With an increased demand for last mile delivery across a range of sectors, the second LAST MILE Conference had an outstanding turnout and social media reach as it discussed the key opportunities and challenges for the sector in 2022.

The London and South East Manufacturing, Industrial and Logistics Conference – LAST MILE – took place, in association with Bridge Industrial, Glencar Construction and GLi, in October at London’s Postal Museum.

The one-day event brought together over 200 local and planning authorities, investors, developers, consultants, agents and tenants to discuss the sector’s challenges and future opportunities.

The conference concept was developed as part of White Label’s growing real estate conference programme and involved each of White Label’s creative teams including events, communications and marketing, design and website, as well as our regeneration experts.

Speakers and delegates looked at the key topics of interest to the sector including skills, how industrial and logistics schemes can co-exist with residential, the opportunities multi-level industrial could bring, predictions for the sector’s continued growth, the impact of infrastructure as the sector grows, and the sector’s sustainability strengths, all within the London and South East markets.
Some of the key takeaways from panel discussions included:

• Inflation is impacting material and warehousing costs. There are still issues with supply chains following on from COVID-19 but growth continues.
• Work is underway to demystify the sector, for example, challenging the perception that it is all about warehouses and lorries, to appeal to a wider and more diverse talent pool.
• Competition exists between industry and residential over land use, both should work together and create integrated spaces.
• There is a need for responsible intensification, with collaboration, innovation and good spatial planning all key.
• Reliance on HGVs should be lessened, and perhaps replaced with e-bikes, as large vehicles present barriers to growth in London’s low-emission zones.

White Label’s Head of Communications, Natasha Cobley, said: “The logistics sector is fundamental to business and personal lifestyles. It has experienced phenomenal growth since COVID-19 and we were pleased to be able to have created this new platform to bring these discussions to the table under one roof and support the direction of the sector’s growth.”

The conference will return in autumn 2023. Visit the website for updates.

For more information on how White Label can support your conference programme, please contact bstephensmith@wlcreative.org.uk