< Previous40 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk LOGISTICS A s a major contributor to carbon emissions, it comes as no surprise that the topic of sustainability is only increasing in importance in the logistics sector. With the climate crisis in urgent need of being addressed, pressures from customers, investors, and the government to decarbonise logistics, and the industry’s potential impact on the carbon footprint of businesses as their supply chain connecter, numerous initiatives are being proposed to help logistics reach green targets. Chief amongst these is the switch to more sustainable transport methods, with it becoming ever clearer that we must stop depending on fossil fuels in order to reach Net Zero. A key area of focus is on decarbonising Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), which account for 20% of total transport emissions, despite just making up a small percent of all vehicles on the road. Low or zero emission vehicles are being slowly transitioned to, with the UK Europe’s second largest zero emission truck market by volume. Electric vehicles (EVs) are perhaps the most commonly discussed alternative amidst conversations over upcoming sale bans, as all new HGVs sold are to be fully zero emission at the exhaust by 2040. Offering lower emissions next to current diesel reliance, electric trucks are already in play in logistics, although this is primarily in last mile logistics, where they can be seen amongst urban traffic. While they suit this use well, range remains a principal barrier to utilising electric trucks for HGVs on longer trips across the country or to others. While advancements are being With demand for greener logistics high, HGVs have become a focal point for facilitating change. Gearing up for greener transport Gearing up for greener transport www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 41 LOGISTICS made in battery technology, gradually extending how far EVs can travel, the current problem is compounded by a lack of charging infrastructure. Already a point of contention in the purchase of electric cars for the public, finding a charger is even more difficult when considering trucks traveling long distances, with charging stations scarce and non-existent in many areas, and high speed charging capacity limited, adding to journey times — something unacceptable in the age of next day and same day delivery. Charging infrastructure must be improved for the viability of EVs, to help overcome limited range and build confidence to invest. Positively, a series of projects are hoping to assist this including Project Electric Freightway, led by GRIDSERVE — a £100 million+ consortium to lay the foundations for one of the biggest and most advanced charging networks designed specifically for electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs). Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, work began on public eHGV charging stations in 2024 at Able Humber Port (AHP). The charging hub will drive the decarbonisation of future transport and logistics across AHP, and the South Humber ports. Developer Milence – a Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Traton Group (formally Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG – including Man & Scania) joint venture company, is behind the project. Last year also saw Shell launch its first public electric vehicle charging station for trucks at Markham Moor Truck Stop 42 Á42 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk LOGISTICSwww.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 43 LOGISTICS Some view biofuels as a bridge to the future when electric and hydrogen technologies are more mature. Hydrogen power is making a name for itself with its potential for zero emissions, high energy density allowing extended driving range, and fast refuelling times, becoming an attractive diesel alternative. Major companies from Hyundai to Toyota are recognising the possibilities of hydrogen and have invested in developing hydrogen-powered HGVs. High greenhouse gas savings for renewable hydrogen are achieved by hydrogen only emitting water when used in a fuel cell, and when produced via electrolysis using renewable energy its green credentials go un-compromised. This fuel does come with its own disadvantages, however, being challenging to store and transport, and having limited refuelling infrastructure. As with EVs, a number of projects are helping progress hydrogen into the logistics industry, such as Project ICEBreaker, delivered by a consortium of British engineering companies, which last year unveiled a fully configured hydrogen fuel cell HGV truck. Importantly, ICEBreaker provides a pathway for all categories of goods vehicles from light vans to HGVs to make the transition to zero emissions with solutions that retrofit or integrate with existing vehicle form factors, enabling manufacturers to avoid significant design costs associated with transitioning to a new fuel. Whichever they choose, as businesses prepare to switch to new, sustainable, fuels there are further ways of boosting the environmental performance of HGVs, including in route planning, to enhance transport routes and reduce fuel consumption. Artificial intelligence (AI) is improving route planning by enabling data- driven optimisation, with AI algorithms analysing traffic patterns, weather conditions, and resources amongst other factors so logistics companies can identify the quickest, most efficient routes and modes of transportation, cutting costs and carbon emissions. AI can also work quickly with real time information, and changing conditions, facilitating dynamic routing and flexibility. This helps overcome otherwise unpredictable delays and missed ETAs and prevent drivers taking inefficient routes, wasting time, fuel, and labour. in Nottinghamshire. Moreover, further south, bp pulse, bp’s electric vehicle charging brand, acquired the freehold of one of the largest truck stops in Europe, Ashford International Truckstop in Kent (close to Dover, the UK’s busiest ferry port, and LeShuttle Freight via the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone), as part of its drive to support HGV fleets as they electrify. The site has the capacity to host approximately 20 mega-watt chargers (MCS), 10 400kW and 125 100kW chargers. The first mega-watt chargers, with the ability to fully charge an HGV in up to 45 minutes, are expected to be in place from 2026. The high price of purchasing electric trucks