UKWA Finds a New Home at Harborough Innovation Centre: A Testament to Community and Collaboration
The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), a widely respected institution with nearly 80 years of history in championing the warehousing sector, has recently transitioned to Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC). This move is more than just a change of address; it’s a reflection of UKWA’s enduring commitment to fostering community, promoting industry standards, and serving its members with unparalleled dedication. The HIC, with its smart offices, friendly atmosphere, and strategic location, offers the perfect backdrop for UKWA’s mission. As the association gears up to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2024, this new base promises to be a catalyst for even greater achievements in the warehousing and logistics sector.
What is it about the HIC that has motivated you to base your business here?
The offices are smart, the people are friendly, and the convenient location offers a smooth commute for nearby team members and efficient rail links for those slightly further afield. This accessibility not only cultivates a balanced work-life harmony but also eases the stress of daily travel, making in-person meetings all the more appealing.
Transitioning to a physical office space at HIC reflects our commitment to enhancing teamwork, sparking impromptu interactions, sharing ideas, and nurturing creativity. The vibrant setting perfectly encapsulates UKWA’s mission to build a sense of community, tightly weaving our team together.
A tangible office presence will amplify UKWA’s professional image and credibility, providing an ideal backdrop for engaging discussions with stakeholders, members, and industry peers. We see it as a space where collaborations can thrive, ideas can flourish, and connections can deepen.
How has your experience been throughout your move to the centre, from your initial enquiry to your physical move in day?
Our journey to transition our operations to the HIC has been nothing but positive. From the very beginning, when we first inquired about using HIC’s facilities for our regular meetings during our remote work phase, we were met with professionalism and attentiveness.
The HIC team demonstrated a genuine commitment to providing a conducive environment for collaboration and community-building. Our experiences with the facilities and the team during this initial period left us with a strong impression of the centre’s capabilities and its potential to support our transition to a physical office space. The team have played a crucial role in ensuring that our move was smooth and hassle-free.
One aspect that truly stood out was the sense of community that HIC fosters. As newcomers to the centre, we were warmly welcomed and made to feel like an integral part of the ‘block.’ This sense of belonging has been instrumental in helping us settle in and start our journey in the new space with confidence and enthusiasm.
So huge thanks to the entire HIC team for their support.
When did the business start?
The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) was founded in 1944, making it one of the oldest and most established trade bodies in the logistics industry. Since its inception, UKWA has been dedicated to representing and supporting the interests of the warehousing sector in the UK, and we are beyond excited to be celebrating our 80th birthday next year – as 2024 marks the Year of Warehousing!
Do you work locally or nationally?
The East Midlands has always been a critical location for warehouses: two of the largest warehousing developments in the UK are Magna Park at Lutterworth and the Daventry International Railfreight Terminal near Crick. Nevertheless, UKWA has Members across the whole of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Recently, we have started holding Roadshow events in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to build a stronger national reputation.
What service(s) or product(s) do you offer/manufacture?
UKWA is a trade association that represents the interests of our member companies from the warehousing sector in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Our core services revolve around advocating for the warehousing industry, providing information and resources, fostering community and collaboration, and supporting the professional growth of our member companies.
We serve as the representative voice for UK warehousing, engaging with the government to tackle sector requirements and concerns. Our efforts encompass policy work, lobbying, and parliamentary representation, aimed at aligning legislation and regulations with sector needs.
As part of our mission to “build community,” we organise events, conferences, seminars, and workshops that bring together professionals from the warehousing and logistics sector to network and share knowledge and insights.
We also offer training programs, workshops, and educational opportunities to help raise industry standards and promote professional development among members and beyond.
What are your company’s goals?
UKWA only exists to serve its members. Our 4-pillar mission lies at the heart of everything we do:
- We talk about warehousing;
- We raise industry standards;
- We build community;
- We help members.
Talk About Warehousing: We promote the warehousing sector’s influence in national and local government. Advocacy is vital in shaping policies that support the growth and success of warehousing in the UK. We provide the industry with a strong presence and active participation in conversations concerning regulatory matters such as business rates, apprenticeships, customs & excise or the installation of solar panels on warehouse rooftops.
Raise Industry Standards: Our objective is to elevate the standards of excellence in warehousing by advocating for best practices. This includes publishing articles about safety procedures, technical equipment and ethical values in our magazines and on our website. We are also writing a new Warehouse Management qualification.
Build Community: A central focus for us is cultivating a sense of community and collaboration among our members. By providing opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and engagement, we help professionals in the industry connect, exchange insights, and collectively address challenges. This objective seems to align particularly well with HIC’s goals!
Help Members: UKWA is dedicated to assisting its members by providing information, resources, and support. This can include offering guidance on regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and other industry-related matters. Our services aim to help members navigate complex issues and operate their businesses more effectively.
How many employees do you have, and in what type of roles?
A couple of years ago there were only three employees, but now our organisation has three main departments. The Membership team consists of four people, the Events & Marketing Team also has four and the Policy & Public Affairs team has five members. We have recently taken on two apprentices too: one who will support our external Accountant with finances and another in business admin, who will initially work across all the departments. Along with the CEO, which gives us an overall headcount of seventeen. UKWA is certainly growing and HIC is a great place to support our growth.
Get in touch with UKWA today
Or contact the Harborough Innovation Centre to find out more about office space within our community
