In our latest episode we speak to Colby Varley - Vice President of Sales - Principal for Advanced Transportation Services Inc (ATS). We explore the history of Colby's career and spend time understanding how an asset-light transportation business works, delivering fresh produce from their home base of Salinas, California, to the rest of the USA. It was fascinating to understand the key strength of working with a medium-sized business versus the larger logistics service providers, with a key difference in the personal investment and commitment to service excellence by the team at ATS. So, from the salad bowl of America to the plates of consumers all across the USA, this is a fascinating business with a young and greatly motivated leader at the helm. Links: Colby Varley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-varley-5ba57a69/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
Welcome to our latest podcast from the Logistics Collective, we present another in the ALAS! with Keith Holdsworth of Perfection Group. In this episode, we ask, "Can our Logistics Providers survive and prosper with only achieving a single % figure EBITDA?". We discuss the commoditisation of the logistics market, the benefits of added value services, the ability to optimise to further profit. There is expressed certainty that Logistics Providers are not making sufficient profit and we examine what we believe are the root causes and what might be some solutions that could help. There are thoughts on how Logistics Providers win business and perhaps the missed opportunity of collaboration within the businesses they have. Both of us have a huge amount of respect for the work all of our Logistics Providers do, our discussion comes from a core desire to help drive a positive difference to the industry. If the industry is to meet the challenge of sustainability in an ever more service and channel-diverse market - the industry needs to be allowed to profit to allow it to invest. Our conclusion is that the Logistics Providers need to dare to challenge existing conventions and take a fresh approach. How? Well, you'll have to listen to the podcast to find out! #alas #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: Keith Holdsworth – https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-holdsworth/ Logistics Collective – The Podcast – https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
In this podcast, we interview Philip Roe, President of Logistics UK is the largest trade association representing logistics business of all modes across the UK & Ireland. In addition, Philip is a Board Director of the CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport). Prior to this, Philip had senior (to C-suite) roles in both DHL and TDG. In this episode, Philip speaks to the work that Logistics UK carries out and alerts us to the fantastic role that the logistics industry could have in supporting the growth and development of all business in the UK & Ireland. We touch on how to make the logistics industry a first choice for people considering a career and also how Logistics UK (in partnership with other logistics trade associations) is trying to influence the UK Government to take a more coordinated approach to its management of this critical business sector. The “battle for talent” is discussed with the conclusion that we need a diverse mindset to attract the world-class skills and talent we need in the industry. It’s a broad-ranging conversation including highlights of the activities of “Generation Logistics” with more than 50 industry sponsors designed to get younger people aware of the enormous potential of a career within the logistics industry. Additionally, we shoot the breeze on whether coastal shipping could be a game changer for distribution in the UK, and think about the changes needed in the information systems to drive the journey to net zero. We conclude by discussing how sustainability may offer opportunities for the logistics industry to be better regarded and more profitable. For the value that the logistics industry provides the profits are very thin. Despite this, Philip is really optimistic for the future of the logistics industry in the UK as its importance is simply becoming more broadly understood. Links: LOGISTICS UK - https://logistics.org.uk/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
In this podcast, we revisit Richard Smith of the RHA, who kindly offered to be the first person interviewed on this channel nearly two and a half years ago. There is much to catch up on with regard to the developments in the industry, most concerningly around the increasing numbers of hauliers that are sadly failing financially. We look to the future, and it was great to hear that several professional trade bodies in the logistics sector are beginning to collaborate and seek to influence the UK Government. We moved on to discuss sustainability and how we might design trucks that attract more drivers into the industry, and I left Richard with a challenge! I see the work of our professional trade bodies as highly valuable; the majority I have spoken to are truly connected with their membership at all levels. Richard demonstrates that he is a passionate advocate for the industry. Links: Road Haulage Association - https://www.rha.uk.net Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
The final episode of this trilogy on Retail & Supply Chain Technology examines the possibilities of the future. It encompasses the growth of the circular economy and how the democratisation of RFID through both price reduction and Digital Product Passports could catalyse the growth of new industries. There are a few rants on "greenwashing" and "dumb Transport Management Systems", but there is also blue sky thinking on how the homes we live in could be so much more intelligent, more cost-effective and sustainable - and this is a current missed opportunity that could really help the consumer and the retail sector. We also speak of "sociopathic retail" and "sustainable provenance" and how we need to realise the trapped value in the clutter stored in our homes. We conclude that for us to meet the challenge of the future, we need to develop "superhuman" questions to drive the huge capabilities in even current technology. The final thought is asking: "Why don't we change the focus of digitalisation to benefit the many and not the few?" We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording the podcast. #rfid #digitalproductpassports #asreader #digitalsuspplychain #retail #retailtechnology #logisticscollective #logurultd Links: Mark Tailford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tailford-7964a77/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd - https://loguru.co.uk/
