Critical Issues

By Paul Brooks, Managing Director of the BiS Henderson Academy, Chairman of Skills for Logistics and President Elect of The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT).

Following the recommendations of the Richard Review, the government is in the midst of delivering a restructured, 'employer-focused' plan for apprenticeships in the UK.

Leeds-based freight and logistics company Walkers Transport, part of the Palletways Network and operator of the northern hub, is voicing its concerns that CPC training, coupled with a lack of young people coming into the sector will directly impact on workforce numbers and will potentially cause huge knock-on effects for businesses.

By John O'Reilly, Operations Director at Flex Recruitment Plus.

Britain is back in business. As the Bank of England forecasts growth of around 3% for the UK economy in 2014, and manufacturing growth is reported to be the strongest for a generation, companies are reviewing their resources and many will find it necessary to take on staff within their warehousing and logistics operations to meet rising demand.

DHL has announced the launch of the inaugural Blue Sky Transport Design Award. Calling on established and aspiring designers to propose creative transportation solutions that will shape the future of the industry, the award aims to address the challenges of growing cities and environmental sustainability.

New data shows the chances of having a near-collision while driving nearly doubles in good weather conditions. Lytx, Inc., a global provider of driver safety and compliance solutions, determined from analysis of its data that drivers are more likely to engage in distracted driving when weather conditions are clear than in inclement weather.

DHL has shipped 880 bicycles to Madagascar to help local community health workers deliver vital medical care in rural areas.

The UK logistics industry breaks traditional gender stereotypes through its marketing and branding, new research has revealed.

A study conducted by PH Media Group found the most popular voice used by logistics firms and couriers in their audio branding is female and aged between 35 and 45. It is also confident, fresh and trustworthy in tone, helping to reinforce a sense of specialist expertise.

Starting operations in any emerging market is difficult. From a supply chain perspective, it is imperative that organisations understand that success depends on more than merely addressing the physical challenges. Ensuring full traceability over all products and suppliers and meeting compliance laws is essential in building a sustainable and robust business that is secure from reputational or legal risk, warns Crispin Mair, Director at global supply chain consultancy Crimson & Co.

Fleetmatics Group Plc, the provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS)-based mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes, has exceeded a milestone of 500,000 active vehicles under subscription, outpacing the competition.

Agility has strengthened its East China ocean freight service capabilities with a strategic partnership agreement with Shanghai International Port Group Logistics (SIPGL).

Swisslog has been awarded a major order for a new distribution centre in Sweden by the Varner Group, a leading retailer of strong fashion brands in Scandinavia.