This year’s SHD Logistics Conference celebrates the resilience that the logistics industry has shown over the last twelve months as well as the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce.

29 March 2021

After a year unlike any other we’ve seen, the supply chain industry has been pushed to its limits to cope with spikes in demand, the rise of e-commerce and the vaccine rollout. The world around us has seen the growth of important movements to highlight inequalities suffered by minority groups worldwide.

Day One - Supply Chain Resilience

Shane Brennan, CEO of the Cold Chain Federation, will kick off proceedings on Tuesday 27th April with a presentation on how the cold chain has coped with the twin crises of COVID-19 and Brexit. He will explore the fundamental changes that have come from the last year, as well as examining the effects of the influx of capital on the sector.

Sally Duggleby, VP of Capital Deployment & Leasing at Prologis, will detail the economic and environmental benefits of choosing rail freight over road freight, using a case study of the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) rail-road intermodal freight terminal.

Following SEC Group’s win of the Data Excellence prize at the Lloyd’s Bank National Business Awards, Harry Watts, Managing Director, will talk about what it means to operate a modern warehouse. He will highlight the need for flexibility from the outset, so that it can withstand the socio-economic disruption that is a growing challenge to operations.

Shopping habits have changed drastically since lockdown began, and the shift in consumer behaviour has changed the needs of the supply chain. After working exclusively in the supply chain and commercial teams for three of the UK’s largest retailers, James Osborn will share his expertise on what lies ahead for the retail industry.

Huw Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer of Logistics Commodities and Service Transformation Programme at Leidos, will discuss how his company adapted to new ways of working and how they provided vital services to the NHS and MoD.

Locus Robotics has played an important role in deploying automation solutions to warehouses that would otherwise struggle to cope with the surges in demand. The company’s Vice President of Europe, Denis Niezgoda, will detail the practicalities of robots that can help pivot your warehouse to an e-commerce inclusive model.

Day Two - Diversity & Inclusion

Wednesday 28th April is dedicated to voices in the logistics industry who often go unheard. The day will be chaired by Bethany Windsor, Operations Manager at NOVUS, and will feature a broad range of people who are passionate about changing the face of the logistics industry to include everyone, regardless of their background.

Kimberley McIntosh, Service Delivery Leader for Central & East London at Royal Mail, will begin by considering why it is imperative for us to create an environment that recognises and values our differences as individuals and provides all colleagues with equal opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As Chair of the CILT PRIDE Committee, Rob Nolan will detail the importance of schemes that support the LGBT+ community, and give real-world examples of how to promote inclusive practices and enable each and every colleague to feel comfortable in their own diversity.

The gender balance in business leadership continues to be a challenge, with the number of women in leadership roles significantly lower than men. Managing Director of Linde UK, Ulrike Just, will share her experiences as one of the few female MDs in the logistics sector and share tips on how to support gender balance throughout the business in all areas and at all levels.

Following on from a promising placement at Wincanton, Sunnah Habib will discuss why she began her career in the logistics industry and the impact that inclusion efforts can have on minority groups that are underrepresented.