is an additional barrier to their use, however it is worth noting that over time this cost is expected to reduce, with battery costs to continue falling against rising taxes concerning carbon and growing diesel prices. EVs are also praised for lower maintenance costs associated with electric motors (meaning more time on the road instead of in repair), being cheaper to charge than refuel with diesel, and avoidance of low emission zone charges, potentially turning the tide on their attractiveness moving forwards. Data from Statista indicates the UK’s electric truck market is to see 70% growth by 2026, with over 2,100 battery-powered vehicles anticipated to be on the nation’s roads by then. While EVs may be in the spotlight, there are a number of alternative fuels offering a greener option to fossil fuels. Biofuels are being employed; a series of fuels that act near identically to conventional fossil fuels. Though they are still carbon-based, these fuels are produced from biomass, a renewable organic material from plants and animals. It is the production of biofuels that results in their reduced emissions, and when sources such as food waste are utilised, these fuels also help recycle waste. One of these fuels, hydrotreated vegetable oil or HVO, has been shown to cut carbon emissions by approximately 80% compared with regular diesel and be suitable for use without switching to new engine technology and overhauling fuelling infrastructure as a “drop- in” alternative, allowing immediate carbon savings. There is, however, concern over limited availability and price increases due to the supply-demand dynamics of the market. 44 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk NEW YEAR, NEW SUPPLIER Loyalty is its own reward, or so the saying goes, but 2024 has been a difficult year with the state of the economy and the geopolitical strife, and local businesses are having to cut costs wherever they can. Sometimes it’s best to shop around when it comes to suppliers. Q uite often, it’s the suppliers who take the brunt of cost- cutting measures – and it may be with good reason. It’s difficult to overhaul a line without adding more work, whereas switching one supplier out for another can be much easier, assuming the new supplier is good enough that they don’t run into instant problems. Furthermore, new suppliers are often prepared to offer better deals to secure a new client. Loyalty may be its own reward, but it often feels like existing suppliers grow complacent with your business and don’t reward your loyalty to them with much else. For the most part, it’s all about stability. The years past have been choppy to say the least and it’s easy to see why businesses might appreciate a less complicated relationship with suppliers. For many, there are also good relations with suppliers to consider, perhaps friendships or times where their directors have wined and dined you. Keep in mind that this is intentional, however. Most businesses do it. Key customers are worth taking the time to ingratiate yourself with, and it’s ultimately nothing more than a means of building loyalty. A business owner or manager should never feel beholden or indebted to a supplier because their service has already been repaid. However, there is risk in bringing in a new and untested supplier, which is why it’s so important to do your research and ensure they will be a good fit for a Is loyalty enough? Is loyalty enough? www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 45 NEW YEAR, NEW SUPPLIER company. While there’s less risk of intentional fraud and scams with big international companies, accidental hiccups early in a new relationship can be just as devastating, and there are so many big names in the industry – whether it’s an accountant, employment law specialist or new logistics partner. Picking out the right business for the job can be tricky. And there’s always the question of whether a supplier being replaced would really make the job any cheaper. That’s why before replacing them at all it’s a good idea to quantify their performance, and the first few months of the year are the best time to take a look at this. Ask your managers who deal directly with the suppliers what their experiences have been, how helpful the suppliers have been and whether there were any issues. It can sometimes be a surprise to discover just how difficult things have been; or that staff have had numerous problems with suppliers but have simply dealt with it on their own and not felt the need to inform upper management. To them, it may feel like it is their job to work around the issues, when in reality this could be taking valuable employee time away from more profitable work. It’s universally considered a good thing when operational managers can show this kind of initiative, but it can also disguise problems that could be dealt with, so open channels of communication and make sure everyone is aware they can, and should, raise issues. It may well be that a business already has the best suppliers it can have, that nothing is discovered and that the suppliers have been both attentive and capable. Discovering such is not a waste of time or effort, however. Efficiency in any aspect of business can only be attained if manufacturing lines are quantified, if employee retention is monitored, and if sales teams work to targets. In business, everything should be quantified and measured at all times. How else will managers know what can be improved? Don’t take the attitude that the same does not apply to suppliers. They are a key part of your business focus, and their performance must be measured. If they’re not good enough, it may well be time to look for new service providers. 