The development of industrial/distribution centres is one of the fastest growing sectors in Construction and indeed one of the most profitable. Tom Perkin takes a look at where the demand is coming from and the lucrative career opportunities available via Unite People Ltd.
If you haven’t, it’s likely you will soon, as the industrial/distribution sector is booming – and looks set to get even busier. But why is the industrial/distribution sector so busy?
A report from property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) found that demand for industrial space will exceed supply by 25m sq ft by the end of the decade, even if current levels of construction continue.
This could hit retailers such as Amazon, Tesco and Argos, who rely on a network of warehouses to ensure their goods reach customers quickly.
The logistics industry urgently needs to adapt, with LSH warning that “a significant and unprecedented increase” in the building of warehouse space will be required in order to ensure internet retailers are able to fulfil their customer orders.
The report found that the supply of industrial and logistics space fell to a record low of 200m sq ft in 2015 – down from a peak of 360m sq ft in 2012.
Steve Williams, national head of industrial and logistics at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “E-commerce in the UK is not just growing, it is evolving rapidly as retailers attempt to increase the speed and efficiency at which they can satisfy consumer demand. As a result we have an unprecedented demand for strategically located logistics warehouse space across the country.”
Even with the amount of new space currently being developed, the demand is still likely to outstrip the supply, he added.
With this demand, comes opportunity. Unite People are a close partner with a number of contractors who specialise in the construction of large distribution centres.
Unite People are keen to speak with any operational or commercial professionals who are from a main or sub-contracting background, who would like to hear more about opportunities in this sector.
A Project Manager who recently made the move into the sector via Unite People said; “It’s the best career move I ever made. After 15 years in the industry building schools, hotels and hospitals for contractors who became obsessed with paperwork and procedures – it’s so refreshing to work in a sector where it’s all about client-focused delivery. I genuinely feel like I’m achieving my potential now and am looking forward to completion of my first project which is a £22m 0.75m square foot distribution centre – then we move onto the next phase, the £20m M&E + fitout package, where we will install automated packing systems & robotics in the main warehouse and undertake a CAT A fitout to the office space. As it stands, we’re ahead of programme!”
Size and type of project is wide and varied and, with nationwide coverage, Unite People collaborate on some of the biggest and most technologically advanced projects in the sector.
Unite People are looking for Site Engineers, Senior Engineers, Site Managers and Project Managers to help deliver these projects. We offer the most competitive salaries & packages in the industry.
Are you, or do you know, someone who could be interested? Please call or email me for a confidential chat about opportunities & salaries available.
Join the revolution!
Tom Perkin
Tom.perkin@unitepeople.co.uk
020 3892 7852
