Ideas & Insights

Our guides, ideas and views. Explore our insights to deliver tangible improvements to your supply chain and logistics operations.

Read More about Hatmill donates to St Peter’s Hospice

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Hatmill donates to St Peter’s Hospice

In the second of our blogs shining a spotlight on the charities we support, Rob Cottrell, a consultant at Hatmill shares more about the charity he put forward. St Peter’s […]

Read More about International Women’s Day 2024 – how we’re really passionate about inclusion at Hatmill

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International Women’s Day 2024 – how we’re really passionate about inclusion at Hatmill

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Inclusion, something we’re really passionate about at Hatmill. But don’t just take our word for it. We’ve been voted #1 Best […]

Read More about A supply chain perspective: the dilemma with customer choice

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A supply chain perspective: the dilemma with customer choice

Hatmill’s Toby Farrance and Liam Lindley discuss the impact of increasing customer choice and the perhaps surprising consequences it has on the supply chain. The Museum of Crisps states there […]

Read More about Hatmill sponsors Generation Logistics

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Hatmill sponsors Generation Logistics

In early February, as part of National Apprentice Week, Hatmill’s Simon Dixon and Terry Murphy attended a Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons to celebrate Generation Logistics.

Read More about The Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy / Brexit 2.0

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The Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy / Brexit 2.0

Terry Murphy, a consultant at Hatmill, shares his views on the introduction of The Critical Imports and Supply Chains Strategy together with the impact of Brexit 2.0 and what it […]

Read More about Hatmill supports Read Easy UK

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Hatmill supports Read Easy UK

Hatmill, the employee-owned, Yorkshire-based supply chain and logistics consultancy, has donated £24,000 to six deserving charities.   

Read More about On time, or not, that is the question

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On time, or not, that is the question

In many ways, logistics is like a theatre show, particularly when we think about operational and transport planning. Paddy MacBrant explains why.

Read More about Fantastic skills and where to find them

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Fantastic skills and where to find them

The magical origins of my title might have evaded some readers, but I stand by the mythical analogy.

Read More about 2024: The opportunities & challenges in UK warehousing

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2024: The opportunities & challenges in UK warehousing

Terry Murphy explores the opportunities & challenges in UK warehousing in our latest report.

Read More about Hatmill donates £24,000 to charity as part of its commitment to giving back

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Hatmill donates £24,000 to charity as part of its commitment to giving back

Hatmill, the employee-owned, Yorkshire-based supply chain and logistics consultancy, has donated £24,000 to six deserving charities.  

Read More about Hatmill launches new sustainability offering

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Hatmill launches new sustainability offering

Hatmill, the employee-owned independent supply chain and logistics consultancy, has launched an end-to-end net zero offering, supporting supply chain, logistics and warehousing organisations in achieving their sustainability goals.

Read More about Hatmill aims for net zero by partnering with net zero delivery firm Flotilla

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Hatmill aims for net zero by partnering with net zero delivery firm Flotilla

Hatmill, the leading independent supply chain and logistics consultancy, has announced its commitment to net zero by partnering with Flotilla, the net zero carbon accounting, consulting and delivery firm.

Read More about Hatmill is one of Europe’s best workplaces

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Hatmill is one of Europe’s best workplaces

Hatmill is very proud to announce that we’ve been named one of the Best Workplaces in Europe.

Read More about Hatmill expands into North America to support clients’ supply chain challenges

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Hatmill expands into North America to support clients’ supply chain challenges

Hatmill, the employee-owned supply chain and logistics consultancy, has announced its expansion into North America on the back of demand for its services.

Read More about Warehouse operations development planning: Getting it right

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Warehouse operations development planning: Getting it right

In our latest report Nik Pamplin and Tom McClinton, consultants at Hatmill explore how to optimise your warehouse operations with an Operations Development Plan.

