UKWA has hailed its 80th visit to warehouses across the UK, with a grand finale event at Delamode International Logistics in Southampton.
The commitment by the warehouse body to visit 80 warehouses marks its 80th anniversary and is part of the national ‘2024 Year of Warehousing’ campaign.
This aims to raise awareness and appreciation of the importance of warehouses within the supply chain, as well as highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to the UK economy.
UKWA CEO Clare Bottle's epic journey concluded at Delamode’s Port-centric warehouse, which includes a unique 65,000 pallet bonded facility adjacent to the quay, dedicated to high volume pre-retail loads for major and multiple retailers.
Following a tour of the facilities, Clare and the Delamode senior leadership team were joined by Cllr David Shields, Lord Mayor of Southampton, UKWA board members and other UKWA member companies.
Reflecting the theme of 'Around The Warehouses in 80 Days', guests were treated to a special event designed to create the illusion of being in a hot air balloon, complete with basket and tension ropes, and a glass of bubbly to toast the success of The Year of Warehousing.
Delamode’s Managing Director Alberto Llames Romero said, “It’s a great honour for Delamode to be the final destination on Clare’s 80-visit challenge.
"We’re proud to support the Year of Warehousing campaign in a year that has seen significant change and growth for Delamode.
"Thank you to the Lord Mayor and our friends and colleagues at UKWA for celebrating with us and congratulations to Clare on raising the profile of our sector.”
Cllr Shields noted the importance of a thriving dock, including warehousing, to the prosperity of the region, and thanked both Delamode and UKWA for the chance to learn more about warehousing and logistics.
“I’m delighted to be here today and, of course, stand ready to support businesses that drive growth for Southampton,” he said.
The Year of Warehousing has taken Clare on a nationwide journey, travelling well over 10,000 miles in her highly visible specially branded Tesla.
She visited 80 warehouses in 286 days, meeting Ministers, MPs, local dignitaries and UK members along the way, while helping raise over £8000 for local charities.
Clare concludes, "I’ve been humbled and inspired by the scale and variety of the warehouses I’ve visited – from the largest technology-driven innovators to small family businesses, and everything in between.
“Our great sector, which generates annual revenues of £1.3 trillion and contributes £185 billion to the UK’s GVA performance, facilitates the movement of goods for automotive, chemicals, construction, fashion, food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, defence, public services, and more.
“Efficient warehousing means efficient supply chains, which in turn lead to lower costs, improved service levels, and a stronger economy."