Senior supply chain professionals will now be able to tap into the expertise of experienced industry players following the launch of an official mentoring programme by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA).
Announcing plans for the scheme late last week, the trade body said that the initiative could be of particular benefit to managing directors and owners of small logistics firms which have not yet established a relevant contact base.
UKWA mentors will be able to offer advice on a range of issues, including employment, finance and business development.
Roger Williams, UKWA‘s CEO, said: “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.
“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.”
Those involved in UKWA‘s mentoring team will be retired or semi-retired warehouse operators who remain close to the industry, and they will have experience in securing finance, hiring and firing, and buying and selling businesses.
Williams added: “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.”
UKWA has over 650 members and is the leading trade organization representing the third party logistics sector.
Earlier this year Sales and Marketing Director of forklift truck business Narrow Aisle, John Maguire, was unveiled as the group‘s new National Chairman.