Read More about Hatmill Huddle replay – Performance: the high cost of low morale

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Hatmill Huddle replay – Performance: the high cost of low morale

Hatmill’s Founder and CEO Simon Dixon and our organisational readiness expert Linzi Parry discuss the risks of low engagement and the value of a support network to boost your team’s […]

Read More about Hatmill Huddle replay – Improve your supply chain project results: Why siloed working is hurting your profit and your people

Webinar

Hatmill Huddle replay – Improve your supply chain project results: Why siloed working is hurting your profit and your people

Hatmill’s Founder and CEO Simon Dixon joins our organisational readiness expert Linzi Parry to discuss the pitfalls of siloed working and the impact dislocated teams can have on your bottom […]

Read More about Hatmill Huddle replay – Improve your supply chain project results: Focusing on capacity & capability

Webinar

Hatmill Huddle replay – Improve your supply chain project results: Focusing on capacity & capability

Hatmill’s Founder and CEO Simon Dixon joins our organisational readiness expert Linzi Parry to discuss how to improve your supply chain project results, exploring real world scenarios. Discover the pitfalls […]

Read More about Leading change; how low morale impacts performance amongst teams

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Leading change; how low morale impacts performance amongst teams

Effective leadership in sports teams makes them function well and develops confidence to compete as a single unit, united in their goal to do what it takes to beat the […]

Read More about Finalists for Everywoman 2023 awards

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Finalists for Everywoman 2023 awards

We are pleased to announce that our very own Hazel Beasley and Naomi Harryman-Hassan are both finalists for Everywoman 2023 awards.

Read More about Working in silos; why businesses need to burst their bubbles

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Working in silos; why businesses need to burst their bubbles

In busy operational environments, one of the challenges we see that hinders the speed and size of payback from new initiatives is teams working with their heads down. They are […]

Read More about Our ethos is based on self-management and mutual trust

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Our ethos is based on self-management and mutual trust

Hatmill is ranked the No. 1 Best Workplace™ in the Small size category. Founder Simon Dixon explains why.

Read More about A marathon, not a race

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A marathon, not a race

Aaron Thomas, Consultant at Logistics and Supply Chain Consultancy, discusses the urgency of Net Zero, and how to achieve it.

Read More about Hatmill ranked first in UK’s Best Workplaces™

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Hatmill ranked first in UK’s Best Workplaces™

Hatmill has today been named as the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2023 (small business category) by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture.  

Read More about Improve your supply chain project results: Focusing on capacity & capability

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Improve your supply chain project results: Focusing on capacity & capability

A vital, yet often forgotten, element of delivering benefits from a project is making sure the organisation as a whole is ready for it.  Projects can be compared to a journey, […]

Read More about New Hatmill Huddle Series: Improve your supply chain project results

Webinar

New Hatmill Huddle Series: Improve your supply chain project results

If you’re looking for efficiencies or payback on supply chain and logistics investment, you can’t afford to miss our new Hatmill Huddle series ‘Improve your supply chain results’.

Read More about Webinar: The optimal organizational structure for consultancies

Webinar

Webinar: The optimal organizational structure for consultancies

Watch industry experts discuss the optimal organizational structure for your consulting firm—and important industry benchmarks to evaluate your own consultancy against.

Read More about Q&A with founder Simon Dixon: Does an organisation without hierarchy really work?

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Q&A with founder Simon Dixon: Does an organisation without hierarchy really work?

Hatmill is at the forefront of automation in the supply chain and manages projects with a total CAPEX value of over £1.5bn. Clients include Asda, Greggs and Royal Mail. But […]

Read More about Starting your career in a company with no hierarchy

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Starting your career in a company with no hierarchy

Katie Nickmans, Consultant at Hatmill Logistics and Supply Chain, talks to some of the young professionals of Hatmill about their journey into the world of logistics, working at a consultancy […]

Read More about Hat trick of appointments for Hatmill to boost its automation and sustainability capability

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Hat trick of appointments for Hatmill to boost its automation and sustainability capability

Supply chain and logistics consultancy Hatmill has recruited a host of new industry experts to boost its automation and sustainability capabilities.  

Read More about Hatmill recognised in Financial Times Leading Management Consultants listing

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Hatmill recognised in Financial Times Leading Management Consultants listing

Supply chain and logistics consultancy, Hatmill, is celebrating after being featured in the Financial Times UK Leading Management Consultants listing.  

Read More about Award winning – The affordability of warehouse rents (a Savills report)

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Award winning – The affordability of warehouse rents (a Savills report)

We are delighted to announce that ‘The affordability of warehouse rents’, a report written jointly by Hatmill’s CEO, Simon Dixon and Savills, Kevin Mofid has won The Society of Property […]

Read More about Why now is the time to invest in electrifying your vehicle fleet

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Why now is the time to invest in electrifying your vehicle fleet

Aaron Thomas, Consultant at Hatmill discusses why now is the time for companies to invest in electrifying their vehicle fleets and what’s next for electric fleets? 

