Exploring Reshoring: Why UK manufacturing is coming home
Recent years have seen a growing number of UK-headquartered manufacturers bringing their production facility back to the UK. Strategies in how to do so have varied – some manufacturers are choosing to bring 100% of production back to our shores, while others are bringing the manufacture of certain products or specific sections of their build […]
12 Months of Labour: Assessing the Modern Industrial Strategy
Following last year’s General Election, the Labour Party has now enjoyed 12 months in power, which was rubber-stamped by the release of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. UK manufacturers have long since been calling for a more detailed industrial strategy, one that addresses key issues like rising energy costs, skills shortages and the route to net […]
SOFTWARE MONTH: How ports are quietly getting smarter with IoT
There’s no shortage of big projects and ideas in the world of ports and logistics, including smart terminals, automated cranes and green shipping corridors, such as those seen at the Port of Rotterdam. But often, the real operational headaches aren’t about grand strategy. They’re about the small things that quietly go wrong every day. Like the missing luggage trolley that […]
Why supply chain contingencies are the most precious resource for luxury brands
By Claire Leake, Head of Product and Operations at Hunter Luxury Packaging As legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns reminded us, even the most carefully laid plans of mice and men can go awry. In the luxury product market, as in life, the unexpected isn’t just a possibility – it’s inevitable. While consumers marvel at the […]
Why UK supply chains can’t ignore carbon accountability
By Alan Stenson, CEO, Neutral Carbon Zone When it comes to credible sustainability strategies, the real challenge, and the real impact, often lies in the supply chain. In the UK, decarbonisation is no longer much of a choice; it’s fast becoming critical to business. Public procurement rules like PPN 06/21 now require suppliers bidding for central government […]
SOFTWARE MONTH: Building trust in AI through a decision-centric approach in manufacturing
It’s no secret that trust is the foundation for successful AI adoption. By addressing skepticism, prioritising data quality and ensuring algorithms are explainable and auditable, AI can become a powerful force-multiplier in manufacturing operations. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to AI to boost efficiency, streamline operations and automate routine tasks, with 75% planning to step up […]
Making automation more accessible: A focus on trailer loading
Automated trailer loading systems (ATLS) are often considered the domain of large-scale manufacturing facilities and distribution centres operating shuttle runs between a factory and warehouse. However, new solutions offering more cost and capability options and zero trailer modifications mean a much wider range of businesses stand to benefit – such as those operating in Direct-to-Consumer […]
Driving Growth: AI’s role in building a resilient, fast and efficient automotive supply chain
With automotive Time to Market becoming a key area of competitive differentiation, how are organisations leveraging digitisation, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), to safeguard supply chains in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable political and economic landscape? Bodo Philipp (pictured), CEO, MHP Consulting explains… New Supply Chain Pressures For decades, the efficiency of the automotive supply chain […]
COST REDUCTION MONTH: The £27bn Returns Problem – How retailers can tackle the growing cost of returns
Returns represent a significant and growing challenge for retailers, undermining profitability and adding pressure to already stretched resources. While peak periods like Christmas often bring this issue into sharper focus, the impact of returns continues all year round. Products that were expected to generate profit often end up costing the business in both financial and […]
How retailers can stay ahead in the mobile-first era
Mobile commerce has had a significant effect on the way people shop, and is now considered an important part of the retail experience. It is expected that revenue from mobile commerce will reach around $2.5 trillion during 2025, nearly doubling over the previous 4 years, and representing a staggering 63% of total retail ecommerce. In the […]
