Sainsbury’s and Dunelm among the speakers at SCALA event

The SCALA Annual Supply Chain Debate, a key highlight in the logistics calendar, returns next month to bring together leading industry professionals to discuss major changes affecting the supply chain sector. 

Now in it’s 15th year, the event will see esteemed speakers from the likes of Sainsbury’s and Dunelm, along with 150 senior professionals, gather in the impressive grounds of the historic Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire on 28th June 2018.

Held annually by leading procurement, supply chain and logistics consultancy, SCALA, the theme of this year’s event will focus on ‘who is driving developments in supply chain and customer service - retailers, brand owners, logistics companies or technology providers?’

The official debate, which starts at 4pm, features an impressive line up of keynote speakers who will discuss the main issues affecting the future of the supply chain, such as innovation, technology, and changing customer demands. 

Confirmed speakers include Darren Jones, head of logistics strategy and development at Sainsbury’s, Gavin Chappell, supply chain director at Dunelm, Paul Durkin, director of home and eFulfilment at Wincanton, and Stephen Watson, director of product at Microlise, and Leo Shen, senior partner at SCALA China. 

John Perry, managing director of SCALA, said: "The sector is currently undergoing a huge period of change, which is forcing companies to try and be as innovative as possible. For instance, the merger between Sainsbury’s and ASDA brought to light the challenges faced by the big supermarkets trying to compete with the growing discounters. 

“As with many of the changes that have been seen within retail over the past decade or so, it’s the logistics sector that has had to take on the pressure, be fleet of foot and innovative in order to remain cost-effective and drive efficiencies. It will be interesting to hear viewpoints from different perspectives during our debate on who is actually driving developments forward and who is leading the way towards greater customer service. Is it retailers, brand owners, logistics companies or technology providers?”

Standard tickets are priced at £135 +VAT, and £95 +VAT for CILT members.