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Multichannel retail revolution forces logistics rethink

[ March 18, 2013   //   ]

Multimodal 2013 panel to reveal how supply chain operators must innovate to fulfil retail’s changing demands.

The logistics industry is facing its biggest challenge for decades in response to the multichannel retail revolution, according to Steve Agg, CILT Chief Executive, who will chair a panel exploring the issue on April 23rd at Multimodal 2013.

Supply chain operators must adapt and develop new systems to keep up with the changing face of retail and make the most of new opportunities.

“Just a few years ago, it would have been unheard of for people to go shopping on Christmas day,” said Agg.

“But this year, astronomical numbers of tablets were received as gifts, and people got onto their devices and did just that, expecting their parcels to be delivered quickly.

“It is just one example of how dramatically shopping habits have altered, and the industry will need to innovate to fulfill changing demands.”

Agg will be joined by Mark Cately, Head of eCommerce Development, Norbert Dentressangle, Joel Ray, Head of Consultancy, Transport Intelligence, and Neil Weightman, Sales Director, iForce Group, to shed light on how the industry is responding to the new retail landscape as part of the CILT seminar day at Multimodal 2013.

Ray and Weightman will present the findings of an e-retailer survey on the drivers for e-fulfilment centre development, differing warehousing requirements, and operations between e-retailers and traditional bricks and mortar outlets.

Multimodal 2013 has teamed up with The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) to design a series of seminars, master classes and panel discussions to run alongside the free-to-attend Multimodal 2013 exhibition.

Top speakers, including Justin Kirkhope, The Co-operative Food, David Parry, Argos Ltd, Jacob Sterling, head of environment & CSR, Maersk Line, Geoff Lippitt, PD Ports, Tim Robinson, Freight Director, Network Rail, Adam Cunliffe, Managing Director, Freightliner, as well as speakers from Kerry Logistics, ICHCA, Barclays, AEB International, the CILT, the FTA, BIFA and The Supply Chain Academy, will take part in the three day event.

Sessions on carbon reduction, financing the supply chain, portcentric solutions, controlling freight rates, customs compliance, leveraging contracts with ocean carriers and modal shift and carbon reduction are all now bookable on-line at www.multimodal.org.uk

Trade Extensions will also be holding supply chain simulations using the MIT “Beer Game”. During the informal sessions, participants will both learn, and be reminded in some cases, of just how difficult supply chains can be, even when they are as “simple” as getting beer to the consumer. Winning teams will receive Amazon vouchers.

Multimodal 2013 is now 98% sold out, and will welcome leading logistics and supply chain names, including DSV, Autostore, Dachser, Malcolm Logistics, P&O Ferrymasters, Stena Line Freight ZIM, Port of Felixstowe, The Russell Group, The Canute Group, Wincanton, MSC, D B Schenker, LKW WALTER and DP World London Gateway.

The event will once again host the Shippers’ Village sponsored by Trade Extensions, which will provide dedicated meeting and networking facilities for companies including Tata Steel, Dunelm Mill, SABMiller, Cabot, Kellogg’s, Mars, Tesco and Jaguar Land Rover to hold valuable supplier meetings.

ENDS

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