Transport and Logistics Newsletter

Welcome To Our Autumn Edition Of Our Transport And Logistics Newsletter

There’s a distinct autumnal feeling in the air as I write, a feeling made chillier by the prospect of Labour’s forthcoming Budget.

O ur Prime Minister has told us that his fiscal event will be “painful”, and that has certainly been the main topic of conversation with clients whilst we have been collating this edition of our Transport and Logistics newsletter. The internet is awash with Budget predictions, so I will not waste your time with speculation here. What I will say is that any business pain can always be eased with those fundamental of management qualities: communication and careful planning.

information about the new warehouse qualification and why she started Women in Logistics UK. The Supply Chain Supper Club event provides pertinent subject matter and a great group of business owners and directors from the industry in attendance. If you are interested in coming along to future events, please let us know. Despite the warnings of pain ahead, deals in the industry are still happening and ambitious businesses with switched-on management are looking at acquisition strategies as a means of managing risk and maximising value. On page 10 we hear from Graham Doe of Solstor who talks about the history of his group and what they are all about, their plans for growth, and their exciting recent investment in the region. Leasing is a huge topic for the industry and on page 13 my fellow partner John Perry from our audit team covers some important updates to the accounting standards in this area. This has the potential to change the shape of your balance sheet, so it is worth a read (and a discussion with your bank manager and shareholders) so they are prepared for what is to come.

We also focus on technology with two articles from my colleagues in our digital team, Simon Pinion and Ryan Pearcy. These look at the ever-evolving world of systems, and then delve into the impact of e-commerce on UK logistics. I hope you enjoy this edition. Our Transport and Logistics team works with businesses and organisations to support their management teams in identifying opportunities, issues and risks and delivering targeted, cost effective solutions and advice. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a specific matter that you’d like to discuss or would like to find out more about how we can help your organisation.

I hope that you will find some pain-relief in the pages that follow!

On page 4, I expand some of my thoughts on the macro environment the sector has faced in recent years, the immediate outlook the analysts tell us we are facing, and some thoughts about how to get ahead of the competition (and the analyst’s benchmarks). Talking, and sharing experiences with peers in the industry is an easy way to “sharpen the management saw”. On page 8 Ruth Waring, who spoke at our last Supply Chain Supper Club Event, which we co-host, shares

Luke Morris Corporate Finance Partner

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