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Tag: UK

Indurent Hits Milestone: 18 % Portfolio Growth in First Year

Posted on by Will Priestman

In just twelve months from its July 2024 launch, Indurent—a prominent developer, owner, and operator of UK industrial and logistics real estate—has delivered impressive results: more than £1 billion invested and 18 % growth in its portfolio. Indurent

A Strong Start from Day One

Formed through the integration of St Modwen Logistics and Industrials REIT, Indurent began with a robust foundation—solid development capabilities, a deep landbank, and a streamlined operating platform. Since inception, the company has scaled both workforce and operations with remarkable speed. Indurent

Scaling Up: Space, People, and Clients

  • Portfolio footprint: Expanded from approximately 27 million sq ft to 32 million sq ft, covering both multi-let industrial and big-box logistics formats across the UK Indurent.
  • Team growth: Workforce increased by nearly 30 %, now standing at 230 employees Indurent.
  • Client base: Now serving 2,500+ customers, from local trades to global giants like Amazon, and creative disruptors such as N2 Creative (set builders for Gangs of London) Indurent.

Leasing Momentum and Noteworthy Deals

Indurent has leased over 2.4 million sq ft of space across nearly 450 transactions during this period. Standout agreements include:

  • Herman Miller committing to a 110,000 sq ft build-to-suit unit at Indurent Park Chippenham.
  • AerFin, an aviation specialist, moving its headquarters into a 116,000 sq ft office and industrial facility at Indurent Park Newport—doubling its capacity. Indurent

Leadership Insight: Building a Sustainable Future

Julian Carey, CEO of Indurent, reflects on a milestone year:

“The strong momentum we’ve built in our first year as Indurent reflects the strength of our portfolio. We’ve been able to scale at pace, delivering highly sustainable space in prime locations and deploying market-leading tools like Hive to meet the needs of modern businesses.”

“There is growing recognition that logistics and industrial infrastructure form the backbone of the modern economy. Planning reform, supply constraints, and occupier demand are all creating tailwinds for growth. We’ve laid a strong foundation in year one, and we’re excited to build on it.”

DHL Opens Dublin Facility Supporting Tech and Healthcare Growth

Posted on by David Priestman

  • The new facility harnesses renewable energy and sustainable solutions, achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and LEED ‘Gold’ classification

DHL Supply Chain today announces the opening of a new multi-user facility in Dublin, as part of the €637 million investment into the UK & Ireland region. The site is optimised for customers in the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors, and delivers a range of specialist services.

These sectors are growing at pace, with a strong presence in Ireland which is host to 9 of the top 10 global software companies and 20 of the top 25 pharmaceutical companies in the world. The new Dublin-based site leverages DHL’s specialist services to directly address the unique needs of businesses in these industries.

From expert compliance support to customs clearance tools to full supply chain visibility, DHL delivers the right programmes and solutions to enable seamless operations and informed decision-making at all stages. For example, life sciences and healthcare customers at the new site benefit from the guarantee of zero time out of refrigeration for relevant products, with unloading docks sealed to vehicles. This enables temperature to be fully maintained at all times, an innovative feature which sets an industry standard.

Designed with sustainability at the fore, the building is certified as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and LEED ‘Gold’, featuring several sustainable solutions including solar panels. The fleet operating out of the Dublin facility also harnesses renewable energy with a mix of electric vehicles and biomethane trucks helping to minimise carbon emissions on the road. DHL is also delivering innovative circular solutions, enabling DHL and its customers to extend the value and lifespan of products, reducing environmental impact by returning, recovering and reusing materials wherever possible.

With over 265,000 square feet of operating space, including 60,000 square feet of mezzanine flooring and 33,000 pallet spaces, the facility is located at the Quantum Distribution Park in Kilshane. The site and its customers benefit from strong transport links, situated close to Dublin Airport, Dublin Inland Port and Dublin Port.

