Southgate Global, whose main distribution centre is based in the West Midlands, shares its expectations and predictions for those operating in the supply chain, and how organisations can best adapt to these in 2025.The new Labour government’s October budget has meant rising costs for businesses operating across all sectors in the UK. The increase in Employers' National Insurance Contributions from 13.
According to Southgate Global, organisations will instead look at how they can improve the efficiency of their warehouse operatives and maximise their productivity. Southgate understands that automation is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
This is an area that Southgate works hard to offer solutions to in both its Design Service Team, which helps to identify bottlenecks and streamline workflows, and its equipment provision. For example, its Mobile Powered Workstation is specifically designed to boost workforce productivity. With its own integrated power system used to power laptops, barcode printers or scanners, the MPW allows operatives to walk and work anywhere in the warehouse, maximising efficiency and streamlining workflows.
“In terms of UK trends and impacts, transport companies are struggling to cope with the reduction in volumes following the post-pandemic boom and several have gone out of business as a result. Therefore, innovation will remain a priority, players investing in improved shipment tracking and communication, as well as greater choice for customer consignments such as smaller vehicles or vans will be the winners.