Welcome....
Happy New Year to all our SEMA members. Last year was possibly one of the busiest this industry has ever experienced and I know we are all hoping the trend continues throughout 2023.
To kick off the year I want to say a huge thank you to our outgoing President, Jaap Vos. Without a doubt, over the past six years, he has been a strong and guiding influence and his contributions have been invaluable as SEMA has evolved and developed. Don’t worry, we’re not letting Jaap escape too easily and he will still play a very active role as a member of both SEMA Council and management team.
As the demand for warehousing and storage equipment continues, so does the need to remind warehouse and logistics companies of the importance of developing a culture of safety and achieving high standards. A message we will keep reinforcing in 2023. In this edition, we look at the key points discussed at the recent SEMA Technical Seminar and Members Conference, SEMA’s plans to promote members activities this year and we also hear from the UKWA.
Matt Grierson, President
SEMA Technical Meeting and Members Conference
In November last year, we combined both our Technical and SEMA Combined meetings to hold a single day-long event which updated our members on all the latest guidance, best practice and activities within industry. Here’s what we covered on the day.
SEMA Website
Since it was launched in 2021 we have been continually working to update the site. Activities include a rework behind the website to enable pages to load faster, automation of the training area to make the booking process easier, updating the training calendar, revised news section and Find a Racking Supplier system. Work is currently in progress on the Find a SEMA Approved Rack Inspector section and to create a new members area. Work on an SDG members area will start this year!
Building Regulations
Angus Ashman from JHAI gave us a talk on applicable building regulations for mezzanine floors, covering the definition between a raised storage area and a mezzanine floor, fire safety and different travel distances that apply. It also looked at access and use of buildings, ventilation requirements and protecting employees from falling objects and safe movement.
Technical Updates
Mike Savage and Alan Worrell updated us on the changes to industry guidance as follows:
- TC 344 WG6 Rack Protection is being established to produce an EN for rack protection based on FEM 10.2.16 (based on the SEMA Rack Protection Code). It is currently in the preliminary stage and will take about 3 years to complete.
- Code EN 16681:2016 Steel Static Storage Systems - Adjustable Pallet Racking Systems - Principles for Seismic Design was submitted for its five-year review and was confirmed in July 2022.
- Reviewed the changes to EN15620 Steel Static Storage Systems - Tolerances, Deformations and Clearances which was published in 2021.
- Updates on the changes and new additions in the revised version of EN15512:2020 Steel Static Storage Systems - Adjustable Pallet Racking Systems - Principles for Structural Design issued in November 2020.
- New technical bulletins - TB9 on Uncertified Welded Modifications, TB10 on Racking Design Standards and TB11 on Sheet or Panel Product Storage.
Rounding off the seminar, Chris Humphreys gave us an update on SEIRS (see page 4), Nick Betteley discussed when and where members can use SEMA logos, SEMA Elizabeth Porter demonstrated how much the industry has changed in the last year and key activities for SDG members in 2023 and Becky Green showed how we have been promoting the activities of SEMA. If you would like a copy of the presentations please contact Helen at SEMA.
Industry Statement by UKWA: New Year, New Opportunities
As the New Year takes hold, it's clear that some of the challenges we've seen firstly as a result of Brexit, followed by the global pandemic and finally the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, will continue to affect our industry.
Labour Shortages
One of the consequences of Brexit felt across many sectors has been critical labour shortages, as access to migrant labour was curtailed. It looks unlikely that this situation will change any time soon, so we've had to look for new solutions. Even smaller businesses have been looking to see how they can retrofit some automation into their operations; therefore, our National Conference in March will focus on the rise of robotics, the spread of digitalisation and what it means for the future.
In combating labour shortages, we've been proud to work alongside Generation Logistics in putting the many and diverse career opportunities in our industry into the spotlight. The campaign will reach the end of its initial 12-month programme in the summer, and we look forward to hearing whether it will hit its targets. Namely, to encourage visits to the website, improve perception of the industry and increase awareness.
Training
Workers repeatedly cite career development as an important factor in choosing employment, so part of UKWA's message is to ensure training opportunities are available and visible. To that end, we appointed a UKWA Head of Training and delivered the first UKWA Warehouse Management Training Course. Later in the year, we look forward to rolling out our new Warehouse Manager CPC qualification. Those outside of our industry have certainly begun to see a career in warehousing and logistics in a different light – and we're here to ensure that good work continues!
