The outlook for 2025 is challenging for any business involved in the retail fulfilment process – from online retailers to logistics providers. The changes to National Insurance and the National Living Wage made in the November 2024 budget has had serious financial ramifications for companies already operating on wafer-thin margins. Furthermore, consumer demand has also stalled, with the UK braced for weak consumer spending throughout the next 12 months as public confidence falls.

So how will the industry react? Where can retailers look to improve fortunes throughout 2025? Is it possible to cut costs without compromising the high level of experience customers now demand? Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes explores.

Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, introduced in October 2024, outlines significant changes to employment law that will affect how businesses engage with self-employed subcontractors. These changes aim to create a fairer balance between employers and workers while addressing gaps in the current system.

A leading manufacturer and distributor of aerosols was referred to Samson Pallet Stability by colleagues at Clingfoil, who spotted an opportunity to help them improve their pallet wrapping process and test the stability of their heavy and valuable shipments

Pallet stability and safety are crucial to manufacturers like Leader, who not only want their goods to reach their destination in perfect condition, but also need to keep their warehouse teams, logistics operations and the wider public, safe from displaced loads.  

A collection of customer case studies

Fatal injuries in transportation and storage are twice as high as the average across sectors while non-fatal injuries are also statistically significantly higher. Companies in the logistics sector need to address these risks not only due to their duty of care towards providing a safe working environment but also to avoid potentially expensive lawsuits.

The demand for transport logistics is increasing, but are your returns also increasing?  A route planning software helps to save on fuel and personnel costs, and to use vehicles and drivers more efficiently.

The demand for transport logistics is increasing, but are your returns also increasing?  A route planning software helps to save on fuel and personnel costs, and to use vehicles and drivers more efficiently.