The Logistics Podcast

Does your post person deliver your drugs? Did you know that logistics could disrupt critical votes in Parliament? In this episode, we interview Amy Shortman, founder and CEO of ASC Associates (http://www.ascassociates.co.uk/) alongside the company’s chief operating officer Henry Moran, to discuss trends in pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics. They share insight on the importance of predictive analytics, security and what personalised medicine may mean for the final mile. Host Kirsty Adams also recaps her visit to Pharmacy2U (http://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/) . We interview head of logistics at the House of Commons, Wesley Auvache, who tells us about the refurbishment of Big Ben and a fast-footed Jeremy Corbyn. Regulars include: Property update from expert David Thame, news from assistant editor David Tran and readers’ emails.

Kevin is an EU citizen, an Irish man who works as a driver for UK business Fresh Logistics, who waits uncertain of his post-Brexit future. Andrew Baxter is managing director of Europa Worldwide Group, he campaigned to leave, admits there will be short term complications, but hasn’t changed his opinion.

Brexit is a huge and heavy topic across our industry and its many levels. Brexit is being described as a ‘logistics problem’ and as we sway between deal and no-deal scenarios, logisticians are getting prepared. In this episode, as government’s knee-deep in negotiations, we ask Kevin and Andrew what Brexit means to them. We also source some practical advice from Pauline Bastidon head of European Policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Shane Brennan, chief executive officer of the Food Storage & Distribution Federation (FSDF).

Dark human-free warehouses? This isn’t the picture being painted by this month’s podcast guests as we discuss machines, humans and job titles of the future. This episode explores how human roles are changing, collaboration and embracing automation.

Guest Alex Harvey, head of robotics and autonomous systems at Ocado, says automation frees up humans to do jobs that use their cognitive abilities. Erik Fjellborg, CEO of workforce software company Quinyx, shares some insight on the types of roles emerging in logistics operations, including innovation managers. Other guests include Bethany Fovargue, operations manager at Novus and Jon Sleaman, lead director EMEA Logistics & Industrial Research at JLL. We also tackle Brexit and food distribution in feature: EU to plate.

We interview Shane Brennan, in-coming chief executive of The Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF) and Chris Sturman, out-going chief executive at the organisation. Other guests include transport consultant Kirsten Tisdale. Regular: Property update with David Thame . Hosts: SHD Logistics editor Kirsty Adams and assistant editor David Tran

John Lewis’ base in Magna Park, Milton Keynes is a gigantic 2.1m sq ft space which initially opened in June 2009. Its operations are spread across two warehouse facilities, Magna Park 1 and Magna Park 2, working harmoniously to fulfil online customer orders and in-store stock. Ever wondered what goes on inside these vast facilities?

SHD Logistics assistant editor David Tran went along to visit one of the UK’s best loved retailers to find out. David summarises some of the key features in these warehouses, including advanced automation from KNAPP, who were appointed by the retailer to design and deliver the site’s intralogistics solution. Retail operators like John Lewis benefit from their situation in Milton Keynes, where there is a capacity to build large warehouses while remaining in close proximity to the UK’s most important motorway networks.

Warehouse property developer Gazeley has a widespread property development project across Milton Keynes, which includes its latest speculative building close to Magna Park. The 574,000sq ft site is the tallest and largest speculative development in the UK and possesses some enhanced features to ensure it meets the demand of a wide number of potential tenants. We find out more about these special features in a tour of the site with Development Director Joe Garwood.