In this episode, we continue the story of Mark Tailford and his entertaining and entrepreneurial journey in innovation. We focus on the more recent past and into the present, including the radical changes he drove in the world of retail. There's a little more name-dropping (John Lewis, Matalan, Morrisons, etc.). There's a Scandinavian sojourn to Finland and some world-first development of technology that resulted in a double-figure % increase in sales and a reduction in shrinkage within retail stores. We finish with how a car crash landed Mark with a fantastic new deal with a retailer! The third and final episode (coming in two weeks) will explore the future and the miraculous potential of RFID. #rfid #digitalproductpassports #asreader #digitalsuspplychain #retail #retailtechnology #logisticscollective #logurultd Links: Mark Tailford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tailford-7964a77/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd - https://loguru.co.uk/
This interview is a milestone for us in a couple of ways. Firstly, this is the first podcast that has no script guidance (we always have an outline script to understand what we are covering), so this is a bit of a freer conversation than normal. Secondly, and most importantly, we are talking to Mark Tailford, who is simply one of the architects of retail supply chain visibility and has an amazing story to tell. A huge number of names are dropped throughout these podcasts, not in any boastful way; it simply means that Mark has met so many people in retail leadership. We have three episodes, one focusing on the past and the origins of Mark's thinking, and episode 2 covers the recent past and present day. We conclude with a more extended 3rd episode that focuses on the future, encompassing the fascinating challenge and opportunities of digital product passports - your supply chain world is about to radically change. It impacts everything. So, let's start with Mark's origins—not quite in short trousers, but with a full head of hair and a Triumph Spitfire! #rfid #digitalproductpassports #asreader #digitalsuspplychain #retail #retailtechnology #logisticscollective #logurultd Links: Mark Tailford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tailford-7964a77/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd - https://loguru.co.uk/
Welcome to the second episode of our podcasts with the legend that is Jim Tompkins. In this episode, we go from the chaos of "whack-a-mole" through toilet paper (!) during the recent pandemic, climate change, and disruption of world trade but then hit the calmer seas of finding out who inspired Jim by underscoring his work and how he found out that life is just not fair. We discuss the wisdom of "one size fits one" and ask and answer the question as to whether businesses today have sufficient options to survive and thrive - Jim's perceptive view of the need for "Optionality". All of this is spiced up with Human Intelligence, AI, SETI and what we do to prevent Luddism. Jim is inspiring and very much deserving of respect, 5 decades of business excellence, thought provocation, author, and thought leader but most of all, a damned nice and interesting guy to talk to that still works to change and improve the world of supply chain. Simply, a legend in his own lifetime. Links: Jim Tompkins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd - https://loguru.co.uk/
Welcome to Season 3 of Logistics Collective – The Podcast. We start with a legend of supply chain. A thought-leading academic, serial entrepreneur, author (31 books published so far) and most of all thought leader in business and supply chain. Our interviewee has helped businesses globally define their future and is still defining the future of supply chain after 5 decades engaged in the industry. Most of all, our interviewee is engaging, friendly, and very much a family man. We are so very proud to introduce Dr. James Tompkins, or perhaps more simply Jim Tompkins. Out of one conversation, we realised that a single episode was not enough! So, please find the first of two episodes talking to Jim. As with all thought leaders, Jim is clear, approachable, engaging, and humble. Learn what has driven, and continues to drive Jim. Links:Jim Tompkins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimtompkins1/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd - https://loguru.co.uk/
Welcome to the final podcast from the Logistics Collective in 2023. It has certainly been a busy year in the land of podcasting for us, with a significant increase in both output and audience. In this episode, we hear the fascinating story of an innovation award-winning entrepreneur that together with her husband set their sights on saving people's lives which has resulted in building a business that has grown to sell its Yorkshire manufactured products across global markets. So, look forward to getting to know Sarah Scaife, a self-made entrepreneur and businessperson, with a passion for safety and well-being. Sarah is a Director at NuVech Solutions who provides driver and cyclist safety systems to help identify risk and improve safety for all. Prior to her Directorship, Sarah's work honed her analytical and problem-solving skills needed in business and innovation, and as a proud autistic person, is able to champion the cause for diversity. Links: Sara Scaife - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-scaife-085660171/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
