Inaugural IWLEX set for May

A RECENT advisory panel meeting brought together an impressive range of industry leaders to shape the content and direction of IWLEX alongside event owners Nairn Foster and Justin Craig. The panel considered the needs and interests of the warehousing and internal logistics industry. 

The panel, led by Advisory Board Chair Paul Brooks FCILT, included: 

• Neil Ashworth FCILT – Visiting Professor, Non-Executive Director and Advisor. 

• Dave Berridge – CEO AMSHA 

• Clare Bottle FCILT – CEO UKWA, also representing Women in logistics 

• Paul Brooks FCILT – Advisory Board Chair. Founder Go Further Consulting, Past International President CILT 

• Laura Nelson – MD of RTITB 

• John Buckley – Senior Field Marketing Manager, Korber Supply Chain 

• Dr Sarah Shaw FCILT – Executive MBA Director, University Hull & Board Member CILT UK 

• Jim Spittle FCILT – Non-Executive Director and Advisor, ex-Chairman NHS Supply Chain, Past President CILT(UK) 

• Elizabeth Porter – Managing Director, Brysdales 

• Alex Bowden – Chief Financial Officer at ILG (International Logistics Group Ltd) 

• Emma Ross (FCILY) – Head of Logistics Operations, Screwfix 

• Elizabeth Porter – CEO of Brysdales  

• Claire (Lord) Umney – Managing Director, Breathe Technologies 

The panel discussed how to add value for visitors and addressed practical issues relating to the event's core pillars of sustainability, commerce, community, inclusivity, innovation, and wellbeing. 

IWLEX managing director Nairn Foster, said: “We are thrilled with the success of our first Advisory Board meeting. The level of engagement and expertise brought to the table by our panel members was truly inspiring. Their insights and ideas will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of IWLEX and ensuring that our event adds value to the logistics industry. There are more advisory board members to be announced shortly.”

Nairn adds: “IWLEX 2023 will be the best person to person marketplace for the industry to do business. We are not re-inventing the wheel, but we are introducing innovative ideas and feedback from the industry, hence our strapline “Shaped by the industry, for the industry.

“We want IWLEX to support the industry it serves and we’ve putting a heavy emphasis on mental wellbeing and mindfulness. These are non-commercial features within the event, but it is important to adopt a holistic approach to business.”

Nairn has worked in exhibitions for 13 years and was commercial lead on another event in the warehouse and logistics market from 2016. He also played a key role in the launch of a robotics and automation event in recent years.

Nairn’s business partner Justin Craig is a successful entrepreneur and more recently ran and disposed an event registration business, working on all types and sizes of exhibitions around the world.

“We complement each other very well,” explains Nairn. “I have the commercial relationships and the experience in the intralogistics sector and Justin has scaled up businesses before and understands how conferences and exhibitions work.”

Paul Brooks FCILT, FIOD, a former President of CILT International, is on board as a strategic advisor.

Paul is a recognised industry leader with board level experience spanning over 25 years and is a recognised expert in global supply chain and logistics.

Inside Warehouse Logistics has created six core pillars to guide the event: Inclusivity; Commerce; Innovation; Community; Sustainability; and Wellbeing.

For more information, visit www.iwlex.co.uk