Read More about Eight steps to beat peak fatigue

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Eight steps to beat peak fatigue

Nik Pamplin suggests eight steps to navigate the difficult peak period, and ensure a successful next season.

Read More about EV does it: is it time to electrify your fleet?

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EV does it: is it time to electrify your fleet?

Hatmill’s Aaron Thomas’ joins Here360 and leading experts from the AA and PAUA Tech to discuss the challenges of electrifying vehicle fleets. 

Read More about Peak trading: Nothing else can drive such terror into the hearts of logisticians

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Peak trading: Nothing else can drive such terror into the hearts of logisticians

This month, it felt topical to share a couple of articles on the most dreaded of dark arts – planning for peak (and recovering afterwards!). Nothing else can drive such […]

Read More about Is it time to electrify your fleet?

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Is it time to electrify your fleet?

The transport industry is overtaking the energy sector in being the largest contributor of greenhouse gasses in Europe. As a result, there’s significant pressure from both the policy makers and […]

Read More about Hatmill founder announced as a judge for Start Up Awards

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Hatmill founder announced as a judge for Start Up Awards

Simon Dixon, Founder of Hatmill, has been announced as a judge for The StartUp Awards. The StartUp Awards National Series recognises the achievements of those amazing individuals who have had […]

Read More about When forecasts speak a different language

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When forecasts speak a different language

In the battle for top-down versus bottom-up forecasting, the victim is a pragmatic, planning forecast that helps to better plan labour, space and resource. The solution? Purpose-led forecasting.

Read More about We’re officially a Great Place to Work!

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We’re officially a Great Place to Work!

Our staff have spoken and after a rigorous survey process, we’ve been certified as a Great Place to Work.

Read More about Hatmill does the double at the Supply Chain Excellence Awards

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Hatmill does the double at the Supply Chain Excellence Awards

Hatmill is delighted to be part of the NHS England and Partners team that won two awards at the prestigious Supply Chain Excellence Awards. These were for ‘Team of the […]

Read More about Preparing for Peak Trading – 8 Steps to Beat Peak Fatigue

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Preparing for Peak Trading – 8 Steps to Beat Peak Fatigue

The challenging economic environment has created the perfect storm for retail, with a combination of labour and goods shortages and periods of unprecedented demand. While supply chains, historically, are good […]

Read More about Hatmill wins at Yorkshire Business Masters 2022

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Hatmill wins at Yorkshire Business Masters 2022

The Hatmill team are celebrating after winning the Small Business of the Year Award (up to 50 employees) at the Yorkshire Business Masters.

Read More about Hatmill is a Finalist in the Yorkshire Post Excellence Awards

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Hatmill is a Finalist in the Yorkshire Post Excellence Awards

Hatmill is a Finalist in this year’s Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards. The awards, which recgonise the best in business in Yorkshire, is a calendar highlight for the region […]

Read More about Hatmill shortlisted for six Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2022

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Hatmill shortlisted for six Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2022

Hatmill is delighted to be named as finalists in six categories for the prestigious Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2022. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony, taking place on […]

Read More about Choosing the right warehouse can help occupiers manage rising costs

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Choosing the right warehouse can help occupiers manage rising costs

Helen Price, supply chain & logistics advisor at Hatmill, joins Savills, Guy Ruddle and guests, Charlie Spicer, director in the national industrial & logistics team and Andrew Smith, strategy director […]

Read More about We live and breathe delivery – it is the underlying rhythm of our industry

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We live and breathe delivery – it is the underlying rhythm of our industry

Logistics and supply chain has always been focussed on delivery. As practitioners we are tasked with delivering to our customers on time and in full, within (and preferably under!) budget.

Read More about What is the smart way to manage increasing supply chain costs?

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What is the smart way to manage increasing supply chain costs?

Covid, Brexit and the war in Ukraine have brought about a perfect storm for supply chains. Covid has led to seismic changes in shopping behaviour, accelerating online sales by the […]

Read More about “For people who don’t know which direction to go, there is only one direction: To stay where they are.”

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“For people who don’t know which direction to go, there is only one direction: To stay where they are.”

Mehmet Murat ildan is not a supply chain professional, and I doubt he’s been quoted in this publication before, but the contemporary playwright’s commentary on the folly of undirected endeavour […]

Read More about Selecting a site: The affordability of warehouse rents (a Savills report)

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Selecting a site: The affordability of warehouse rents (a Savills report)

Hatmill’s CEO, Simon Dixon, writes about selecting a warehouse site in Savills latest report ‘The affordability of warehouse rents’.   

