- Tangle Teezer and Jordans Dorset Ryvita among expert line up
- 22nd annual supply chain industry debate will explore: ‘Rethinking global supply chains: Is it time to shift strategies?’
- Debate will be held on 5 June at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry
Global supply chain and logistics consultancy, SCALA, has announced the details of its 22nd Annual Supply Chain Debate. This year’s event will see expert speakers from the likes of Tangle Teezer and Jordans Dorset Ryvita debate the critical question: “Rethinking global supply chains: Is it time to shift strategies?”.
Set against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension, increasing demand for supply chain resilience, and rapid technological change, this year’s debate will explore whether traditional global sourcing models still hold up or whether it is time for a fundamental shift. Key themes will include:
- the trade-offs between nearshoring and offshoring, and whether localised production can offer greater resilience
- the impact of geopolitical risks such as trade conflicts and shifting regulations
- the growing physical challenges facing global networks, from pandemic aftershocks to ongoing transportation bottlenecks.
The event will once again take place at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
Chris Clowes, executive director at SCALA and Chair of the debate, commented:
“Global supply chains are being tested like never before – from escalating trade tariffs and regulatory shifts to the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather. Resilience is now the top priority for businesses looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
“Leaders are re-evaluating not only how their supply chains function, but where they should be located. The balance between nearshoring and offshoring has never been more contested. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty continues to reshape trade relationships, while physical disruptions such as pandemic aftershocks or bottlenecks in global transport infrastructure are forcing a fundamental rethink of global strategies.
“Our debate this year couldn’t be more timely. It’s a chance for industry leaders to step back and share their views on the bigger picture – what’s changing, what’s next, and how supply chains can remain resilient in an increasingly unpredictable world.”
This year’s event promises lively discussion from a diverse panel of industry experts, each offering on-the-ground insight into the challenges and changes reshaping supply chains today. Speakers include:
- Professor John Manners-Bell, founder of the Foundation for Future Supply Chain and author of The Death of Globalization
- Kirsty Lantos, COO at Tangle Teezer
- Jenn Smiley, head of customer supply & logistics at Jordans Dorset Ryvita
- Tiger Wang, chairman of China-based Ocean Business Group and co-chairman of SCALA’s joint venture in China
Guests are invited to book their place and join the SCALA team for what promises to be an insightful day of expert debate and networking.
The 2025 debate is proudly supported by Aptean, CILT (UK), Culina Group, DHL, GXO, Infios, Iron Mountain, and XPO Logistics. To find out more and book a place, visit: https://www.scalagroup.co.uk/debates/2025-debate-signup/
