Staci UK‘s Steven Orchard highlights how combining operational expertise with technology and flexibility is key to unlocking growth in modern supply chains…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
With 9 UK fulfilment centres and 104 additional centres in Europe, the USA and China, Paxon brings together Staci, Active Ants and Radial to deliver a broader range of multichannel logistics solutions and services. These include B2B retail, D2C, POS and value added services such as co-packing through to highly automated and complex fulfilment operations. Our customers benefit from our flexibility and scalability, whether they are scaling D2C, managing retail distribution or expanding internationally.
What have been the biggest challenges the Supply Chain industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Ongoing cost pressure combined with changing demand patterns has been a real challenge. Businesses are having to manage inventory more carefully while still meeting high service expectations. At the same time, labour availability and operational efficiency continue to be key considerations across the industry.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
There’s a real opportunity in bringing different capabilities together. Businesses that can combine operational expertise with automation, value added services and international reach are in a strong position. It’s no longer about one solution, it’s about building the right mix for each customer.
What is the biggest priority for the Supply Chain industry this year?
Flexibility. Supply chains need to adapt quickly to changes in demand, channel mix and customer expectations. That means having scalable solutions, strong partnerships and the ability to evolve without disruption.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market next year?
Continued growth in omnichannel fulfilment, more focus on value added services like personalisation and packaging, and increasing adoption of automation where it adds value. There’s also a stronger emphasis on network optimisation to support faster delivery.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
It’s a combination. Automation will continue to drive efficiency in eCommerce environments, but equally important is the technology that connects systems, improves visibility and enables better decision making across the supply chain.
Next year we’ll all be talking about…?
How data and AI are being used in a practical way to improve forecasting, inventory management and customer experience, rather than just as a concept.
Which person in, or associated with, the Supply Chain industry would you most like to meet?
Tim Cook who has successfully scaled a global supply chain while keeping it simple for the customer. That balance is one of the biggest challenges in our industry.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Supply Chain sector?
How central it is to brand success. From packaging and presentation through to delivery and returns, supply chain plays a huge role in shaping the overall customer experience.
You go to the bar at the Total Supply Chain Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
A cold lager. Straightforward and does the job.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Working across different sectors and seeing how tailored solutions can unlock growth for customers. No two supply chains are the same, which keeps it interesting.
And what’s the most challenging?
Managing complexity. Customers want speed, flexibility and cost efficiency all at once, so it’s about finding the right balance without overcomplicating the solution.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Treat every customer as if they’re your most important one. Tailoring the solution to their needs drives long term success.
Peaky Blinders or Stranger Things?
Peaky Blinders.