Read More about How to have valuable engagement with automation suppliers from the get-go

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How to have valuable engagement with automation suppliers from the get-go

The white-hot warehouse automation market may have cooled slightly, but forecasters still expect significant growth – you will need to have a clear, well executed brief to get warehouse automation […]

Read More about Hatmill is helping to #GrowEO for UK Employee Ownership Day

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Hatmill is helping to #GrowEO for UK Employee Ownership Day

The team at Hatmill is delighted to be part of the UK Employee Ownership Day (EO Day), run by the Employee Ownership Association (EOA), on Friday 24th June 2022.

Read More about Change is a Constant – speaking at the UKWA conference

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Change is a Constant – speaking at the UKWA conference

Linzi Parry, Hatmill’s change and transformation expert was asked to moderate the panel session ‘Change is a Constant’ at the recent UKWA Conference. Panellists included: Adam Jones, Carlton Forest Group […]

Read More about 5S and the warehouse: a practical 5S approach to deliver a best-in-class operating warehouse and workplace

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5S and the warehouse: a practical 5S approach to deliver a best-in-class operating warehouse and workplace

The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has put significant pressure on supply chains – forcing organisations to reassess their warehouse and estate strategy to meet unprecedented demand. Ensuring a world class warehouse […]

Read More about Hatmill supports the Greggs Foundation in providing free breakfasts at Colne Primet Academy

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Hatmill supports the Greggs Foundation in providing free breakfasts at Colne Primet Academy

Hatmill is proud to announce a partnership with the Greggs Foundation to provide free breakfasts to a number of pupils at Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley. This healthy, nutritious start […]

Read More about Over 50% of Hatmill team trained in First Aid for Mental Health

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Over 50% of Hatmill team trained in First Aid for Mental Health

Hatmill, the employee-owned supply chain and logistics consultancy, is proud to announce that last month, over half of its team have been trained in First Aid for Mental Health. In […]

Read More about Hatmill supports the Greggs Foundation in providing free breakfasts

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Hatmill supports the Greggs Foundation in providing free breakfasts

Hatmill is proud to announce a partnership with the Greggs Foundation to provide free breakfasts to a number of pupils at Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley. This healthy, nutritious start […]

Read More about Hatmill supports Burnley and Pendle Young Carers Christmas appeal

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Hatmill supports Burnley and Pendle Young Carers Christmas appeal

Hatmill, the employee-owned supply chain and logistics consultancy, has supported the Burnley Young Carers Christmas appeal. Earlier this year, the Hatmill team completed the 22-mile Chatsworth Challenge walk, raising over £2500 to buy Christmas gifts […]

Read More about Warehouse automation – getting it right

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Warehouse automation – getting it right

Covid & Brexit are exacerbating labour shortages, companies are looking to automation as an answer

Read More about Hatmill founder shortlisted for the IoD Awards

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Hatmill founder shortlisted for the IoD Awards

Simon Dixon, the founder of Hatmill has been shortlisted for The Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards 2021 for Yorkshire and the North East. 

Read More about Taking your people with you: Manage change to accelerate ROI on supply chain and logistics automation

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Taking your people with you: Manage change to accelerate ROI on supply chain and logistics automation

Adapting your supply chain to meet current challenges and be fit for the future is a significant investment; don’t let the change overwhelm your teams.  

Read More about Flow Rooms: Getting More From Warehouse Automation

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Flow Rooms: Getting More From Warehouse Automation

A high performing flow room brings rigour and confidence to all aspects of warehouse operations. 

Read More about Highly commended in the Medilink Healthcare Business Awards 2021

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Highly commended in the Medilink Healthcare Business Awards 2021

Simon Dixon, the founder of Hatmill has been shortlisted for The Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards 2021 for Yorkshire and the North East. 

Read More about Ask the expert: Building resilience in supply chains

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Ask the expert: Building resilience in supply chains

Simon Dixon, CEO of Hatmill, looks at how to adapt supply chains and warehouse operations to build resilience in the wake of Covid and Brexit.  

Read More about Don’t plan warehouse automation in a silo – automation touches every part of your organisation

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Don’t plan warehouse automation in a silo – automation touches every part of your organisation

When you’re thinking about automating your warehouse or supply chain, you’re impacting every part of your organisation, says Terry Murphy, consultant at Hatmill.

