The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT(UK)) hosted its 2025 Annual Conference and Awards at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire on 25 September.
This year's theme, 'Chain Reaction', provided the backdrop for a day of knowledge sharing, networking, collaboration and celebration of the logistics, transport and supply chain profession. The theme proved particularly fitting in capturing the breadth of conversations and insights exchanged throughout the day.
Helen Hardy, Interim CEO of CILT(UK), opened the conference with a warm welcome, followed by event host Hannah Kasongo, CILT(UK) Next Generation Chair.
Delegates explored a wide range of topics, from AI and automation to sustainability and decarbonisation, as well as the sector's role in defence logistics and the future skills and opportunities shaping the industry.
We welcomed speakers from organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Unipart, DHL, the NHS, Stagecoach, Varamis rail, SKY, the Ministry of Defence and more.
The morning session featured Carl Williams, Managing Director of Unipart's Asia Pacific region, who highlighted how the politics surrounding tariffs has heightened the profile of the sector, underlining the pivotal role supply chains play in the global economy.
The conference also explored the vital contribution of supply chain and logistics in defence. Chartered Fellow Vice Admiral Andy Kyte CB offered valuable insights into the challenges, preparation and strategic planning required to build supply chain resilience.
Adding to this theme, Tam Tahir, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain at Rolls-Royce, discussed the company's role as the UK's sole provider of defence nuclear propulsion capability, powering submarines and their goal shaping the modern world.
Throughout the day, speakers emphasised the critical importance of collaboration and data sharing in streamlining logistics and supply chains to ensure resilience across the sector.
A panel session on shaping the future with Amanda Barnes, VP of Talent Management at DHL Supply Chain, Barbera Begg, Head of Central Commercial Function at the NHS, and Phil Roe FCILT, President of Logistics UK, examined how the industry can attract new talent.
They discussed the importance of Generation Logistics in educating future talent and raising awareness of opportunities within the industry. The panel highlighted the need to focus on upskilling the existing workforce whilst nurturing early careers.
The importance of a sustainable future was also highlighted, bringing to light the increasing adoption of HVO fuel across the sector.
Delegates heard that whilst electrification of passenger transport such as cars, vans and buses is leading the way, investing in the electrification of trucks remains considerably more expensive and is a challenge the freight sector is facing.
Overall, the day demonstrated the dynamic nature of the logistics, transport and supply chain industry and the sector's commitment to innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth.