Welcome to the 4th and final episode of Old Dogs, and in this episode we turn to prophecy and seek to examine the future! Why are we asking the dumbest questions of AI? We think about the impact of this on broader society, and recommend a read of "The End of Work" by Jeremy Rifkin Why do LSP customers tender too frequently and without thought and preparation? How can LSPs demonstrate more value through giving more visibility? Why are the aging systems controlling our logistics operations so fragmented and disconnected? Why are our TMSs largely built with no regard that one day the customer will want to go to tender? We ask why are our LSPs sometimes failing to identify clients that may require a more sustainable supply chain and are willing to pay for it? We finally ask why a more sophisticated and value driving eSourcing system has not been developed than the one we developed, shaped and utilised 21 years ago.... The Logistics industry needs to be an exemplar of the future amazing possibilities of sustainable and intelligent supply chains and not a museum to innovations of the past. The challenges we face are the driving force behind the inventions to come. Radical thinking is certainly needed - and there is plenty of fun in that! So sit back with a mince pie and mulled wine...and be stimulated into some future thinking! Links: Tom Wahnsiedler -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwahnsiedler/ Paul Martyn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartyn/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
You have been really patient, thank you! (We have had a huge amount of production work to do on forthcoming content) The old dogs are back for the third episode! We move on considerably in this episode and consider the future of logistics eSourcing (and if you are in business development for an LSP you may be really interested in some of the conclusions!) So from our LSP call to action, through perpetual tenders and finally into collaboration and saving the planet, it should be an interesting episode! As ever Tom Wahnsiedler and Paul Martyn are both comprehensive in their knowledge and ability to remember what happened over 2 decades ago! Links: Tom Wahnsiedler -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwahnsiedler/ Paul Martyn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartyn/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
Our thanks for patiently waiting for the next episode of ALAS! Did you know that it takes 5 times as long to produce one of our podcasts as it does to record it? That we use AI-powered software to improve and balance the sound quality? That our podcasts have been listened to by thousands of people and our followers are rapidly increasing? But all of this matters little in comparison to the potentially sleep-inducing dulcet tones of Keith Holdsworth and Malcolm Pope who in this episode are hugging the planet, trying to reduce road congestion and most of all make LSPs more profitable! (Yes, you read that correctly, more profitable logistics businesses – it can and MUST be done). We also consider the long-running saga of how long will Keith’s “Yorkshire Mix” last (Malcolm suspects that paleontologists will be picking over the remains of this confectionery in a few million years’ time) and what are the most appropriate beverages and snacks to have on a podcast. #alas #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: Keith Holdsworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-holdsworth/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
Information systems are at the core of every logistics operation. Yet many of the most utilised systems have a long history (decades!) behind them. Have our day to day operations moved significantly over the last 20 years? Certainly! There is a design parallel to the development of electric cars, the sub-optimal starting point being to utilise an existing internal combustion engined car and bolt on electric motors and batteries. The key point of innovation has been to reimagine personal transport design around the new motive force, arguably, this is the only way to provide cars that will have similar utility to the smoky old petrol and diesel cars. The question we might have in our minds is: Do our logistics information systems need a radical redesign to be relevant to today's and the futures operational challenges? Our guest in this episode strongly argues yes. In this podcast, we are delighted to interview an entrepreneur and innovator who has successfully completed that ground up reimagination, with a Warehouse Management System that has ease of implementation, configuration, connectivity (including robotics) and most importantly ease of use/ease of training at its core. So take a break from your busy day and listen to Founder & Managing Director of THOMAX Technology – Thomas Jackson” Links: Thomas Jackson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-jackson-9bb91311/ THOMAX - https://thomax.com/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
In this second episode of “Old Dogs: Legacy or Prophecy” we move into the reasoning why two independent, and arguably competing, technology companies were “persuaded” to collaborate to develop one of the first uses of sophisticated eSourcing technology for distribution solution sourcing. It covers the rationale of why these systems were brought together, what their combined strengths and we lead on to describe the problem we were trying to solve. When trying new concepts, solutions, and technology it is absolutely critical to engage, brief, and train the users of the system. Key to success was how we managed sourcing risk in a very changing environment to ensure that the value improvement we achieved could be objectively measured. How the marketplace operated and was optimised I contest is still well in advance of any logistics eSourcing system that I see today. In forward episodes, we will cover the result that was achieved (which surprised most stakeholders) and the lessons that were learned. Links: Tom Wahnsiedler -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwahnsiedler/ Paul Martyn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartyn/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
