So who guessed that the election result would be a hung parliament? The country as a whole is still trying to understand what that will mean for the UK but this week we have early reaction from the delivery and logistics sector.
Despite the uncertainty over the future a number of new deals have been announced. They include fancy dress retailer Smiffys which has expanded to a pan-European contract with Clipper Logistics as well as sailing and country sports clothing brand Musto which has appointed Walker Logistics, after previously managing its operations in-house.
European online electricals retailer AO meanwhile revealed the changes it had made to its infrastructure in its results this week as it looks to better serve customers in more remote areas and reduce delivery costs. The company has opened a new European regional distribution centre and added two new outbases to its UK logistics infrastructure.
The way that companies manage their supply chain real estate portfolio has become a strategic differentiator, according to a new report published by DHL in the last week. Are you reacting to such a change?
And we also have news of two new initiatives aimed at helping delivery drivers in the past few days. The first involves a gadget from Fujitsu, already used in Japan, that is being considered for use in the UK by retailers and delivery firm DHL. The device, which clips to a driver’s ear lobe, alerts them when they are about to drop off, helping to reduce the risk of falling asleep at the wheel and causing an accident.
A less likely risk – but still one to be taken very seriously given recent events – is how drivers and transport managers can reduce the risks of vehicles being used in an act of terror. The subject is to be covered at an upcoming conference later this month.
Finally it’s hard enough trying to meet the expectation of the majority of your customers when it comes to delivery but are you also anticipating what your newest customers – or your customers of tomorrow depending on your target age – are wanting too?
In our opinion piece this week FJ Miller, co-foudner and chairman of same day delivery platform Liefery, reveals how Generation Z will expect nothing less than seamless when it comes to their online and delivery experiences. Are you ready to meet the challenge?
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