UKWA – the trade association representing the logistics industry  - has announced details of its plans to launch a new business mentoring scheme for supply chain executives.

Mentors are experienced businessmen and women who are willing to share their business experience with others.

“There is plenty of evidence to suggest that business mentoring has a positive effect on a company, whether it is a new start-up or an established organisation,” says Roger Williams, UKWA’s chief executive officer.

He continues: “A mentor can provide guidance on developing and improving a business; offer help with difficult decisions; suggest ideas for new products or services, or ways of working; give business tips based on practical experience and provide access to a network of contacts built up over many years.

“A business mentor can also help an individual to develop key business skills, improve problem solving abilities, build confidence and work on personal development.”

UKWA’s mentoring team will comprise retired or semi-retired warehouse operators who remain close to the industry. Each individual will have a lot to offer today’s busy supply chain professional, as Roger Williams explains: “During their careers UKWA’s mentors may have built up a warehousing business, found finance, hired and fired, squeezed assets, bought and sold companies, negotiated successfully, learned the principles of effective marketing, leadership, and lots more. They will also have extensive contacts within the industry.

He adds: “We believe that by making use of the collective talents and experience of such people UKWA will be able to provide a service that will be particularly welcomed by the owners or MDs of companies – particularly smaller companies - who may not have an obvious and qualified sounding board available to them.”

About The United Kingdom Warehousing Association
With over 600 member companies, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) is the UK’s only trade association dedicated to serving the vitally important warehousing and logistics sector. Established in 1944, the Association’s members control nearly 100 million square feet of warehousing space from nearly 1300 locations across the UK. Although originally established as a trade body for the third party warehousing sector, the Association now embraces all companies that operate a warehousing or distribution facility. Membership is not restricted to those companies based within the borders  of the United Kingdom.