The Freight Transport Association has warned that cutting spend on major transport projects will “not only damage the UK’s road and rail infrastructure, but severely jeopardise Britain’s economic future”.

Recycling company Viridor has seen big cost savings since it switched to a fleet of specially modified counterbalance forklift trucks at its 24/7 Crayford site in Kent.

Central Auto Supplies, a supplier of branded automotive components to the motor trade, has deployed Aeromark’s next level telematics software Optimatics to help it accurately monitor and effectively manage its fleet of delivery vehicles.

DHL Freight has added a new service from Malta to France to its Coldchain business, which delivers temperature-controlled goods for the life sciences industry.

Mercedes-Benz has awarded a two-phase contract to MLOG Logistics at the company’s Kassel manufacturing plant in central Germany, boosting its presence within the automotive sector.

Tooles Transport, a member of Palletways, has moved into new five-acre site in Rushock Trading Estate in Droitwich ahead of further expansion plans.

Volvo Trucks has launched a security service system in a move to curb theft to long-haul trucks in Europe.

Wincanton has won a £40 million three-year contract with Argos to become the primary supplier of the retailer’s inbound UK supply chain.

Prof Jose Luis Nueno of the IESE Business School explains to Malory Davies the supply chain philosophy that has made Zara such a formidable competitor in the high street fashion business.

Managing an efficient and happy workforce is a matter of good communications, a strong team ethos and a great deal of flexibility. But in these tough times how do you keep staff motivated for the task? Nick Allen