Patrick Corbett, Managing Director Ireland, DHL Supply Chain says, “As the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors continue to scale rapidly in Ireland, we are delighted to be opening a cutting-edge facility that caters to their needs with our specialist services. These are sectors which need flexible and resilient operations and our innovative supply chain solutions help them to maximise growth opportunities while minimising risk. The new site has been designed with longevity in mind, building in sustainable solutions across warehousing and transport.”

Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “DHL’s latest investment in Ireland marks a bold step towards the future of sustainable and high-tech logistics. By embracing innovation and sustainability, DHL is not just expanding its footprint but setting new standards for the industry. DHL’s investment in their cutting-edge Quantum facility will support our drive to build on our nation’s international competitiveness.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: ‘’DHL’s announcement further cements Ireland’s position as a leading location for global firms in the supply chain industry. This new facility demonstrates DHL’s further commitment to embedding themselves in our vibrant business community.’’

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Ofcom Proposes Major Reform of Royal Mail

Posted on by David Priestman

Ofcom has unveiled proposals to reform the UK’s Universal Service Obligation (USO), aiming to bring the postal system in line with changing consumer behaviour and ensure the long-term sustainability of Royal Mail’s operations.

With letter volumes falling dramatically and parcel demand continuing to grow, the regulator is seeking to modernise the services Royal Mail is legally required to provide, while maintaining key features that consumers still value — such as affordability and nationwide coverage.

Letter Decline Spurs Review

Over the last decade, letter volumes in the UK have halved — from around 14 billion in 2011/12 to just 7 billion in 2022/23. In contrast, parcel volumes have risen steadily, driven by e-commerce and changing business models. Ofcom’s review responds to this shift, highlighting that the current six-day-a-week letter delivery model is no longer aligned with consumer needs or usage patterns.

Proposed Changes to the USO

Among the most significant proposals is a revision to delivery frequency. Royal Mail would no longer be required to deliver Second Class letters six days per week. Instead, deliveries would be made every other weekday, while First Class mail would continue with a six-day delivery schedule. Parcel services are unaffected by the proposals.

Ofcom also recommends updating performance standards. The new model would set realistic expectations based on how consumers actually use the mail:

  • First Class delivery: target of 90% delivered next-day (down from 93%)
  • Second Class delivery: target of 95% delivered within three days (down from 98.5%)

New reliability targets:

  • 99.5% of First Class mail delivered within three days
  • 99.5% of Second Class mail delivered within five days

These changes reflect a growing preference for reliability and value over speed, according to Ofcom’s research.

Affordability and Accessibility Remain Key

While usage patterns have changed, many people still depend on the postal service — particularly in rural and remote areas. The regulator is committed to preserving elements such as uniform pricing and national coverage to ensure fair access for all.

Consumers indicated that they continue to value the availability of next-day First Class service and the ability to send items across the country at a consistent price.

What Happens Next?

The public consultation on these proposals closed in April 2025. Ofcom is now reviewing responses from stakeholders, including postal users, businesses, and consumer groups. A final decision on the updated USO is expected later this year, with implementation likely to follow shortly after.

For the logistics sector, these reforms mark a significant step in rebalancing letter and parcel operations, aligning the regulatory framework with today’s market demands and delivery expectations.

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Tesco Announces Logistics Centre at London Gateway

Posted on by David Priestman

Tesco has announced a major investment in a new distribution centre at DP World London Gateway, which it expects to open in 2029.

This investment represents Tesco’s continued commitment to ensuring its distribution network remains fit for the future – which is critical to the business’s success and to ensuring it can continue to meet the demands of its growing store network and best serve its customers.

The new distribution centre will be a modern, energy-efficient site, equipped with the latest technology to support Tesco’s growth and is expected to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable building practices.

Tesco is collaborating with Witron, an experienced logistics partner with a strong legacy of retail partnerships, to bolster its network capacity at the site.

