Q) Why do you think it’s important for individuals across the sector to come together at Property Week’s Industrial & Logistics Conference?
A) There is so much to gain from attending the conference. In addition to hearing from experts, the networking is great. This year it's just one day so you can "hit it and quit it" absolutely making the most of your time investment.
Q) What about event last year that made you want to return?
A) There was a great diversity amongst the attendees - developers as well as tenants - so it was a really vibrant mix of different views. I really enjoyed the session about ESG and how companies are making a difference in their local communities. It was really inspiring.
Q) What insights are you most excited to share in your session and why?
A) My session is all about meeting tenants' demands and future-proofing facilities. I will be talking about the need to think about electricity supply and infrastructure for refueling all sizes of electric vehicle fleets, planning ahead for solar panels - as well as planning for the workforces of the future.
Q) How is an increasing focus on diversity and inclusion in the workforce impacting the sector?
A) It's really influencing the way industrial and logistics buildings are planned. Tenants want buildings which have the wow factor for potential employees, including sites which can be reached by bus and by bike, and which have great ESG credentials. Elements which would previously have ben described as "nice to have" are now essential if tenants want to win the war for talent. Everyone wants to see nature trails, an on-site gym, great welfare provision and multi-faith prayer facilities. It's the norm now to attract the best people.
Q) If you could describe the industrial and logistics market over the past year in a short sentence, what would it be?
A) A market which is adjusting quickly to deliver what tenants require in order to attract the very best, with ESG at its heart.
Q) What do you hope to see change in the industry over the next year?
A) I hope that the refurb market catches up with new build in terms of what it can offer tenants, as this sector still has some ground to make up.
