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 […]
OPINION: Why retailers can’t navigate the next disruption without visibility
By Luke Foster, Solutions Architect at Barkers When Covid-19 first hit five years ago, retailers experienced the need for supply chain resilience. Now, as they build the agility and strength needed to respond to potential unexpected events, we can look to this period for guidance. If the pandemic taught retailers anything, it’s that supply chain issues can bring business to a […]
Do our youth hold the key to manufacturing’s skills crisis?
Matt Eden, Engineering Director at cable assemblies manufacturer GTK, makes the case for answering the UK’s skills gap problem with forward-thinking hiring practices… For manufacturers up and down the country, a shortage of skilled workers continues to be a problem. A November 2024 report found that 97% of manufacturers cite hiring and retaining skilled labour as a challenge to […]
President Trump’s tariffs: The implications for eCommerce brands
By Dani Mechlowitz, CRO at ITD Global Group Whilst the new trade tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump’s continue to evolve, their impact is already being felt by ecommerce businesses worldwide who are trying to understand and adapt (at speed), to the latest changes in regulation. As an international logistics and ecommerce management and delivery specialist, […]
VE Day at 80: Lessons from wartime manufacturing for a modern Britain
This year marks 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE Day), commemorating the end of World War II in Europe and the Allies’ triumph over the Axis Powers. Britain’s manufacturing capabilities played a huge role in winning the Battle of Britain – and subsequently WWII. The nation’s adaptability, resource management and workforce flexibility on the […]