We are out in the Logistics Collective Time Machine again and asking you to join us in an exploration of the past and future of buying logistics. I am joined by two leading lights in the world of technology and logistics, Tom Wahnsiedler (a 40-year veteran of IT, having served in local government, FMCG, retail, logistics, property, social enterprise, and consultancy. During that time, he conceived, developed, and delivered novel and in some cases ground-breaking products, including tools for logistics procurement and collaboration. He is, at least for the moment, retired.) who was the founder and CEO of Translogistica and Paul Martyn (a vastly experienced sourcing professional that has sourced billions worth of logistics solutions during his tenure as an exceptional thought leader in procurement) who at the time of our initial interaction was Managing Director of European Operations for CombineNet. In this series of podcasts we plot the course of how buying logistics changed forever in the early 2000’s,share the experience of the challenges of using technology for the first time the results that we achieved and then our thoughts on why the full potential of eSourcing logistics has yet to be achieved. In Episode 1 we cover the initial sparks of innovation and how we planned to deliver true value creation. If you buy, sell or manage logistics solutions, this is a must hear for you! Links: Tom Wahnsiedler -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomwahnsiedler/ Paul Martyn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmartyn/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
Welcome to the second episode of our series ALAS! musings about advanced supply chain and logistics by the vibrant and venerable Keith Holdsworth & Malcolm Pope. Following on from our first episode on forecast (or informed guessing as Malcolm still insists), we ask a slightly vexed question as to whether the logistics function is an outlying orphan to other business processes. On the bright side they also discuss about snacks and beverages with some interesting conclusions! #alas #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: Keith Holdsworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-holdsworth/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
The next interviewee in this season of Logistics Collective - The Podcast is a phenomenally interesting senior leader in the realm of logistics and supply chain, but who now has founded her new business, Ryhall Leadership to pursue her passion for creating high-performing teams with a clear focus to especially help women achieve their potential in leadership positions. Her solid belief is that the lifeblood of healthy culture is a sense of trust and belonging which comes from embracing equity, inclusivity, and diversity. In addition to her current passion, our interviewee spent 23 years in the Royal Air Force, with an initial focus on logistics and supply chain in areas of conflict including the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Her story is both incredible but hugely real and inspiring. Her final post on leaving the RAF was Chief of Staff. I introduce the interesting, engaging, and incredible Debs Wright. I hope you are as fascinated by listening to the podcast as I was interviewing. #RyhallLeadership #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: Debs Wright - https://www.linkedin.com/in/debshpwright/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
We are introducing a new concept for Logistics Collective Podcasts. We are calling it ALAS! but we're not going to explain why, it is all explained in the podcast. 2 "experienced" supply chain professionals that have known one another for 2 decades are off for a ramble down the supply chain whilst discussing the beverages and snacks they are consuming. One half of this discussion is the wonderful Keith Holdsworth of wonderous experience of strategic supply chain, and the other half is the trouble causer Malcolm Pope. In this episode, we talk about crystal balls, tea leaves, and Mystic Meg. If you've not guessed, it is all about forecasting (or guessing as Malcolm described it). Keith made a very convincing case for less guessing and more science. Was Malcolm convinced? Well, you can only listen in to find out. Bring your own beverage and snacks, they both go on a bit. #alas #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: Keith Holdsworth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-holdsworth/ Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd
We took a brief hiatus as business was busy in LOGURU, but now we are into our second year of the Logistics Collective and we are extremely excited about it. There are going to be some changes, and we are in discussions about more sponsorship so we can extend the scope of what we do, we have "Logistics Collective "Live!" in mind and a new series called ALAS!... details will follow. So into our second year of the podcast, we have spoken to an incredible professional. She is smart, innovative, courageous, and absolutely a thought leader in supply chain but most specifically automation. As with many successful professionals, she has more than one string to her bow and is now a published author with a noted passion for mentoring and coaching. I was delighted to hear about the positive change that "Women in Logistics" delivered for her. So now we have built anticipation...I welcome Danielle Dakin, Market Development Director for Dematic. Grab a beverage and hear about her fantastic career journey. #dematic #automation #logisticsinnovation #supplychaininnovation #logisticscollective #supplychain #supplychainconsulting #logisticsconsultancy #couragethroughconfidence #mentoring #coaching #logurultd Links: DEMATIC - https://www.dematic.com/en-gb/ Danielle Dakin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-dakin/ Danielle Dakin's Book - Confidence Through Courage: The Power Lies Within You Logistics Collective - The Podcast - https://logisticscollective.com The Logistics Collective podcast is a production by Loguru Ltd