Andrew Woolfenden, Tesco UK Distribution & Fulfilment Director, said:

“Our distribution network is vital for ensuring customers receive products at the right place, time and condition. As demand grows across our store network, we’re excited to partner with Witron and DP World to develop a distribution centre that leverages the latest technology, enhancing our supply chain and supporting our decarbonisation goals. By locating at London Gateway, we can also take full advantage of the seaport and rail infrastructure.”

Helmut Prieschenk, CEO at Witron, said:

“It’s an honour and pleasure for us to be part of this outstanding logistics initiative, which represents the introduction of more intelligent logistics production. With the latest technology and machinery, once fully operational, this represents a large-scale project for dry grocery distribution. In terms of end-to-end integration this is a lighthouse project for Witron – which ensures premium store service, an ergonomic, safe and sustainable environment and benefits the whole value chain.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said:

“DP World London Gateway is helping to make Britain’s trade flow by sea, road and rail, connecting businesses across the UK with global markets and boosting the resilience of national supply chains. The significant investment announced today by Tesco, one of the world’s leading retailers, is a proud moment for DP World and a vote of confidence in the growing role London Gateway plays in the UK economy.”

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Waitrose Sign Multi-Million-Pound Distribution Centre Deal

Posted on by David Priestman

Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth.

The 360,926 sq ft Mountpark Bristol 360 will serve as the retailer’s fifth regional distribution centre. Set to be operational by autumn 2026, the facility will enhance delivery efficiency to approximately 50 existing Waitrose stores across the south west, while also offering the capacity to support future store openings.

The facility has been rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and holds an EPC A+ certification. Its roof is equipped with 1,200 solar panels, generating 625 kVA of power, supported by 118 kW of Tesla battery storage.  Designed with sustainability and employee wellbeing in mind, Mountpark Bristol 360 includes features such as a roof terrace, landscaped gardens, and extensive ribbon glazing to maximise natural light to the warehouse marshalling areas.

Once operational, Waitrose expects the site to help it cut supply chain emissions by 2,225 tonnes of CO₂ per year, contributing to its goal of becoming fossil fuel free by 2030 and net zero carbon by 2035.

Bart Holt-Smith, Director, Capital Markets and Development for Mountpark said: “Waitrose’s selection of Bristol 360 is a strong endorsement of our ability to deliver buildings that meet the evolving needs of modern logistics from commercial performance to environmental responsibility. We’re proud to be working with a brand of Waitrose’s calibre and delighted that our shared commitment to sustainability and quality aligns so closely. We look forward to welcoming this iconic British retailer and supporting its continued success in the region.”

Strategically located with direct access to the M49, M4, M5 and key regional freight corridors, Mountpark Bristol 360 will play a central role in servicing Waitrose’s future ambitions. The retailer is working on plans to open new convenience and full-line stores throughout the UK.  Last month, it announced that a shop will be built at Brabazon in north Bristol, which is expected to open in 2027, and later this year a new convenience store will open in The Arches, Bristol.

Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s Supply Chain Director, said; “This multi-million-pound investment is an important step in modernising our supply chain and setting us up to build the capacity needed for our growth plans. It will also enable us to better serve our customers in the region, more efficiently supply our existing shops and reduce our operating costs and carbon emissions. The modern and sustainable features of Mountpark Bristol 360 make it an excellent fit for our business.”

Mountpark Bristol 360 is part of Mountpark’s expanding UK portfolio of Grade A logistics developments and is located at Central Park, Avonmouth, one of the South West’s most strategically significant distribution hubs. The forthcoming M49 Junction 1 will further enhance connectivity, providing Bristol 360 with improved access to the UK’s motorway and freight networks, and reinforcing its long-term value as a distribution base.

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Amazon to Invest £40 Billion in UK Logistics and Infrastructure

Posted on by David Priestman

Amazon has announced a major investment of £40 billion (US$54 billion) in the United Kingdom over the next three years, marking one of its largest-ever financial commitments outside the United States. The move will significantly expand Amazon’s logistics, fulfilment, cloud computing, and content production capabilities across the UK, while creating thousands of new jobs and reinforcing its strategic position in the market.

