Insights from the UKWA House of Lords Luncheon
Navigating the Future of Warehousing: Insights from the UKWA House of Lords Luncheon
Granby at the UKWA
Granby were represented by UKWA Board member, Victoria Pittman, Head of Client Services and Business Development.
She had this to say, “Attending the UKWA House of Lords Luncheon was a great experience, as always.” said Victoria “The grandeur of the venue set the perfect stage for engaging discussions on the future of our industry. It’s always inspiring to connect with such a diverse group of professionals who are passionate about driving innovation and growth in our industry.”
Post-lunch discussions
The UKWA plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between industry stakeholders and policymakers, and this event is a testament to its commitment to fostering collaboration and driving the sector forward. The luncheon serves as a prelude to the post-lunch discussions, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue among a diverse group of participants. Attendees included senior executives from leading warehousing and logistics companies, government officials, policymakers, and representatives from various industry associations. This diverse mix ensures a comprehensive exchange of ideas, with each participant bringing their unique perspective to the table.
President and Chief Executive
The event was attended by the Honorary President of the UKWA, Baroness McIntosh of Pickering.
Clare Bottle, Chief Executive of the UK Warehousing Association, emphasised the significance of this year’s event.
“It is vital in ‘The Year of Warehousing’ that we communicate effectively our sector’s role in the national economy and look to a future government for the recognition and support we deserve.”
Her words highlight the importance of the warehousing sector in the broader economic landscape and the need for continued dialogue and support from policymakers.
Commercial Property
This year’s discussions were particularly focused on commercial property, a topic of great relevance given the current economic climate. Valuable insights were shared into the current state of the commercial property market. Property intelligence suggests an uptake in grade A property, with demand remaining strong. Additionally, supply is on the rise, indicating a positive trend for the market. However, despite these encouraging signs, operators are still reporting large amounts of spare capacity. This has resulted in challenging times for some. Rent continues to increase, and vacancy rates are currently at 7%, reflecting an overall improving market.
Earlier this year, sponsors Savills produced a report for the UKWA. This report highlighted the increasing importance of warehouses and the growing demand for warehouse space. This trend was a key point of discussion at the event. Participants exploring the implications for the industry and potential strategies to meet this rising demand.
Energy Performance Certificate
One of the main topics addressed was the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) minimum standards for 2027/2030. In August 2024, the government announced new rules requiring landlords in the UK to raise the EPC rating of their rental properties. These need to be at least a ‘C’ by 2030. This move aims to improve energy efficiency and alleviate the burden of high energy costs for millions. The discussions at the luncheon delved into the challenges and opportunities these new standards present for the warehousing sector, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to meet these requirements.
Infrastructure needs
Another area of focus was the infrastructure needed to support a switch to electric Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and vehicles. As the industry moves towards more sustainable practices, the transition to electric vehicles is a critical step. Participants discussed the necessary infrastructure investments and policy support required to facilitate this shift, highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry and government to achieve these goals.
Meeting the Challenges
The day overall provided a platform for industry leaders and policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue. And also to explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the warehousing sector. As the industry navigates the complexities of energy efficiency standards, infrastructure development, and market dynamics, events like this are crucial for fostering collaboration and driving progress. The insights and discussions from this year’s event will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the warehousing sector in the UK.
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