With many school leavers fresh on the jobs market, the cross-border e-commerce and logistics company has announced that it will increase its number of apprentices to ten in the UK by 2030.

Despite investing in comprehensive AI and technical upskilling for existing talent, the recruitment drive for those starting out demonstrates the company’s commitment to the creative problem solving that it is famed for across the world.

Hiring New Talent

With recent Manpower figures showing that 76% of UK employers seeking talent in transport, logistics and automotive are facing skills shortages, Spring GDS, which has high employee satisfaction ratings across Europe is seeking to train and develop its own.

Kelly van der Weg, Managing Director of Spring Global Delivery Solutions UK said: “In these unusual times, the UK has the potential to become a still more important hub for international e-commerce providers seeking routes into Europe and the USA. Yet, behind every delivery there needs to be a team empowered by a culture of innovation, agility, and customer obsession.

“Rather than being held back by skills shortages, our ambition remains to attract, train and retain the best talent in logistics in the UK across the world. That means we need to engage talent at an early stage in their career, investing in international talent programmes, sharing knowledge and creating interconnectivity across markets. Empowering staff with technology but also listening to their new perspectives and creative solutions to help us make a difference on a global scale.”

The company has already reinforced its sales, marketing and business development with three new hires in recent months and three additional vacancies across its operations to fill.

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As the industry battles with high turnover and an ageing workforce, the physical demands placed on employees are drawing increased scrutiny. The latest government data shows nearly 40% of UK logistics businesses are struggling to fill vacancies. While automation garners attention, many warehouses still rely heavily on manual processes – and it’s here that equipment upgrades can have the most immediate impact.

“Better conditions start with better equipment,” says Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK. “If you’re asking someone to lift, push, and transport heavy loads all day, you have a duty to ensure they’re using tools that minimise strain and reduce injury risk. It’s a matter respect, efficiency, and staff wellbeing.”

The company has seen growing demand for ergonomically designed pallet trucks and scissor lift tables that reduce physical stress on workers. These pallets not only help to avoid workplace injuries – a leading cause of absence in logistics – but can also serve as a valuable retention tool.

According to the British Safety Council, musculoskeletal injuries remain one of the most common reasons for long-term sickness among warehouse staff. Providing safer, easier-to-use handling solutions shows a tangible investment in the workforce – which can make all the difference in an industry where margins are tight, and staff loyalty is often hard-won.

“As competition for labour intensifies, we’re finding that companies who invest in the wellbeing of their warehouse teams see better morale, fewer injuries, and greater staff retention,” adds Chesworth. “It’s becoming a competitive necessity, particularly for businesses that cannot afford to compete with industry giants when it comes to pay.”

For businesses looking to future-proof their workforce, investing in the right manual handling equipment could just be the smartest move they make in 2025.

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How is the maritime sector navigating the twin pressures of decarbonisation and digitalisation? What role do regulation, education, and innovation play in steering global shipping toward a greener future?

In this edition of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter MacLeod, editor of Logistics Business Magazine, welcomes Anna Kaparaki – senior solicitor, DBA researcher in maritime decarbonisation, and Course Director for the MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations at Liverpool John Moores University.
Together, they explore the seismic shift taking place across the maritime industry as it races to meet net-zero targets, comply with evolving international regulations, and embrace the circular economy.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and digital twins are enabling greener, more efficient maritime operations
• The growing complexity of global and regional sustainability regulations — from IMO frameworks to the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime
• Why education and training are critical to preparing the next generation of maritime professionals
• Real-world decarbonisation case studies, from wind-assisted propulsion to methanol-fueled container ships
• Strategies for implementing circular economy principles and sustainable ship recycling
• The impact of international maritime law and insurance on green compliance
• Career opportunities in ESG compliance, green finance, and maritime sustainability management
• The role of ports, intermodal systems, and digital platforms in building more resilient, lower-carbon supply chains

As Anna says, “Technology alone won’t solve these challenges. We need professionals who can integrate technical, legal and commercial knowledge to lead maritime’s sustainable transition.”
Whether you’re a maritime professional, policy expert, student, or logistics leader, this conversation offers practical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the shipping industry’s net-zero journey.