As part of the investment, Amazon plans to open four new fulfilment centres in Hull, Northampton, the East Midlands, and one additional location yet to be confirmed. The Hull and Northampton sites alone are expected to generate around 2,000 permanent jobs each. In addition, more than 100 existing logistics sites — including delivery stations and operations buildings — will be upgraded, supporting faster and more efficient distribution nationwide. New delivery stations will also be developed to strengthen last-mile delivery performance and meet growing consumer demand.

Beyond logistics, the company is also committing significant resources to technology and infrastructure. This includes an £8 billion investment in Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centres, announced last year and set to be rolled out through 2028. These facilities will support the growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data services across the UK economy. Additional spending will go toward two new corporate office buildings in London and the redevelopment of Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, supporting Amazon’s growing content production efforts.

Amazon currently employs around 75,000 people in the UK, making it one of the country’s top ten private employers. With this new investment, the company aims to create thousands of new full-time roles across logistics, tech, and cloud services. The expansion not only deepens Amazon’s operational footprint in Britain, but also supports the broader economic agenda set out by the newly elected UK government.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement as a “massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.” The investment aligns closely with the government’s newly launched Modern Industrial Strategy, which emphasises growth through private investment, innovation, green energy, and skills development.

From a logistics perspective, this development is transformative. The addition of new fulfilment centres and delivery stations will substantially enhance Amazon’s warehousing capacity, regional reach, and delivery speed. Locating facilities in areas such as Hull and Northampton enables more distributed operations and helps relieve pressure on London-based infrastructure. Meanwhile, investments in AWS and AI-driven data centres will further strengthen the integration of automation, predictive analytics, and smart logistics into Amazon’s supply chain — setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and scalability.

While the long-term benefits to the UK economy are clear, Amazon still faces regulatory scrutiny. The company is currently under review by the UK’s grocery watchdog over concerns about delayed supplier payments, indicating that its growing influence will continue to be monitored by public authorities.

For the logistics industry, Amazon’s £40 billion commitment represents a decisive shift. The scale of investment will reshape the competitive landscape, fuel demand for third-party services, and open up new opportunities in warehousing, transport, and supply chain innovation. As Amazon doubles down on UK infrastructure, the entire sector may need to raise its game — or find smart ways to complement, not compete with, a rapidly evolving logistics giant.

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UKREiiF Leeds

Posted on by David Priestman

UKREiiF connects people, places, and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformational investment.

This 3-day event is the perfect storm. Bringing together a spectacular array of key decision-makers from every area of the built environment, including the public sector, with every core UK city and region involved, alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders, and more.

UKREiiF has become the must-attend event in the industry

The sheer number of regional combined authorities, local councils, and government departments that attend UKREiiF every year – as well as the largest investors, developers, and end-users from across the UK (and internationally) – supports this statement.

Get your tickets to be amongst all the key players, influencers, and decision-makers within the investment and real estate markets who are preparing to gather in Leeds. mission statement: UKREiiF connects people, places, and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformational investment.

As the 2025 event looms closer, the organisers are excited by the sheer size and potential of what’s on offer.

This 3-day extravaganza is a perfect storm – bringing together a spectacular array of key decision-makers from every area of the built environment: the public sector – with every core UK city and region involved – alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders, and more.

Check out these numbers for 2025:

16,000+ Event Attendees
2,500+ Fringe Event Attendees
1,250+ Speakers
60+ Stages
150+ Exhibitors
150+ Fringe Events
275+ Local Authorities Attending
1,750+ Investors Attending
1,000+ Occupiers Attending
1,750+ Developers Attending

The UK needs this platform for the public sector to showcase the scale of development progress and profile future investment opportunities to investors, developers, and occupiers from around the globe that are based right here in the UK – this event does just that.

