Insights from Our Recent Round Table Discussion

On Thursday 7th March, we had the pleasure of hosting our first, in person, Logistics Round Table at Europa Worldwide Group in Corby. Chris Wright, our Managing Director at ACS Staffing Solutions, has had the cogs in motion for this since the success of the last Round Table which was hosted virtually during Covid. We finally gathered a group of 5 other industry leaders, and Chris was able to make his vision come to life! 

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The event was hosted by Clare Bottle, Chief Executive at UKWA. Chris and Clare were joined by Dionne Redpath, Group Chief Operating Officer at Europa Worldwide Group; Philip Courtney, Operations Director at John Lewis; Darren Twiselton, Head of Managed Service at ZigZag Global; and Charlotte Patrick, Founder of the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards.  

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You can watch the full, unedited Logistics Round Table here. 

What We Discussed 

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During the round table we discussed the following topics: 

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Marketplace Trends in 2023: The round table began with an insightful overview of marketplace trends in 2023. Panellists shared their experiences navigating the evolving landscape, from shifting consumer behaviours to emerging technologies revolutionising logistics operations. 

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Future Outlook and Strategies: Strategies for future-proofing logistics operations were a key focus of our discussion. With rapid technological advancements and global uncertainties, panellists exchanged valuable insights on adaptation and innovation to stay ahead in a dynamic industry. 

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Labour Shortages: Labour shortages emerged as a pressing concern, prompting a deep dive into strategies for talent acquisition and retention. The panel explored innovative approaches to address this challenge, emphasising the importance of cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce. 

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Generation Logistics Campaign: The Generation Logistics Campaign sparked discussions on inspiring the next generation of logistics professionals. Panellists highlighted the importance of promoting the industry's diverse career opportunities to attract fresh talent and drive innovation. 

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Employee Engagement and Recognition: Recognising the pivotal role of employee engagement, the round table delved into best practices for fostering a positive workplace culture. From tailored recognition programs to effective communication strategies, panellists shared actionable insights to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. 

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Impact of Economic Changes and NLW Increase: The impact of economic changes, including the National Living Wage (NLW) increase, was thoroughly examined. Panellists analysed strategies for managing operational costs while ensuring fair compensation for employees, emphasising the importance of balance and adaptability. 

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The round table discussions were not only thought-provoking but also beneficial, as demonstrated by our feature in esteemed publications such as Forwarder Magazine, Logistics Matters, UK News Group, Business Mondays, Warehousing Logistics International, Business in the Midlands and All Things Business.  

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What’s Next? 

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As we reflect on the success of our Logistics Round Table, we now want to host a HR focused discussion with some industry leading HR specialists within Northamptonshire. If you are interested in taking part, we would love to hear from you. Similarly, if you think you have a great location where we could host the next round table, please let us know. 

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Stay tuned for more updates and details on The HR Round Table!