Listen now: Logistics Business Conversations – The Logistics Podcast

This episode is in partnership with Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and Liverpool John Moores University

The post Podcast: Sailing Towards Net Zero – Maritime Operations appeared first on Logistics Business.

Hugo Beck, a manufacturer of horizontal packaging machines, has announced the appointment of Simon Beck and Jonas Beck as Managing Directors. As grandsons of company founder Hugo Beck, they represent the continued leadership of the family business in its third generation.

New MD for Van and Truck Hire

The post Family Leadership Passes to Third Generation at Hugo Beck appeared first on Logistics Business.

With over a decade of experience in the automotive and mobility sector, Gabler brings a deep understanding of both B2B sales and commercial vehicle rental. She has relocated from Germany to Scotland to take on the new role and spearhead the next phase of growth for SIXT van & truck in the UK.

Dr. Peter Beermann, Executive Vice President SIXT van & truck commented: “Yvonne has a deep understanding of our business and a proven track record of driving growth through innovation and leadership. Her appointment marks an exciting step forward for SIXT van & truck in the UK. I’m confident she will lead the team to even greater success, and I’m personally happy to see such a strong female leader from within our own ranks take on this important role.”

Gabler began her career at SIXT Leasing in 2012 and has since progressed through a series of strategic leadership roles. In 2018, she transitioned from “SIXT Leasing” to “SIXT rent a car” division, leading the Special Sales Department, overseeing diverse B2B segments including luxury, movie production, van & truck, and replacement sales.

Her outstanding performance led to further promotion and most recently, in January 2023, Gabler took on a pivotal role focusing on van & truck B2B sales, helping to build and strengthen the international van and truck B2B sales organisation, leading teams dedicated to telesales, area sales, and key account management across the globe.

Now, in her new role, Gabler’s strategic focus will be on scaling the business, increasing brand awareness across the UK, and positioning SIXT van & truck as a bold and innovative force in the commercial vehicle rental sector.

“SIXT is already the most innovative player in the mobility market when considering hiring a car,” said Gabler. “We want to achieve the same level of brand recognition in the UK when hiring commercial vehicles. The goal is to grow and scale the business and to become a very competitive player in the commercial vehicle market.”

She added: “I am super delighted about having the chance to extend my responsibilities and to grow the already existing business with the experienced and highly motivated van & truck team here in the UK. The whole team has the ambition to grow and is ready to prove that SIXT has built a strong product and a compelling business proposition for the UK market.”

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Following its identification of ‘cargoes of concern’, the Cargo Integrity Group (the Group) now focuses on the issues that may commonly compromise safety by initiating or proliferating fire under certain conditions.

It is recognized that many of the cargoes in this category, labelled ‘reactive hazards’ already fall within the scope of Dangerous Goods regulations. These regulations start from the premise that the transport of Dangerous Goods is prohibited – except in accordance with the details of the regulations.

However, incidents still occur too frequently; as the judge in one casualty litigation explained, disasters are only infrequent due to a “lack of a similar perfect storm of events, and simple good fortune”. All that is required is an alignment of mistakes, oversights, or failed controls. The Group is at pains to explain the dangers associated with these cargoes and emphasize strongly that only reliance on robust diligence or precise emergency response prevents many minor incidents becoming major casualties.

Furthermore, the Group is generating greater awareness overall and urges attention to the need for stringent compliance with mandatory regulations, such as the IMDG Code, and adoption of industry good practices, such as found in the CTU Code.

Such cargoes with reactive hazards include:

Calcium Hypochlorite, a powerful oxidiser, prone to rapid decomposition. In low concentrations, the chlorine content is used as a water cleanser and disinfectant, such as household bleach and swimming pool maintenance. Decomposition – taking place constantly at a very slow rate – is accelerated by higher temperatures and by contamination. The latter can be unpredictable since it necessitates rigorous controls over the raw materials used and the entire manufacturing process.

