Big issues to be tackled in TCS&D conference programme

KEY INDUSTRY FIGURES will be presenting on a range of hot topics at the Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Exhibition & Conference on 25th and 26th June at the East of England Arena, Peterborough. The UK’s only dedicated event for the cold storage and distribution sector, TCS&D 2019 will feature a comprehensive programme of free-to-attend seminars, with around 40 speakers across four ‘hubs’ over the two days. “The seminar programme really is not to be missed,” said Martyn Cogan, Exhibition Director, “and we’re delighted to announce that visitors who are scanned into the event can catch up after the show on any presentations they missed via an exclusive link to access videos.”

Justin Laney, Fleet Manager for John Lewis Partnership, will give a presentation in the Innovation Hub entitled ‘Achieving a zero-carbon fleet’, in which he will explain how the retailer aims to have a zero-carbon transport operation by 2045. Explained Justin, “As well as switching more than 3000 trucks, vans and fridge trailers to zero-emissions vehicles – including all heavy trucks running on bio-methane by 2028 – this commitment involves significant infrastructure changes to accommodate the alternative fuels.” Justin will talk about how John Lewis is planning these investments in order to keep the project on track, as well as some of the risk factors involved. He will also explain the business case for a zero-carbon fleet, in terms of payload and productivity.

Gavin Knight, Managing Director of Halo, will talk on the topic of ‘Eradicating costs in the supply chain, whilst reducing carbon footprint’ in the Innovation Hub. Gavin will explain how Halo – part of SH Pratt group, which supplies one third of all bananas in the UK – is removing cost and food miles by storing, sorting and distributing fresh produce from its 110,000-sq-ft facility at DP World London Gateway. Located less than half a mile from where vessels berth at the UK’s fastest growing deep-sea container terminal, Halo’s DC serves multiples, importers and exporters, enabling goods to be supplied faster to enhance their freshness. Commented Gavin, “Halo is on track to achieve its pledge to save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 by the end of 2019.”

Also speaking in the Innovation Hub will be Danielle Lawrence, Senior Asset Manager for iSec, a company creating a portfolio of strategic logistics developments. Her presentation – ‘Feeding London: Challenges and Solutions’ – will introduce Thames Enterprise Park, a 415-acre logistics hub being developed by iSec. “Redefining the way that food is made, packaged, stored and distributed has to happen soon,” explained Danielle, “to meet the growing demand for food in the population concentrations of London and the South East, which account for 40 per cent of food consumption.” One of the largest regeneration projects in Northern Europe, Thames Enterprise Park is poised to set a new bar in food manufacturing, storage and logistics. Creating 4,500 jobs, the multi-modal site – with road, rail and port links – is located just 33 miles outside London. “Proximity to the largest consumer market will shorten the supply chain, cut food miles and ensure a highly sustainable operation,” said Danielle.

Other speakers in the Innovation Hub include Graham Thomas, Ocado’s Fleet Services Manager; James Westcott, CCO of Gasrec; and Jon Miles, UK Director for NewCold.

Robert Hardy, Operations Director and Brexit Advisor for Oakland Invicta, will be providing practical advice on how businesses can best navigate Brexit in the Logistics Hub. A registered expert in international trade with the EU Commission, Robert successfully developed the largest 24-hour Customs Clearance station in the UK, based at the Port of Dover. In a presentation entitled ‘Brexit: a SWOT analysis in reverse’, Robert will take delegates through the Threat to the supply chain, the Opportunity to survive and thrive, Weakness in Brexit planning and Strength in preparation. “My talk will take an in-depth look at the border process challenges,” said Robert, “and explain how to make them work for you.”

Other speakers in the Logistics Hub include Paul Allera, Technical Director of the RHA; Shane Brennan, Chief Executive of the FSDF; Nick Hay, CEO of Fowler Welch; Tim Moran, MD of Lineage Logistics; and Colin Taylor, CEO of Rick Bestwick.

World Refrigeration Day

Within the Refrigeration Hub, the Institute Of Refrigeration (IOR) and Refcom will be conducting workshops and seminars throughout the show, some of which will be live-streamed on the 26th June to promote World Refrigeration Day (@WorldRefDay).

Latest solutions for the temperature-controlled supply chain

Visitors to TCS&D 2019 can expect to see a wide range of solutions for the cold storage and distribution sector. Over 60 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and services including refrigeration system manufacturers, vehicle suppliers, temperature-logging specialists, vehicle-tracking companies, cold storage constructors, cold store clothing specialists, refrigerated vehicle rental and contract hire providers, fleet livery specialists, rapid-action door suppliers, forklift suppliers, loading bay equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers, service and repair specialists, logistics system integrators, mobile computing companies, fire protection suppliers and 3PL providers.

Test drives and demos

TCS&D 2019 will see the return of the ‘Ride & Drive’ track in the outside display area, giving visitors a unique opportunity to take a test drive. “Potential buyers will have the chance to get behind the wheel of several vehicles,” explained Martyn Cogan, Exhibition Director, “including the latest refrigerated model from MAN Truck & Bus UK. There will also be an indoor demonstration area for cold store forklift trucks,” added Martyn.

Over 60 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and services at the TCS&D Show.