Tomorrows Warehouse Manchester
Seminar Programme
Headline Sponsor
The 2025 agenda
If you’d like to speak at Tomorrow's Warehouse Live please contact our conference chair Simon Duddy at [email protected]
Times & sessions are preliminary and subject to change.
Seminar Programme :
Main Theatre
08:30 - 09:20
Registration, teas & coffees, table-top exhibition opens
09:20 - 09:30
Introduction
Simon Duddy (Editor, Logistics Matters)
Session 1 : Retail
09:30 - 09:50
The power of operations
Tom Killeen (Chief Operating Officer, THG Brands at THG)
Operations come first. Tom dives into a recent comprehensive consumer study encompassing 40 million records carried out by THG showing how warehouse operations can be the driving force bending business success.
09:50 - 10:10
Why are SMEs struggling to adopt mobile warehouse robotics?
Adam Coventry (former Director of Warehousing, Boots)
Adam Coventry spent 20+ years at Boots, most notably as Director of Warehousing and is well versed in the use of automation and robotics to make a sleek logistics operation fly at an enterprise level. He asks, why are SMEs struggling to implement mobile robotics when the tech is there? Adam explores obstacles from personnel to integration, expertise and more, as well as suggesting ways forward.
10:10 - 10:30
Warehouse Automation Excellence
Speaker TBC (Element Logic)
The Tomorrow’s Warehouse Event Manchester headline sponsor Element Logic presents on how you can achieve excellence in the warehouse automation arena.
10:30 - 11:00
Discussion Panel Q & A
Tom Killeen (Chief Operating Officer, THG Brands at THG)
Adam Coventry (former Director of Warehousing, Boots)
Speaker TBC (Element Logic)
11:00 - 11:30
Break
Session 2 : Transformation
11:30 - 11:50
Leading the Transformation
Justine Farrar (Strategy & Transformation in Retail Leadership, Sainsbury's)
Key learnings on supply chain transformation from retail operations leader Justine Farrar.
11:50 - 12:10
Making automation work for you
Simon Phillips (Logistics Director, Emma Bridgewater Ltd)
Simon draws on current experience with a heritage pottery manufacturer and previous experience with a large scale retailer (Pets at Home) to explore the issues to consider when implementing automated projects, taking into account cultural fit, people issues, budget constraints and much else
12:10 - 12:30
Technology - what's coming and how to make use of
Georgina Bowell (Global R&D Project Manager for the Automation team, GXO Logistics)
Georgina will outline a short, mid and long term vision of technologies and their impact in warehouses. This will help inform your own journey through technology in the warehouse.
12:30 - 13:00
Discussion Panel Q & A
Justine Farrar (Strategy & Transformation in Retail Leadership, Sainsbury's)
Simon Phillips (Logistics Director, Emma Bridgewater Ltd)
Georgina Bowell (Global R&D Project Manager for the Automation team, GXO Logistics)
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch
Session 3 : From Warehouse to Boardroom: Women Navigating Logistics
14:00 - 14:15
The Logistics Undergraduate
Megan Lynch (Transition and Transformation Degree Apprentice, CEVA Logistics)
Step into the world of logistics through the eyes of three dynamic women at distinct stages of their professional journeys. Here, Megan speaks of the challenges faced, and aspirations of, a logistics undergraduate.
14:15 - 14:30
Recent Graduate
Sian Coley (Operations Manager, CEVA Logistics)
Whether you’re exploring a career path or aiming to advance within the sector, this session offers valuable insights, real-world lessons, and motivation to move your own journey forward. Recent Graduate Sian presents.
14:30 - 14:45
Established Manager
Debbie Godkin (Managing Director for Air & Ocean UKI, CEVA Logistics)
Debbie shares experiences revealing the evolving landscape of logistics and the powerful role women are playing in shaping its future.
14:40 - 15:00
Discussion Panel Q & A
Megan Lynch (Transition and Transformation Degree Apprentice, CEVA Logistics)
Sian Coley (Operations Manager, CEVA Logistics)
Debbie Godkin (Managing Director for Air & Ocean UKI, CEVA Logistics)
15:00 - 15:15
Break
Session 4
15:15 - 16:15
Forklift Incident: Real Life Impact
Lisa Ramos (Health & Safety Accident Impact Speaker)
Lisa Ramos was working in a warehouse when she was struck by a forklift. Here, she discusses the short and long term physical and psychological impacts, as well as the knock-on impact on her family. Lisa’s partner Dave Garton co-presents. This session is hosted by UKMHA Chief Executive Rob Fisher. Attendees will never overlook forklift safety again.
16:15 - 16:20
Closing comments
Simon Duddy (Editor, Logistics Matters)
16:20
Close
Seminar Programme :
Property Theatre
08:30 - 09:20
Registration, teas & coffees, table-top exhibition opens
09:20 - 09:30
Introduction
Our host will introduce the day's proceedings.
Session 1 : North West Focus
09:30 - 09:50
The Future of Urban Logistics Parks
Mike Walker (Development Director, Chancerygate)
Mike Walker will present on the evolving nature of urban logistics parks and their role in supporting SMEs and regional growth.
09:50 - 10:10
Analysis of the market in the North-West
Lewis Rapley (Logistics Research Associate, Savills)
Lewis takes a look at the key North-West region in terms of the warehouse property sector, offering insights and advice for occupiers looking to secure their next move.
10:10 - 10:30
Occupying a Warehouse - Key Points from a Legal perspective
Matthew Williamson (Partner, Weightmans)
How do you make sure you are getting a fair deal? It can be complica-ted but the ideal warehouse contract takes into account the contrasting needs of both landlord and occupier. From an occupier’s perspective, what points do you need to consider when entering a negotiation? Matthew Williamson provides insights.
10:30 - 11:00
Discussion Panel Q&A
Mike Walker (Development Director, Chancerygate)
Matthew Williamson (Partner, Weightmans)
Lewis Rapley (Logistics Research Associate, Savills)
11:00 - 11:30
Break
Session 2 : Addressing Occupier Concerns
11:30 - 11:50
Tips and Insights for Occupiers
Will Laing (Partner, Newmark)
Delving into the critical supply and demand dynamics that occupiers need to understand for their business needs, Will offers tips and insights to put you in the best position possible to secure an optimal warehouse property
11:50 - 12:10
Powering Smarter Warehouses: Cutting Costs and Carbon
Stephen Lankfer (Associate Director, Ennovus Solutions)
Warehouses are under increasing pressure to reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions, and improve operational efficiency, often without dedicated in-house resource. In this session, Stephen Lankfer will explore the key energy and sustainability challenges facing warehouse occupiers today and the practical steps you can take to address them. 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.
12:10 - 12:30
Rethinking the Urban Industrial Estate
Mike Teague (Head of Industrial & Logistics, Corstorphine & Wright Architects)
Urban industrial is evolving but are long-established standards holding it back? Mike Teague brings sharp insights from the design frontline and will explore how long-held perceptions can be challenged and identifies where space and flexibility can be generated without operational compromise unlocking value. Drawing on Corstorphine & Wright’s extensive experience in Industrial & Logistics, Mike offers a fresh take on what best practice really looks like in the multi-let and urban industrial market and why the sec-tor may require a reset.
12:30 - 13:00
Discussion Panel Q&A
Will Laing (Partner, Newmark)
Mike Teague (Head of Industrial & Logistics, Corstorphine & Wright Architects)
Stephen Lankfer (Associate Director, Ennovus Solutions)
13:00 - 14:00