Charcoal concerns include among others charcoal that is intended for burning on barbecues, shisha pipes etc – sometimes having been treated with accelerants to assist ignition. There has been lengthy debate at IMO to fashion a revised safety framework for transport by sea, that will become mandatory from January 2026. This will remove an unreliable test regime and require that charcoal is always declared as a DG.

Cotton and Wool, Fishmeal and Krill and Seed cake are perhaps less in the public eye, but also prone to self-heating and fire, where integrity and care are required both to ensure compliance and maintain safety during transport.

Lithium ion battery hazards are becoming known, but many are emergent, not least as science advances global energy transition. Many incidents to date have involved new batteries; the hazards will only multiply with age and deteriorating condition. While this will challenge the recycling industry, the reality is that all these products, whether new, used, in use, damaged or end of life, will impact the transport and storage industries for decades to come.

The Group calls for continued and thorough research into all the hazards presented by lithium ion batteries and dependent devices. Apart from fire, incidents have revealed risks from toxic gases and vapour cloud explosions that can be critical in transport and storage.

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Launched in 2015, the OEM Engineering Traineeship was born from a shared vision to tackle the skills gap in engineering and manufacturing with an industry-led approach. Today, with over 150 trainees having passed through its doors to achieve a QQI level 5 qualification, and with job placement rates above 80%, the programme stands as a model for how industry and education can collaborate to mutual benefit.

Combilift, a global supplier of materials handling solutions, has been central to this success. As the primary industry partner, Combilift has not only provided cutting-edge workplace experience but also ensured the course content remains aligned with real-world demands. “We wanted to create more than just a training programme — we wanted to build a pathway into meaningful careers,” said Combilift Managing Director, Martin McVicar. “This traineeship has delivered exactly that, time and time again.”

The nine-month programme blends 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Monaghan Institute with 12 weeks of hands-on work experience in Combilift. Over the years, the course content has evolved to reflect changes in the manufacturing landscape, now including modules in Hydraulics, Lean Manufacturing, and, more recently, Mathematics to prepare students for greater work or educational opportunities.

CMETB has played a vital role in coordinating and delivering the educational aspect of the programme. Their ongoing commitment to adapting the curriculum, securing government funding, and expanding the scheme to include other regional employers from 2025 reflects their strategic approach to workforce development. “It’s about staying ahead of the curve,” said Sinead McKenna of CMETB. “We’ve created a flexible, forward-looking course that equips learners with in-demand skills and supports local industry at the same time.”

One of the most compelling aspects of the programme is its accessibility. Fully funded through government and EU support, it removes financial barriers for participants and trainees are offered a weekly bursary during practical placements within Combilift. Trainees also benefit from additional qualifications, including City & Guilds module in Hydraulics and a Lean Six Sigma White Belt.

The 10-year milestone was marked not only by reflection but by ambition for the future. Attendees at the celebration event heard first-hand from past graduates who have gone on to build thriving careers — many still with Combilift, some even progressing to degree-level study or engineering apprenticeships. Watch a clip here.

With enrolment now open for the September 2025 intake, both Combilift and CMETB are doubling down on their commitment to the next generation. As McVicar put it, “The demand for talent in this sector is only growing, and we’re proud to continue building that talent right here in Monaghan.”

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Across the UK, HGV drivers work up to 56 hours a week, even over the summer. During this time, they are more likely to face challenges from both their vehicles and health-related issues, like dehydration and fatigue, due to extreme temperatures. To help HGV drivers stay safe on the road this summer season, Matthew Briggs, CEO at Right Fuel Card, has offered his expert insight into how they can navigate the roads and protect themselves during summer. Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy also offered expert insight into the health risks that HGV drivers face during the warmer months, and how they can be prevented.

