Seminar Programme

With a strong background in lean, Adrian places great emphasis on continuous improvement. In this presentation, he outlines how rapid and constant small changes are more effective than a ‘big change, dwell, big change, dwell’ pattern when it comes to keeping warehouse automation operating at a high level of effectiveness and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly growing company.

Automation is everywhere. But is it right for you? Join us for an insightful, no-hype seminar on understanding your warehouse, exploring your options, and learning how to specify solutions correctly. Miroslaw will share real-world perspectives on when automation delivers genuine value. Discover how to evaluate automation through the lens of your operation; identify opportunities (and limitations) within your existing warehouse setup; avoid costly mis-specification by asking the right questions early; and keep an open, analytical mindset when assessing new technologies. Come curious, leave informed.

Automation promises speed and scale, but ROI remains the true finish line. This seminar explores how automated warehousing can move from prom-ise to measurable profit. Participants will gain practical insights into aligning automation strategy with business objectives, selecting technologies that scale, and avoid-ing pitfalls. Obinna has held a number of prestigious roles in UK warehousing, including Warehouse Transformation Manager at PepsiCo.

The implications of the digital twin on logistics and warehousing will be radical and the industry has not yet woken up to this. Simon Ratcliffe has worked for The White Company, Debenhams, Fat Face and more as a supply chain and warehousing leader and he will present on how logistics professionals need to get to grips with digital twins now and how this shift in technology will change the emphasis of their roles in the coming years.

This insight-laden presentation will focus on context and operational drivers; practical lessons from the AutoStore hardware rollout; insights into integrating Arvato's WMS with the automated system; and real impact on people and operations. Expect actionable takeaways for your next project.

This presentation shares how GXO is applying its mature open innovation approach to early experimentation with agentic AI. Focusing on an outcome based, structured test, learn and scale approach, with responsible learning at the heart of all activities. Examining operational use cases Claire Charlton asks - is there a sausage as well as the sizzle?

The Warehouse Transformation Awards are dedicated to honouring the people and teams who are at the cutting edge of achieving results in the warehouse and logistics sector, as we go through a period of unprecedented transformation.

Join us at the end of a productive day of learning for a drinks reception to honour our winners!

You can browse categories and enter free here

Deadline to enter is 15 March 2026

Our host will introduce the day's proceedings.

The Warehouse Property market has proved resilient but what is in store for the future? Will Arnold will unpack the forces reshaping the sector, from occupier behaviour and rental dynamics to ESG, automation, and the growing gap between prime and secondary stock.

Are the warehouses being brought to market by developers providing the best fit for occupiers? Mike Teague, Head of Industrial & Logistics, Corstorphine & Wright Architects, explores.

As occupier requirements grow more complex, the era of one-size-fits-all warehouses is fading fast. In this presentation, Jo Russell shares insights into current warehouse development trends and demonstrates how Stoford partners with occupiers to shape buildings around real operational needs. Through live project examples, attendees will see how bespoke design, early engagement, and a robust base build specification come together to create high-performing logistics facilities, faster, smarter, and built for long-term success.

Warehouses are under increasing pressure to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency, often without dedicated in-house resource. In this short session, Stephen Lankfer will explore the practical steps you can take to deliver the above. From identifying hidden energy waste to submetering and on-site renewables, discover actionable strategies that help you cut costs, stay compliant, and build a more resilient future for your operations.

Rising geopolitical risk and Europe’s shift toward higher defence spend-ing are set to reshape the warehouse property market. Increased defence budgets will accelerate demand for specialised assets such as advanced manufacturing facilities and logistics hubs. Savills estimates NATO commitments could drive 37 million sq m of new industrial and logistics demand in Europe over seven years. Here, Andrew Blennerhasset discusses demand shifts, evolving investor attitudes and broader impact on the warehouse property market.

Average heights for new build warehouses have increased from 28 ft in 2015 to 38 ft in 2025. Knight Frank’s Future Gazing report emphasises the need for investors, developers and landlords to look closely at the cubic capacity of their industrial and logistics stock as a means to attract and keep tenants, avoid obsolescence and increase returns. As land and labour costs continue to rise, Claire Williams delves into this research to share insights on warehouse property as occupiers move to minimise costs while maximising operational efficiency.

Jake Howard will talk about how the specification for logistics facilities has evolved over time and how Tritax Big Box sees property continuing to evolve to meet the sector's needs in the future. Jake will back up learnings with case studies illustrating how Tritax works with clients to accommodate their requirements. Expect practical insights, market perspective, and a glimpse into what tomorrow’s logistics developments will really look like.