UK-EU Deal Boosts Cross Channel Freight

Posted on by Peter MacLeod

The Port of Dover has welcomed the UK-EU deal announced today, which represents a significant and positive step forward in resetting and strengthening the vital cross-Channel economic relationship. As the UK’s primary gateway for trade with the European Union – handling approximately one third of all UK-EU goods trade – Dover is uniquely placed to see the tangible benefits that reduced border frictions will bring.

“We particularly welcome commitments to simplifying trading and travel arrangements and removing barriers such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks on animal and plant products, which we hope to see implemented as quickly as possible,” said a Port spokesperson.

Short Straits

“This deal directly reflects the priorities discussed at our recent Short Straits Summit, where leaders across maritime, logistics, infrastructure, government, and business called for frictionless trade, regulatory cooperation, and a shared commitment to innovation and decarbonisation. An improvement in border processes will not only restore confidence for businesses and investors but also drive economic growth and supply chain resilience, and we are pleased to see these objectives recognised in today’s agreement.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to working with the UK Government, French Government and European Commission to implement this deal effectively and maximise shared prosperity either side of the Channel. Today’s announcement marks a fresh chapter in UK-EU collaboration, and the Port of Dover stands ready to deliver the full potential of this renewed partnership for the benefit of communities, businesses, and economies on both sides of the Channel.”

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As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.

Supply Chain Agility

Matt Gregory, Senior Vice President of Voice & Mobility at Infios, told us: “With border checks easing on UK food exports to the EU, local food growers and manufacturers will be celebrating this opportunity for smoother sales with Europe.

“To be able to meet this potential increased demand, supply chain agility will be critical, especially in the food industry. Perishable items such as meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables require strict temperature and humidity control from the moment they leave the farm to the moment they reach the consumer. This need for consistency adds a layer of complexity to logistics.

“Technology will be critical to ensure the global supply chain can adapt to these changes. Tools such as predictive analytics can help anticipate supply issues before they occur, while real-time inventory tracking allows businesses to stay ahead of shortages and avoid overstocking.

“Warehouse Management Systems can also provide retailers with a clear view of what’s in stock, where it is and when it needs replenishing, helping prevent both waste and missed sales. When integrated with Transportation Management Systems, delivery routes can be optimized, arrival schedules communicated in advance and order cycles better aligned with consumer demand.

“When factoring in temperature sensitive products, IoT-enabled monitoring systems are invaluable in tracking temperature, humidity and vehicle location in real time. This not only ensures consistent environmental conditions but also provides immediate alerts when deviations occur, allowing teams to respond before products are compromised.”

​DHL eCommerce Expands UK Network with Newcastle Facility

Posted on by David Priestman

DHL eCommerce UK has officially launched a new 55,000 square foot facility in Newcastle as part of its expansive £482 million investment program aimed at scaling its national operations and boosting regional parcel capacity. This strategic move not only enhances the company’s ability to serve the growing demand in the North East, but also underlines its commitment to sustainability and community development.

Located at Team Valley Trading Estate, one of the North East’s most prominent business parks, the site has been carefully chosen to streamline regional logistics and improve service efficiency for both individual and business customers. With the capacity to handle up to 15,000 parcels a day, the facility is designed to significantly improve the speed and reliability of parcel delivery across Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Part of a Nationwide Growth Strategy

The Newcastle hub is the latest in a string of developments under DHL eCommerce UK’s ambitious multi-year infrastructure investment plan, which also includes the recent opening of its flagship Midlands hub in Coventry. Together, these upgrades are intended to modernize DHL’s operational footprint, reduce transit times, and enhance parcel processing capacity in response to the ongoing surge in online shopping and direct-to-door deliveries.

