Tuesday, 15 December 2020 09:41

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Robots replacing jobs, reduced reliance on China and consumers shunning fast fashion will be the long term effects of COVID on the supply chain, predict industry leaders

UK logistics industry claim British businesses will see big changes as a result of COVID, largely resulting from the Government’s confused handling of the pandemic

NEWS, 15th December 2020: The UK logistics industry claims British businesses will have to rethink their reliance on China and its importance to international supply chains (32 per cent) as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Logistics industry leaders, polled by IMHX, the UK’s leading logistics and supply chain event, also forecast a move toward increased warehouse automation and robotics (29 per cent), which could help to address challenges presented by social distancing as well as labour shortages fuelled by Brexit.

The biggest challenge facing their businesses during the COVID-19 crisis was the Government’s confused handling of the pandemic, according to half (48 per cent) of businesses operating in the sector, who criticise Parliament for lack of guidance.

Reduced reliance on China

The survey of industry leaders found a third of respondents (32 per cent) believed the supply chain industry would need to seriously rethink its reliance on China and its importance to international supply chains.

This comes as shipping container rates in December jumped to $7500 to the UK from China meaning its very costly to obtain stock now from the region.  

The research also revealed an additional 43 per cent cited increased demand on already overstretched facilities as a considerable challenge during the pandemic, with nearly two thirds (63 per cent) agreeing their business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

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Supply chains in lockdown

Against a backdrop of uncertainty at Government level, 77 per cent of those polled confirmed they have made changes to their business as a direct result of COVID-19. While the majority of these changes were employee related, including enforced homeworking and furloughing staff, 90 per cent have introduced social distancing measures in their locations, causing some industry experts to warn of the implications for future warehouse design and logistics real estate, and what this might mean for consumers.

Peter Ward, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association said “It’s easy to join the blame culture, pointing the finger at government and to possibly overlook the many positive opportunities facing our sector at this pivotal time. The pandemic has driven opportunity for our sector, as online shopping and demand for home delivery soars. With grocery retailers in particular re-evaluating their warehouse and logistics strategy, take up of warehousing space for the first half of this year is already 20 per cent higher than in 2019 and set to grow.  Now is the time to stiffen resolve, look for the positives that flow from the tough times we face and seize the undoubted opportunities ahead.”

Logistics - the new normal

In the face of job losses and a drop in consumer spending, two thirds think it will take up to two years for the logistics and supply chain sectors to get back to normal, while one quarter don’t believe it will ever be the same again.

“Looking to the post-pandemic era, two thirds of logistics businesses (69 per cent) also share concerns about the impact COVID-19 will continue to have on the supply chain. However, according to our research, it is clear that this impact could instigate change which in turn will lead to increased efficiencies  for logistics operations,” said Rob Fisher, IMHX Group Director.

Shane Brennan, Chief Executive, Cold Chain Federation, said: “Despite the huge pressure on businesses, the main story of COVID-19 is how resilient and responsive they have proved to be. I fear the biggest challenges are yet to come. As the government withdraws economic support and the ‘new normal’ establishes, the businesses that make decisive action will survive.

“This means taking a sober look at all short term costs, especially, regrettably, labour costs in existing operations, but also bringing forward investment plans to modernise buildings and establish new locations wherever possible; and above all responding to the fast-changing consumer demands and opportunities of automation and digital solutions.”

Silver linings

Uncertainty about the future in the face of COVID-19 is shared by many sectors, including logistics. However, there were also a number of encouraging signals to come from the research: 31 per cent of businesses operating across UK supply chains confirmed the pandemic has had a positive impact, with 38 per cent of all respondents citing the boost in in e-commerce and internet fulfilment as a lasting driver for consumer demand. An additional 88 per cent claim they would be prepared if ‘faced with a similar situation again’, indicating a confidence in future supply chain resilience  

Rob Fisher continued: “With the UK Government’s lockdown exit strategy now taking shape and a decrease in global supply chain disruption, there is a tangible feeling of pride among respondents at how the pandemic was handled, as 59 per cent said they believe the UK logistics industry’s response was a reflection of its agility, flexibility and innovation. A further 32 per cent applauded the way logistics and supply chain  businesses had pivoted to help NHS and key workers.”

*Based on a poll of 185 supply chain and logistics industry professionals conducted in July 2020.

About IMHX

https://www.imhx.net/en/home.html%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">IMHX is the UK’s largest logistics exhibition and acts as a meeting place for those involved in the handling, movement or transportation of goods throughout the supply chain to come together and do business. The next edition of IMHX will take place between 14 - 16 September 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham. 

Read 906 times Last modified on Friday, 12 March 2021 13:28