has risen since 2010 but has seen a recent fall. There are currently almost 1.5 million people working in the industry.

Founded by the Road Haulage Association and Microlise, the Road to Logistics is a not-for-profit organisation open to all hauliers that will help them find new logistics professionals by offering support and training to those struggling to find permanent employment.

Smiths News secures longterm distribution contracts

Smiths News, part of Swindon-based news wholesaling and mixed freight distribution company Connect Group, has agreed a new contract with The Telegraph to September 2024, covering the distribution of The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph

The agreement covers all Smiths News’ existing distribution territories, securing annual revenues of more than £100 million, and accounting for around 15 per cent of its newspaper sales.

Jos Opdeweegh, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since September 2018 we have renewed more than £900 million of annual revenues.”