Vehicle Risks: Traffic-related accidents:

“Summertime is the busiest period for UK roads, with an estimated 27 million leisure trips expected throughout the peak of summer. Consequently, the increased number of cars on the roads means an increased number of accidents, with a 59% increase in speed-related deaths and serious injuries on the UK’s motorways and major A roads during summer,” says Briggs. “While it is important to practice safe driving all year round, it’s important for HGV drivers to have an increased sense of awareness, particularly when drivers on the road are not used to travelling long distances.” The key things to remember while driving during heavy traffic are as follows:

• Avoid tailgating, particularly on long stretches of road.
• Be conscious of blind spots, particularly for inexperienced drivers trying to cut in.
• Try to be predictable for other drivers on the road and avoid sudden changes in speed or lane position.

The ‘Urban Heat Island’

“The ‘Urban Heat Island (UHI) is when cities and urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural counterparts, especially at night. It is a well-documented phenomenon caused by how cities are built and how they function,” says Briggs. “A variety of factors contribute to this, including skyscrapers and narrow streets, which can block wind and trap heat, a lack of trees and plants, as well as roads and pavements which absorb sunlight during the day. These factors lead to a temperature increase of between 3°C and 6°C during the day.

“HGV drivers are particularly affected by this, as long stops in traffic or dense city centres can lead to the cab’s temperature increasing rapidly, especially if the A/C is not effective or fails. To avoid getting caught out by this, try plan your route to avoid built-up areas or city centres. Sometimes this can be impossible depending on your destination, if so, try to take your break when you are out of the suburban area and try to pull over somewhere more rural.”

Mechanical Failures

“HGVs are among the largest vehicles on the road, and as a result, they have many points of failure,” he adds. “The most common mechanical issue drivers can expect during summer is the engine overheating. HGV engines already work hard, and a long period of high temperatures can push the cooling system over the edge. Additionally, if the coolant levels are low or the radiator is clogged, they may begin to steam from the bonnet mid-route. To avoid this, regularly check the coolant levels, fan belts and radiator.”

“Tyres can suffer during the summer, they wear faster, since hot asphalt and long trips increase friction, especially if roads are poorly maintained. A more extreme issue caused by the heat is tire blowouts. This occurs when heat causes the tyres to expand, which is particularly dangerous if they are over-inflated. An easy way to prevent this is to check your tyres at the beginning of each shift. This might sound pedantic, but vehicles are much more susceptible to issues in the summer.”

Health risks during the summer

Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy offered her expert insight into the increased health risks that HGV drivers face during the summer months.

Heat-related fatigue and dehydration

“Fatigue and dehydration are two of the greatest dangers for any driver. They often occur together, and either one or both can kill. 68% of road accidents are due to driver error, which can be caused by dehydration and fatigue,” she says. “Although many drivers may not realise it, dehydration is a cause of fatigue. In a study by Loughborough University, drivers suffering from dehydration were found to commit as many driving errors as those driving under the influence of alcohol.

“To avoid this, start the journey well-hydrated. Water is the best fluid you can drink, but tea, coffee, fruit juice and squash also count. Be aware that tea and coffee contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. This means it makes you need the toilet more often, which doesn’t help fluid balance. Avoid sugary, fizzy drinks and energy drinks as these are not good at quenching thirst. Take water with you on your journey and sip a little and often. Make sure you have a large, refillable water bottle that’s easy to grab and drink from while driving. You can refill this when you stop for a break or to use the toilet. Take some bottled water in case you need it. You must drink at least 8 ounces (one large cup/glass) of water every hour.”

Sun, Sweat and Safety

“HGV drivers may not be aware that the glass in the car windows does not block UVA and only blocks some UVB radiation. This means drivers are at risk of excess UV exposure, which increases the risk of skin cancers, as well as causing premature ageing of the skin,” Dr Lee explains. “Drivers should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, plus at least 4 stars for anti-UVA protection. They should also cover up with long sleeves and wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Always wear a hat and use SPF 50 sunscreen with care.”

Briggs added, “Driving an HGV in extreme heat is no small task – it’s physically and mentally demanding in ways many don’t see. Long hours on the road, sun glare, hot cabs, and the added strain on vehicles all combine to make summer one of the toughest times of year for our drivers. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about concentration, safety, and endurance.”

