99 BUSINESS ADVICE larger spaces or those that deal with heavy items and materials, pallet racking is an essential investment. Specialised equipment such as mobile warehouse steps and sideloaders can assist in the process of storing items at height and make it much safer and less labour-intensive. Although still uncommon, more developers are pointing towards multistorey warehousing as a way to combat the lack of space. The UK’s first multistorey logistics space, Segro V-Park Grand Union, is currently in development just outside of London and is planned to be six storeys high. Building mezzanine levels into current spaces may also provide a faster short-term solution. • Efficient storage Similar to utilising height in your warehouse is also investing in ways to efficiently store your equipment, so that it takes up less floor space. For this there are many simple but effective solutions. For example, some commonly used equipment such as steps, shelf trucks, and trolleys can be found in foldable styles, meaning that they can easily be packed away when not needed. Wall brackets can also help to store equipment such as heavy-duty ladders safely, securely, and in a way that saves space. • Automation Automating otherwise time-consuming tasks can ensure processes are completed quickly, as well as reduce the risk of human error. This is especially useful for FMCG companies where speed and accuracy are essential for customer convenience. Warehouse management systems and the use of AI technologies can both help towards achieving this. For example, AI in warehouses can streamline processes and help businesses to use their space more efficiently through analysis and effective planning. AI can quickly use market trends and current demand to calculate future needs, aiding in decision-making around what stock to prioritise and where to store it to avoid wasting space. Powered handling products such as powered pallet trucks and pallet stackers can also assist with tasks that are carried out by people. Essentially, they do the heavy lifting, reducing the amount of manual effort required and thus improving efficiencies. • Expanding supplier bases Businesses that are unable to build their own stockpiles due to space could also minimise the risk of supply chain disruptions by expanding their supplier bases. Doing so will mean that when an issue strikes, the business will be able to source what they need from different suppliers. • Strategic use of locations One important thing to remember is that apart from lack of space, labour vacancies are another major issue faced by the logistics and warehousing industries. Automation can partially help in combating labour shortages by making workers’ jobs easier to complete. However, future developments will need to not only consider the available space, but also the surrounding labour pool. In areas where logistics and warehousing are dominant, the competition for skilled workers will be the fiercest. Along with these adaptations, perhaps the real key to helping businesses meet their demand and thrive is the sufficient development of warehousing space. The expansion of available space might then lead to even greater demand for it, with businesses growing and increasing their own stockpiles. The report by Savills and the BPF predicts that growth could rise by 42% in Leeds, 35% in Manchester, 29% in Birmingham, and 28% in Nottingham – leading to benefits such as job creation and giving the local economy a boost. There are already signs of renewed growth in warehouse development plans, with just over 2 million sq ft of warehousing space under construction in Yorkshire alone, which are expected to be open in 2023. If this continues, the day the UK runs out of storage space may never come.
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