Reading articles in Logistics Manager over the past two issues, I have come across a number which combine to highlight some real issues with regional development across the UK.

Simpson Strong-Tie a specialist in connectors for the construction industry has awarded its UK distribution contract to Palletways.

NYK Logistics is to provide the sub-assembly and sequencing operation for Grupo Antolin, which supplies headliners for Honda’s CR-V, Civic and Civic Type S in the UK.

Spending on logistics services across the automotive, consumer, pharmaceutical, retail and technology industries is set to increase by 30 billion euros over the next five years as the size of outsourced logistics market grows by 33 per cent, according to

Pallet network Fortec saw traffic volume rise 15 per cent last year – equal to an additional 65,000 pallets.

ColorMatrix has chosen TNT to distribute its colourants for the plastics industry in a deal worth £1m each year.

Holistica, the joint venture between APL Logistics and Christian Salvesen, has appointed Gareth Jenkins solutions director.

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Falling mail volumes and growing competition are putting pressure on Royal Mail’s ability to keep delivering a one-price-goes-anywhere service for every customer, the company has warned.

FedEx has taken another step in its expansion plan with the £205m takeover of DTW’s domestic express network in China plus DTW’s half share in FedEx-DTW International.