Sheffield Business School are pleased to invite you to the first of our new leadership talk series focussing on the big issues affecting business and industry, and how closing the gap between academia and practice helps to address the problems. The first talk will explore the changes affecting one of the largest growing sectors in global business – Supply Chain and Logistics growing from a standing start in 1994 to over $6.3 trillion in 2024.
We'll be joined by Clare Bottle (CEO) of the UK Warehouse Association and Tony Mannix (Strategic Adviser Retail) at GXO Logistics, two of the largest influencers across the sector. They will discuss the change and boom over the last 25 years, and notably how the sector will evolve even quicker, and the opportunities of AI, Robotics, Sustainability and the need for top talent. They'll also share how the effects of the troubles in the Middle East are raising questions around where to manufacture and reduce transportation, and the need for innovative top graduates coming out of University. It is also the Year of the Warehouse and UKWA is celebrating its 80th Anniversary.
About the speakers:
Tony Mannix:
Tony boasts a career in logistics spanning over 35 years. On graduating from university as an Architectural Engineer, he briefly worked in the construction industry before moving into multi-channel retail logistics, where he developed a passion for innovation.
A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transport, Tony initially worked directly for a number of retailers managing in-house operations, which afforded him a clear insight into the retail world. It’s this vision that he brought to Clipper and now GXO, delivering logistics at full potential for retailers nationwide. Tony is passionate about the business, the GXO team, collaboration and continuous improvement. He strives for operational and commercial success while prioritising outstanding customer care.
Clare Bottle:
Clare is CEO of the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and Vice-Chair of Women in Logistics UK. As head of UKWA, a leading trade association with 1,000 members, Clare has pursued an agenda of economic, social and environmental sustainability, as well as driving diversity and inclusion.
She advises the government on the benefits and barriers of solar power on warehouse rooftops, and is spearheading ‘2024 The Year of Warehousing,’ a bold initiative to build awareness and recognition of the sector as a crucial part of supply chains and a major contributor to the UK economy.