Read More about Hatmill becomes employee-owned

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Hatmill becomes employee-owned

Hatmill has become an employee-owned business. The founder of Hatmill, Simon Dixon, has transferred 100% of shares to an Employee-owned Trust (EOT) for the benefit of employees.

Read More about Greener Transport Logistics: 10 things to think about when making your transport logistics operation carbon neutral

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Greener Transport Logistics: 10 things to think about when making your transport logistics operation carbon neutral

Climate Change has been at the forefront of the conversation about transportation and logistics for some time. Change is coming and we all need to be ready for it. With […]

Read More about In 2021 flexibility is the key to solving supply chain challenges

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In 2021 flexibility is the key to solving supply chain challenges

In conversation with procurement consultancy firm Proxima, Hatmill’s founder Simon Dixon discusses how supply chain challenges posed by COVID-19 and Brexit will continue into 2021. Embracing technology and automation, and […]

Read More about How do organisations approach demand forecasting?

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How do organisations approach demand forecasting?

A few weeks ago, we published a series of LinkedIn polls to discover more about how organisations approached their demand forecasting.

Read More about Are you ready for a No Deal Brexit? Webinar by ILG

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Are you ready for a No Deal Brexit? Webinar by ILG

On Thursday 10th September, Hatmill’s Simon Dixon joined the ILG webinar to discuss the main areas of concern as the 31st December approaches.

Read More about Pop-up warehousing – creating online shopping fulfilment capacity, and fast

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Pop-up warehousing – creating online shopping fulfilment capacity, and fast

Traditionally supply chains require large budgets and take time to build capacity, but online shopping demands are here with us now. Is this a short-term phenomenon or an emerging trend? […]

Read More about M5 – are we forecasting for forecasting sake?

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M5 – are we forecasting for forecasting sake?

Can we apply outcomes from the M5 forecasting competition to real world supply chains?

Read More about Supply Chain Webinar with Proxima

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Supply Chain Webinar with Proxima

Watch a replay of the insightful webinar hosted by Hatmill & Proxima on the topic of building a modern playbook for supply chain and logistics stardom.

Read More about A Guide to Warehouse Automation Technology

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A Guide to Warehouse Automation Technology

Our experience in warehouse automation projects delivery and implementation means we’ve developed an in-depth understanding of the various warehouse automation technologies available. We can help you navigate the options to […]

Read More about Challenging, rewarding, defying the impossible: Building a supply chain network to deliver PPE to the front line.

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Challenging, rewarding, defying the impossible: Building a supply chain network to deliver PPE to the front line.

I’ve just finished a 14-week spell working to build a network to deliver #PPE to the @NHS. I can honestly say it was the hardest yet most rewarding job I […]

Read More about Preparing Your Supply Chains for the Logistics of Brexit

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Preparing Your Supply Chains for the Logistics of Brexit

With many businesses still reeling from the impact of COVID 19 on their supply chains and their business, there’s another major wave coming on the horizon – Brexit.

Read More about Demand Forecasting after COVID Lockdown

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Demand Forecasting after COVID Lockdown

Supply chain forum, the Intent Group, held a Covid huddle on managing demand & supply as we move into the next phase of the pandemic and towards a “new normal”. […]

Read More about When Lockdowns End: Preparing to Remobilise Your Supply Chain

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When Lockdowns End: Preparing to Remobilise Your Supply Chain

There’s no doubt that businesses large and small have been reeling from the impact of COVID-19 and trying to manage the impact on their business. Many are now turning their […]

Read More about Forecasting demand post COVID? 3 things management teams should do

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Forecasting demand post COVID? 3 things management teams should do

Being prepared for life post lockdown is where forecasting becomes paramount. A few connections have been asking me “How can you forecast COVID19?”. And there’s one simple answer: “You can’t!” […]

Read More about What is Demand Forecasting? And other common forecasting questions

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What is Demand Forecasting? And other common forecasting questions

Why forecast demand? How? And what’s the difference between forecasting and planning? Your questions answered…

Read More about Logistics Automation – A Guide for the Savvy Supply Chain Director

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Logistics Automation – A Guide for the Savvy Supply Chain Director

The adoption of automation technology in logistics is on the rise. Our guide will help you consider if automation is the right solution for your warehouse.

Read More about How Much Does Demand Planning Cost?

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How Much Does Demand Planning Cost?

You’re keen to reduce the number of lost sales and excess stock, and unlock precious working capital. But, what does demand planning cost? And what are your options?