[United Kingdom, 19th June 2025] The final day of Multimodal 2025 delivered a strategic focus on artificial intelligence implementation and policy frameworks, as the UK logistics industry concluded its final. Day three’s programming demonstrated how practical AI applications and balanced sustainability policies are reshaping operational efficiency across the supply chain sector.
The closing day reinforced Multimodal’s position as the definitive platform for logistics innovation, with industry leaders sharing actionable insights on technology adoption, traditional sector transformation, and the complex interplay between sustainability objectives and economic realities.
Policy pragmatism meets sustainability ambition
The morning session “Balancing the Load: Logistics, Sustainability, and Policy in a Budget-Conscious World” brought together CILT(UK)’s network of policy experts to address the industry’s most pressing challenges across all transport modes.
Chaired by Sue Terpilowski OBE, Chair of CILT(UK) Public Policy Committee and Vice Chair of Ports, Maritime and Waterways Committee, the panel tackled the complex relationship between environmental objectives and commercial viability.
David Kennedy Browne, Director of Corporate and Social Affairs at Maersk, addressed the maritime sector’s approach to balancing investments with operational demands. Commenting on the Spending Review, he asked for more clarity around messaging: “Although there’s money available and desire indicators, they need to be justified to get things moving forward.”
Julian Worth, Chair of CILT(UK) Rail Freight Forum, highlighted rail freight’s critical role in the broader decarbonisation strategy whilst addressing infrastructure and capacity challenges. He was clear that Government needs to do more, stating: “there needs to be more understanding of what our objectives are and what support is needed to make things change.”
Morag Robertson, Chair of CILT(UK) Rural Policy Group, examined the unique challenges facing rural logistics operations in adapting to sustainability requirements whilst maintaining essential service delivery. She commented “There has to be a justification of expenditure, but I am optimistic for the future of rural opportunities.”
Traditional retail embraces supply chain innovation
The session “Transforming Fulfilment from Couch to Car” showcased how established retail sectors are leveraging modern logistics solutions to drive unexpected business benefits.
Alex Salden, Managing Director of The Sofa Delivery Company, detailed his transformation journey from traditional furniture delivery to industry-leading logistics operations, demonstrating how supply chain modernisation can create competitive advantages beyond operational efficiency.
“Making deliveries more efficient is key”, comments Alex, adding “choosing the right partners and solutions are the deciding factor on your performance – so building great relationships in these areas in essential, especially when outside forces, such as Covid, effect fulfilment.”
Tim Reay, Senior Consultant for Digital Strategy at Satalia, explored the technology frameworks enabling traditional retailers to compete in the modern fulfilment landscape, stating “changing the objective function and being able to pivot will support your partners and help them to maintain efficiency.”
The session highlighted how furniture and bulky goods delivery has evolved from a necessary cost centre to a strategic differentiator, with implications for sectors facing similar transformation pressures.
AI moves from potential to practice
“The Road Ahead: How AI is Transforming Logistics and Haulage Efficiency” provided concrete examples of artificial intelligence implementation across road haulage operations.
Adrian West, Vice President at OneAdvanced, outlined the practical applications already delivering measurable benefits, summarising that business must embrace the positive potential that AI offers and the challenge of data security and data sovereignty must be recognised.”
Three days of practical innovation conclude
Event Director Robert Jervis commented on the closing day’s programming: “The final sessions have demonstrated the industry’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities. From AI implementation to sustainability policy frameworks, we’ve seen forward-thinking approaches that will help businesses navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.”
The comprehensive conference programme, featuring sessions presented by Logistics UK, CIOE&IT, RFG, BIFA, UKWA, CILT and other leading organisations, addressed every aspect of modern logistics from technology adoption and policy frameworks to sector-specific transformation challenges.
Multimodal 2025’s success reinforces its position as the UK’s premier logistics platform, providing the industry with essential insights for tackling operational challenges across all transport modes.
Save the date for Multimodal 2026 – 30th June – 2nd July 2026
Find out more about Multimodal here: https://www.multimodal.org.uk/
