With visitor numbers recorded on day one, Multimodal 2023 has enjoyed one of its most successful days on record. Industry representatives steadily arrived during the course of the day to visit the sold-out exhibition and join this year’s three conference sessions.
Running from 13th to 15th June at Birmingham’s NEC, Multimodal brings together businesses, thought leaders and associations from across the supply chain industry. The most outstanding firms and individuals will be recognised at tonight’s Awards ceremony, which had a record 250 entries.
Over 320 businesses are attending Multimodal 2023, up from 275 last year. This has meant additional opportunities for cargo owners and shippers to meet and network with supply chain industry representatives who are exhibiting over the three days. Joining from a wide range of industries, they have been sharing ways to improve processes and present innovative ideas to solve transport and logistics issues.
The returning exhibitors include Maritime Transport, Malcolm Logistics, Maersk, G&W, DP World, Peel Ports, CMA CGM, COSCO, MSC, CEVA, DSV, Kerry Logistics, Ocean Network Express, CCL, K+N, ABP, Swain, Forth Ports, Montgomery Transport, Samskip, Howard Tenens, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, IAG Cargo, Uniserve and Descartes.
They have been joined by several first-time Multimodal exhibitors, including Nolan Transport, PwC, MG Invest, Calais Promotion, 3squared, ErgoPack, Miran Logistics, Ziegler Group, ICL and Payoneer.
Each of the first day’s conference sessions were popular as a result of cutting-edge speakers discussing a range of topics spanning shipping and logistics. The new Google Digital Garage has been offering skills training and mentoring, with sessions planned across each of the three days.
Phil Roe, the President of Logistics UK, launched its UK 2023 Logistics Report. The fireside chat, with Kate Jennings, Policy Director, and Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director – Policy, Logistics UK discussed how the logistics landscape is ever-evolving with developing technologies, the race towards decarbonisation and rising costs influencing the sector.
As one of the UK’s leading business groups – and the only one that represents all sectors of industry – Logistics UK stated it looked forward to sharing its expert analytical insights with the Report. The report focuses on topics such as connectivity, efficiency, skills, decarbonisation and trade, and examines national statistics as well as data collected by Logistics UK’s Industry Survey.
Connecting the road network to air, rail and water for uninterrupted movement of freight was an interesting Panel discussion, chaired by Kate Jennings, Policy Director, Logistics UK. Themes for discussion included Optimising logistics – including best use of all modes; EU and US comparators, and Modal shift.
Over at the IOE&IT Conference, Samantha Hodgkins led discussions on how to manage the hidden cost of international trade, with Laura Williams looking at the UK’s new approach to import controls.
In the Multimodal Conference theatre, James Hookham, Secretary General & Director, Global Shippers Forum, welcomed and introduced the session. This was followed by a Peak Season Preview and sessions including the Digitalisation of International Trade and Transport and Creating a Sustainable Multimodal Future.
Skills were also a focus during the day, with a Panel discussion looking at which skills will be the greatest in demand across all modes of transport as the UK logistics sector transitions to net zero. It looked at the steps the industry is taking to ensure that the right talent is being attracted, and the steps needed to be taken by employers to make sure the right skills training is delivered.
Multimodal 2023 Event Director Robert Jervis has been thrilled with the first day of the conference. He commented: “As I walked around today it was great to see how every area of the event was busy with representatives from across the industry. Each of the conference sessions attracted crowds, with some great questions coming from the floor. Our exhibitors have enjoyed a steady stream of visitors, with each stand offering something different and interesting for those choosing to drop by.
“The team has received some great feedback already about the event and we look forward to welcoming returning and new visitors tomorrow. Before then, our thoughts turn to celebrating those individuals, groups and businesses that make a real difference in the sector at this evening’s Awards.”
Find out more about Multimodal including how to register for free via https://www.multimodal.org.uk/.
