With companies under more pressure to reduce their carbon emissions, adopt sustainable practices and remain competitive, Sentieo (the financial Intelligence platform), has noted a significant increase in mentions of near-shoring. There are a number of factors that could be driving this trend.
According to the Official of National Statistics (ONS), the amount of business premises used for transport, logistics and warehousing in the UK has almost doubled in the last decade. Additionally, CBRE Research found that the distribution and order fulfilment sectors represent most of the UK logistics take up so far at 28% – with Fashion, Hobbies, Toys, DIY, Media and Electronics industries accounting for the most prominent players in the UK’s e-commerce landscape.
These significant findings could prove to be a positive sign for the adoption of staff shuttles across the UK logistics industry. Lambert Smith Hampton found that 2021 was a record year for large segment take-up with Retail & Wholesale accounting for 36% of the take-up and Manufacturing shortly behind at 21%.
Businesses have long relied on shuttles to get their staff to and from warehouses and the trends in warehouse occupancy are a positive sign for the transportation industry. There’s no denying that staff shuttles are an essential part of retaining and recruiting warehouse staff, particularly amidst increases in fuel prices and the ongoing cost of living crisis. With the fashion industry accounting for 31% of online sales in the UK, retailers and manufacturers alike will be looking to their warehouse real estate in order to remain competitive.
National Express Transport Solutions has years of experience in supporting businesses with their staff shuttle requirements. If you’re an Operator looking to source this type of work then you can join our Partner Operator network; giving you access to leads located near you.
To find out more visit our website or give us a call on 01634 975 289.