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“We believe that the future of maritime depends on the voices and vision of today’s learners,” said David Taylor, Head of Curriculum at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. “This programme is our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a vibrant, global maritime community.”

In partnership with ‘Jobs in Maritime’, a UK-based MCA-certified Recruitment and Placement Agency, the Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Ambassadors Programme will provide selected learners with unique opportunities to represent their peers, share their insights, and develop vital leadership and communication skills. Ambassadors will act as liaisons between the Academy and the wider learner community, contributing to course development and championing maritime education both online and offline.

“We are excited to partner with Lloyd’s on this Ambassadors Programme, which will empower the next generation of maritime professionals to lead with confidence and innovation. By connecting learners with real-world industry insights and opportunities, we aim to strengthen the maritime community and support career growth across the sector,” said Sezen Zeki, Managing Director & Founder, Jobs in Maritime.

Applications are now open to all Academy learners.

Lloyd’s Maritime Academy is the only higher education training institution that can trace its roots back to the origins of maritime trade, commerce and insurance in 18th century London, where the Lloyd’s name fist became associated with safety and quality in the maritime world.

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Attracting and retaining talent, the great challenge of the sector

One of the main conclusions of the XV Barometer of the Círculo Logístico SIL 2025 is that attracting and retaining talent remains one of the major challenges that concern companies in the sector. 63.9% of professionals participating in the study state they have difficulties finding qualified personnel, and 28.6% do not always succeed in finding the profile they are looking for. Only 7.5% find it relatively easy to fill vacancies.

Another highlighted conclusion is the emergence of Artificial Intelligence in logistics and the confidence that companies in the sector place in this technology. 91.7% of those surveyed believe that AI can significantly optimise their operations. More specifically, 33,9% believe that AI can greatly contribute to improving their results, while 57,8% trust it can do so considerably.

In the same topic, 76,3% of companies participating in the study are considering incorporating AI into their business. In fact, 44,9% of them already have some AI tool, while 31.4% are in the process of doing so.

Quality, experience and flexibility versus speed

The XV Barometer of the Círculo Logístico SIL 2025 also shows that quality (90,8%), experience (76,1%), and flexibility (74,6%) are not only the most valued aspects by logistics-consuming companies but also increase their interest by 1,4%, 9,7%, and 17,3%, respectively. On the other hand, aspects such as speed lose value, being highlighted by only 28.4% of the professionals surveyed, placing 1.2 points below the results of the previous edition of the study.

Another conclusion of the study is that startups are making their way into the logistics sector, with the support of 77% of the professionals surveyed. 24,8% of the companies participating in the survey already collaborate with one, and 52,2% believe it could be positive to hire or outsource services to emerging companies specialising in logistics. Additionally, 15,9% are still considering it, as they have doubts.

Retaining Logistics Talent

Regarding the concerns of companies, in the XV Barometer of the Círculo Logístico SIL 2025, the quality of service (21,2%), efficiency and optimisation of costs and stocks (15,7%), and punctuality and commitment (14,4%) stand out. In contrast, some historical concerns such as default (0,3%) go almost unnoticed among the professionals surveyed.

Engineers, graduates, and logistics experts: the most sought after

Regarding the most sought-after profiles to fill logistics manager positions, engineers (28%), logistics graduates (25,7%), and logistics experts regardless of their studies (21,4%) remain the most in-demand, although interest in the latter decreases by 6,2% compared to the last study, while interest increases for other profiles such as business administration graduates (11,8%), which stands 2.5 above the result obtained in 2024.

Regarding the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the participating companies in the survey, they identify with: SDG 5 Gender Equality (24.6%), SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production (22.5%), SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth (20.5%), SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (20.3%) and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals (12.1%).

Finally, among the aspects considered essential in the logistics of the future, although it drops by 4.8 points compared to the previous year, the automation of operations (26.4%) remains the most prominent, followed by collaboration in transport (18.6%), whose interest towards 2024 also decreases by 8.9%. The consideration given to the exchange of standardised information (19.7%) is also noteworthy, although it also decreases by 2.9, and greater agility in administrative matters (13.3%).

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