Stuart Hill, CEO of DHL eCommerce UK, emphasized the importance of the new Newcastle site within the company’s broader strategy. “By sustainably growing our operations, we are boosting our capacity to meet the growing demands of customers, enhancing the working environment for our valued team members, and upholding our commitment to provide excellent service for customers, both locally and internationally,” Hill said in a public statement.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Reflecting DHL’s global Go Green strategy—which targets net-zero emissions by 2050—the Newcastle site integrates a range of environmentally friendly features. The building includes energy-efficient heating and lighting systems controlled by smart sensors, ensuring that energy usage is optimized throughout the day. Additionally, the site has been fitted with 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, supporting DHL’s shift toward a greener delivery fleet and promoting sustainable commuting options for employees.

This eco-conscious approach is a consistent theme across DHL’s recent developments. The company is also investing heavily in electric delivery vans and digital route optimization software, all aimed at reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a more sustainable logistics industry.

Boost to Local Economy and Jobs

In addition to its logistical and environmental benefits, the new facility offers a major boost to the local economy. The site has retained the workforce from DHL’s previous local site, minimizing disruption and job losses during the transition. Furthermore, as the facility scales up, DHL anticipates creating new employment opportunities for the surrounding community, particularly in warehouse operations, vehicle maintenance, and last-mile delivery roles.

Staff at the new site will also benefit from upgraded facilities, including improved break-out areas and employee amenities designed to support wellbeing and foster a more collaborative workplace culture.

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Show-Stopping Trailers Unveiled by Transport Company

Posted on by David Priestman

Two specially modified and uniquely liveried Schmitz Cargobull S.KO COOL box-body semi-trailers have been unveiled to join family-owned business C&M Transport’s fast-growing fleet in Wrexham. C&M Transport, a temperature-controlled specialist, places huge value in the presentation of its vehicles and uniformed drivers. On that basis, it decided to put Schmitz Cargobull’s ability to customise trailers to the test to give its latest purchases added character.

The result was two S.KO COOL trailers featuring a wealth of after-market additions via Truck Center Vreden, a Schmitz Cargobull Service Partner.

Jonno Williams, Operations Manager at C&M Transport, says: “Having something that stands out from the crowd is important to us. So, when we learnt that Schmitz Cargobull offers a customisation service, we knew we had to try it. The trailers were delivered quickly and look great, so we’re really pleased we did.”

The mono-temp reefers, which are equipped with Carrier Transicold refrigeration units, feature extra strip lights along the rear, side and top of the trailers, as well as upgraded rear-light clusters, stainless steel wheel arches, illuminated stainless steel fuel guards, and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloys to add a smart, personal touch.

The trailers also feature bespoke wraps after the business ran a competition inviting local schools to supply designs showcasing Wrexham to demonstrate that there’s more to the city than a football club owned by two Hollywood film stars.

The winning designs by Holly Jones, from Ysgol Bryn Alyn; and Juliette Devereux, from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, were transformed into full-length wraps by ASAP Signs on the first trailer. They highlight the UNESCO-recognised Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Gresford Colliery memorial, respectively. The work of local artist Mikey Jones, showing the Wrexham skyline, features on the second trailer.

Underneath the unique designs, Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FERROPLAST technology combines the increased insulation of a polyurethane hard foam with a durable and resistant covering of multiple layers of coated metal. The result is a self-supporting product without any thermal bridges that may affect cooling performance. If any damage does occur, the panels can be easily repaired rather than the trailer side requiring whole body repair.

Each trailer will be covering 2,000 plus miles a week over the breadth of the UK and Continental Europe, something their strong galvanised MODULUS bolted chassis are ideally suited to handle. Each chassis comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all galvanised parts, too.

“I can’t fault the build quality, it’s excellent. The interior width of the trailers has also been a big hit with our drivers. Most of what we move is palletised but some goods – such as ice cream and fresh cut flowers on Danish flower dollies – extend beyond the pallets. That’s normally a headache but it’s no longer a problem with these new reefers,” adds Williams.

The deal was facilitated by Geoff Ward, Regional Manager for the North West, Wales and the West Midlands at Schmitz Cargobull UK & Ireland.

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