Logistics & Warehousing Freethinking Podcast

Welcome to Episode 3 of our Freethinking logistics & warehousing podcast

In this series of podcasts delivered by Freeths and hosted by logistics consultant, Paul Brooks we will be talking to business leaders across the UK, looking at the impact of global supply chains on the UK economy and how they are responding through warehousing solutions, innovative technologies and managing risk through commercial contracts.

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Topics and Timestamps

In Episode 3 of our Freethinking Logistics podcast series, Paul Brooks talks to Nick Sutton, Dispute Resolution Partner at Freeths and Neil Ashworth NED, about his journey in the sector, current challenges, the rise of data and technology within the supply chain, and what emerging technologies are helping shape the sector and much more…

Time: 00:00
Topic: Welcome
Speaker: Paul Brooks, Logistics Consultant
Description: Welcome from Paul
Ideal for: Owners and senior leaders of Logistics and Warehousing businesses, retailers and those involved up and down the supply chain

Time: 00:35
Topic: Introduction
Speaker: Nick Sutton, Freeths

Time: 02:54
Topic: The Journey and story of Neil Ashworth
Speaker: Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Neil shares his work life story, from his time at Woolworths, collect plus and Yodel – to his current role as portfolio director working in a range of businesses from food technology to logistics, e-fulfilment and more recently as chair of a community interest organisation

Time: 5:29
Topic: Current challenges affecting supply chains in the UK
Speaker: Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Neil talks about the complex retail and supply environments, the effect of escalating fuel prices, the squeezed consumer, Brexit, the continued impact of COVID-19 and supply chain collaboration

Time: 8:25
Topic: A lawyer’s perspective
Speaker: Nick Sutton, Freeths
Description: Nick talks about current sector challenges, helping clients become more resilient through contract risk management and the importance of building in flexibility and agility within contracts when considering environmental efficiencies and automation

Time: 12:04
Topic: The rise of data and technology within the supply chain – help, hindrance, or just a part of doing business?
Speaker: Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Neil talks about how technology and the visibility of data is helping deliver better outcomes, how people remain vitally important in the success of the sector, and the risks and opportunities international trading creates for businesses

Time: 15:38
Topic: Cyber and data risks – the evolving challenges for businesses
Speakers: Nick Sutton, Freeths and Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Nick and Neil talk about the rising cyber risks in organisations, the importance of robust supply chains, the differences with how data is managed differently across countries and the importance of implementing systems and procedures to manage data and reduce risk.

Time: 20:52
Topic:  Talent development and recruitment in the UK
Speaker: Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Neil talks about the increased demand for higher levels of service delivery within logistics and supply chain networks, the importance of the ‘human touch’, how the need for certain skills have evolved, the breadth of jobs available within the sector and the need to sell the industry better to help drive talent and recruitment

Time: 24:45
Topic: Attracting talent
Speaker: Nick Sutton, Freeths
Description: Nick talks about the business’ greatest asset ‘people’, emerging talent, getting culture right within the organisation and the importance of education and training to provide staff with correct skills to help deliver growth whilst also reducing risk within the business.

Time: 27:26
Topic: Environmental issues within the Supply Chain and what can the sector do about it
Speaker: Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Neil talks about the sectors obligation to help reduce its environmental impact, the need to lead, reverse mentoring and how recruiting for ‘will’ not ‘skill’ can help shape an organisation.

Time: 29:12
Topic: Findings from the UKWA’s research report on installing solar panels across warehouses in the UK
Speaker: Nick Sutton, Freeths
Description: Nick talks about Freeths’ clean energy team, the opportunity to buy and develop businesses with existing warehouses and the potential disputes arising from lease renewals between landlords and tenants.

Time: 31:23
Topic: John Lewis putting 1000 houses into old stores and warehouses – will this be a trend others follow?
Speaker: Neil Ashworth, NED
Description: Neil talks about the evolution of retail, the changing high street, how town centres can be renewed and refreshed through change of use and how big box retailers are having an increased presence on the high street.

Time: 33:23
Topic: Future technology – what’s here today and what’s on its way
Speakers: Neil Ashworth, NED and Nick Sutton, Freeths
Description: Neil and Nick talk about exciting new technologies including route optimisation technology, the effect it is having on delivering increased efficiencies, the importance of collaboration, NFTs, blockchain and the increase in ‘smart contracts’ in the supply chain.

Time: 37:48
Topic: Closing comments
Speakers: Paul Brooks