Member Article

Addressing talent attraction in the supply chain

Julie Welch, HR Director at Wincanton, discusses the need for increased awareness of the UK supply chain sector and action in attracting new talent

The supply chain sector is the backbone of the UK economy, and worth in excess of £35 billion to the nation, and yet it remains one of the most under-valued industries in the UK.

Last Thursday marked the fourth annual European Supply Chain Day, an event founded to raise awareness of just how valuable the supply chain is in the daily lives of the general population – and it couldn’t come at a more important time.

While much of our economy has rapidly become digitised over recent years, every object that we come into contact with has still been managed through a complex physical supply chain. Without skilled logistics workers, from truck drivers to warehouse workers and senior management, the UK economy could very well grind to a halt.

The UK logistics industry is in the midst of a driver crisis. Research by the Freight Transport Association shows that Britain currently requires another 60,000 HGV drivers to meet consumer demand for goods. However, an older workforce means that the industry could face a shortfall of as much as 650,000 workers by 2020.

Be in no doubt that this is a very real and impending business issue that no organisation is exempt from. Physical goods need to be moved across the country, from food and drink to bricks and mortar. For this to happen efficiently and effectively, it’s vital the UK’s supply chain infrastructure is fit for purpose.

As the largest British logistics provider operating in the UK, we are taking a proactive approach to tackling talent attraction – from the driver shortage, to supporting greater gender equality and attracting more graduates into the sector. In addition, we currently have over 200 apprentices and over the years we have helped hundreds to complete their training and launch their new career.

Yet there are still too many obstacles stopping talented young people joining the supply chain industry, such as an outdated view of the sector, lack of awareness of the breadth of career opportunities or the cost of driver licence acquisition. While we pay for our drivers’ training, this is not an industry standard and is something that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Providing opportunities for new talent to secure careers in the supply chain sector will be better for business and better for Britain, so I urge you to join the conversation now.

For more information, please visit www.wincanton.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Wincanton Plc .