46 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk CORPORATE HOSPITALITY C onferences are a great way to draw attention to a company, and such events have been held for many years by business owners and managers, particularly by businesses with high levels of expert knowledge – such as legal or financial practitioners. The general principle is that by holding an event or seminar, the host is able to impart their knowledge and expertise to an audience of prospective customers. This not only gives the speaker a chance to impress the audience, but also draw attention to further savings the host’s company can help the client achieve - thus securing customers. With a huge number of beautiful and specialised conferencing venues across our region, it should come as little surprise that the conferencing industry is a booming one – and yet, there are still many companies who have never considered the benefits for themselves. For many, this is not an issue of oversight or being unaware of the benefits, but more an issue of confidence – or the reluctance to publically speak in front of a large audience. This is neither something to be ashamed of, nor something to hold a company back however. Very few people are born with the confidence necessary to stand up and orate – and in many cases this is a skill learned through trial and error, or practice. Here however, are some of the key things that really help a speech stand out. Memorise it by heart While there’s no denying that cue cards and scripts are valuable for those unfamiliar with public speaking and should be used to help jog the memory (there’s nothing worse than seeing a speaker fumbling over what they are saying or forgetting entirely), confidence is always going to be a major factor in what sells a company, and a speaker should exude confidence – even if they don’t feel it. Learning the entire speech off-by-heart, and practicing it in the mirror or to family, will help a speaker feel more confident in what they are saying. It can also help the speech become Speaking on the big stage If you’re thinking about presenting at a conference in 2025, here are some big tips from someone who has had to do it for the last few years. Speaking on the big stage www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 47 CORPORATE HOSPITALITY little more than routine, so that even on a stage a speaker is able to switch off and imagine they are simply talking to the mirror. Test the room There’s nothing worse than going to an event and realising that you’ve been unfortunately placed and can’t actually hear a word of what the main speaker is saying. Most conferencing venues will have good acoustics, but that doesn’t excuse speakers failing to project their voices properly. Remember that even if answering a question from the audience, or speaking in general, it is best to project your voice towards the centre of the room rather than turn to answer a person in a far corner. Beyond that though, it’s often useful to visit the venue in advance and have a colleague stand at the back of the room, so you’re able to see how loud you must be to be heard. Don’t rely on technology It can be easy to look at all the latest technology available, and while it can be tempting to rely on power point presentations or videos to handle some of the work – it’s not always the best idea. Ultimately it is people who sell products or services, and the ultimate goal of a conference or seminar is to get more customers. The audience wishes to know that the individual, the very person whose services they might be paying for, is a skilled and knowledgeable expert that they can rely on. Relying too heavily on technology also opens one up to problems when things go wrong – as they inevitably might. Seeing people fiddling around with projectors or laptops does little to inspire confidence. Another thing to keep in mind however will be the microphone you might be expected to use when speaking. It’s not unusual for people unused to using them to hold them close to their mouths to try and increase the volume, but this will make your plosives – the shape your mouth makes for various sounds like `p` and `b` - become distorted or pop. Make sure to perform a quick sound check before the event, to figure out how far you need to keep the microphone from your mouth. Take it slow and steady Most people aren’t aware of just how quickly they speak in casual conversation. It is easier to keep up with someone when they are talking about something that happened in their day, but orating on complicated business matters might require more concentration from the audience. One way around this can be to record yourself speaking, and then play it back. Try to moderate how fast you speak, and see what cadence is easier to understand. Stick to what you know Ultimately the entire speech should be on a topic you are familiar with, to attempt otherwise will invite disaster if the audience asks any difficult questions. Keep in mind that the goal for the event is to get more customers for your services, and yours alone. If you keep on track with what you know, and what advice you would give to a client across the table – then the seminar will be stronger, and you’re much more likely to get good results. Beyond that, you will sound much more confident and are more likely to enjoy the event, experience good results – and want to come back and do it again next time. 48 East Midlands Business Link www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk RENEWABLES Forward thinking It’s time to stop dragging our feet and start looking toward renewable energy. www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk East Midlands Business Link 49 RENEWABLES S torms, floods, and now the possibility of mosquitoes becoming indigenous to the UK. The effects of climate change are obvious and pronounced, and it’s time for it to stop being used to win political points between warring sides. Currently the Earth is already approximately 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 19th century, and as emissions continue to increase and to ensure global warming rises no more than 1.5°C – emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. The UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy set out to halve UK emissions and eliminate them by 2050, this hopefully being an affordable, achievable plan that will bring jobs, investment and wider benefits to the UK and to the region. However, the measures are seen as controversial by some and the environment has become an ”ideological battleground” between the left and right of political parties. Three of the main measures involved new buildings being oriented to minimize HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) loads; shades and overhangs being used to reduce direct sunrays and energy efficiency measures through EPC regulations and using renewable energy measures - all being implemented. Renewable energy is energy that’s derived from natural sources that replenish at a rate more than it is used. Fossil fuels – non- renewable resources – are already positioned in our region, and to balance them and open further options for investment in the region’s renewable energy opportunities will be good for the region, and ultimately the world. 50 ÁNext >