Automation in logistics equipment is growing rapidly in the UK, driven by the need for efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. However, several key challenges continue to slow down or complicate its adoption—particularly for SMEs, warehouse operators, and 3PL providers.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK logistics sector face a unique set of challenges that can hinder growth, competitiveness, and resilience.

Over the past five years, UK logistics automation spend has seen strong and accelerating growth, driven by e‑commerce expansion, labour shortages, and technology maturation:

The logistics industry in 2025 is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving customer expectations, and global sustainability goals. Companies are leveraging new tools and strategies to build more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible supply chains. Here are some of the key trends currently shaping the logistics landscape.

The following article was written by the founder and former managing director of LPC over 15 years ago. While the article may appear a little dated, the underlying fundamentals remain unchanged, while the principles driving logistics forward are unchanged, it is worth remembering that the trends and fashions may come and go.

AGVs, AMRs, Drones and AI. The opportunity to consider adopting automation technologies becomes more compelling with the prospect of reduced costs, increased operational efficiency and productivity.

Should you be considering your automation journey now?

The opportunity to consider adopting automation technologies becomes more compelling with the new generations of equipment offering the prospect of reduced costs, increased operational efficiency and productivity to smaller operations.

Should you be considering your automation journey now?

As we enter the final quarter of 2023, the UK logistics sector is in a fairly strong position after a tumultuous few years. Challenges remain, however, in the shape of stubbornly high global energy prices, the ongoing challenges of Brexit, staff shortages, and decarbonisation. As one of the fastest growing industries globally due to the rise in online supply transactions for both B2C and B2B facing industries, there is also a pressing need for fast delivery, real-time data visibility, and continual stock availability in order to keep up with the ever-changing demands of customers.

How can new technologies and trends assist logistics businesses to meet customer expectations as the sector continues to evolve throughout 2024?

The UK logistics sector has continued to evolve at a rapid pace in 2023, driven by increased consumer demands, environmental/sustainability regulations, and innovations in software and automation technologies. In this article, we’ll look at the main trends that have shaped the sector this year, examining the influence they hold on businesses, and the implications they carry for the future of the logistics industry.

A big change is coming to the UK’s roads and logistics sector, after the UK government greenlighted Longer Semi Trailers (LSTs) for general use on 30th May 2023.