BASDA launch Special Interest Group for Logistics & Supply Chain supported by the UKWA and CILT

The BASDA Logistics and Supply Chain Special Interest Group (SIG) has been launched by BASDA members in response to the need for more collaborative working practices and systems across the whole supply chain industry, particularly for the SME sector. The first meeting was hosted by Proteus Software and attended by organisations including the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Sage, Infor, Inovis and Dataflow.

Inevitably, one of the hot industry topics discussed was fuel cost reduction and how this could be achieved by companies sharing resources including shared loads and warehouse space.  Whilst cost is usually the key driver for any change within the industry, this is an example of how new initiatives can also have a positive impact on a company’s “green” credentials and reduction in carbon emissions. The implementation of such shared services would involve more collaborative systems to make the business process as efficient as possible and would therefore impact customers and suppliers, including BASDA members.

The UKWA represents nearly 700 member companies who, between them, operate around 100 million sq ft of warehouse and distribution centre space from some 2000 locations across the UK. Roger Williams, Chairman of UKWA, was a key presenter at the event, “It is important that affiliations like UKWA, CILT and BASDA pull together and look for synergies that make us more effective for the benefit of all our members.”

Government legislation has a major impact on the industry, including Duties and Taxation.  BASDA has a proven track record in working with government and standards bodies, including the HMRC, to ensure that any new regulations introduced are fit for purpose and can be incorporated into business systems.

Jairo Rojas, Director General of BASDA, comments, “If our members feel strongly about an issue we will lobby the government on their behalf and get involved with relevant working parties.  By BASDA working closely with other Warehousing & Logistics associations including the UKWA and the CILT, we can act more effectively on behalf of the Logistics industry with one, united voice.”

The Logistics and Supply Chain SIG is recruiting representatives from manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to the industry.  A key aim of the group is to provide guidance on best practice through developing common standards that are clear and relevant to customers, e.g. for tracking and traceability.

Howard Turvey, Proteus Software Managing Director, was elected as Chairman for the Logistics and Supply Chain SIG.  "Proteus wants to be in at the start of the BASDA Logistics SIG to work together with other sector solution providers on the key issues affecting the warehousing and logistics industry, ultimately for the benefit of our customers."

Jairo Rojas concludes, “I would like to thank Proteus Software for taking up the mantle to drive this SIG.   Feedback from the first meeting suggests that the group will become increasingly important in the future direction of the logistics and supply chain industry.”

Anyone interested in joining the Special Interest Group or attending any of the events should contact the BASDA office on 01494 868030  or email: secretary@basda.org.

About UKWA:

The United Kingdom Warehousing Association offers a service to logistics service companies and any organisations that provide warehousing and other logistics support services in the supply chain.  It does this by helping to establish a favourable operating environment, by providing a forum for discussion on non-competitive issues and by disseminating information to assist them in their business. http://www.ukwa.org.uk/home.cfm

About CILT:

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport is the professional body for everyone in the logistics, passenger transport, transport planning and related industries and is dedicated to supporting, developing and representing all specialisms at all stages of career development. http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/pages/home