Financial Challenges
Steel prices rocketed in 2021 and have only recently dropped back to pre-pandemic levels, so we may see renewed interest in racking installations. But if these projects are reliant upon new MHE, they could still be subject to significant delays. Lead-times remain long.
Another financial challenge will rear its head in April, when new business rates will come into force. These will penalise warehousing more than other types of property unless the government introduces better reliefs, which UKWA is lobbying for.
The legacy of the pandemic, combined with the war in Ukraine, is a cost-of-living crisis, so costs are only going to go up and stay up in 2023. Not just rates, but also rents, labour costs and energy too.
And Finally...
Naturally, we will continue to highlight to warehouse owners and operators the huge potential benefits of solar PV on warehouse rooftops. Our report last year showed solar could deliver savings of between 40-80% on electricity costs – so that will continue to be a major project for UKWA in 2023. Now that COVID appears to be behind us, people will likely want to meet up with colleagues face-to-face, not least at IWLEX – a new exhibition this year for our sector.
So, in 2023, let's face the challenges together, seize the opportunities and try to keep some of the new focus on well-being and work-life balance that emerged during the pandemic. A Happy and Prosperous New Year to You All!
Read all about it - SEMA in the news!
The end of 2022 was a busy period for SEMA in the press. Here’s where you might have seen us!
Industrial Plant & Equipment
In the 2022 edition of Maintenance Management Guide, we looked at the importance of looking after your racking to create a safe working environment, meet your legal obligations and help businesses to run efficiently!
Warehouse & Logistics News
Did you see us in the IMHX 2022 Show Focus? We looked at how you can maximise safety when it comes to storage equipment in the warehouse.
Warehouse & Logistics News
We were on the front cover of the October edition, discussing how SEMA members can deliver a secure Return on Investment on storage equipment and create a bespoke design that will maximise available space, increase productivity and improve efficiencies!
Factory & Handling Solutions
In the October edition we looked at how, with the warehouse industry facing the challenges of rising costs and lack of suitable space, it is possible to maximise your current space through the backbone of your warehouse – your storage equipment.
Handling & Storage Solutions
In the October edition we looked at how SEMA members can work with your racking to maximise available storage even when you're struggling for space in the warehouse.
Warehouse & Logistics News
In the Warehouse Supplement, we discussed why you shouldn’t leave it to chance when it comes to the installation of your racking and why we recommend using correctly trained installers.
Handling & Storage Solutions
In the HSD Guide 2023 we discussed how the lack of suitable and affordable warehousing has left many companies struggling with their storage requirements. We looked at how, by utilising your racking, you can increase storage capacity, improve on efficiencies, reduce damage to stock, increase safety for your workforce and deliver on maximum longevity!
Warehouse & Logistics News
Finishing off the year we were in The Annual 2023 where we explained why safety really does pay when it comes to your racking.
Every month you could also find our regular Is This Your Problem column in Warehouse & Logistics News
The Importance of SEIRS
It has been a year since we launched our brand new SEIRS training course to include a Foundation Course for installers new to the initiative which would provide them with a trainee card valid for six months.
We also created the Diploma Course which completes their training and provides them with a full SEIRS card valid for three years. The course includes a mixture of classroom-based theory and, in a first for the industry, a significant practical element. We always said this course would be much tougher and delegates are assessed at the end of the course. Not everyone passed last year!
Last year, we conducted the following number of courses:
- 28 x Foundation courses (Part 1)
- 32 x Diploma courses (Part 2)
- 2 x Higher Level Supervisors courses
- 5 x Higher Level Managers courses
A total of 525 attendees attended our courses and feedback has been positive. A great start!
We know finding correctly trained installers is a big problem. This year we
want to do a big push in reminding the industry of the importance of using SEIRS installers. We will discuss how proper training can improve the integrity of your equipment, ensure relevant regulations are met and improve warehouse safety. Help us spread the word!
We Need You!
This year we’re promoting the amazing people who work within our SEMA companies.
- Do you know someone who’s taken a surprising career path to end up in the world of storage?
- Have you got an enthusiastic apprentice who is showing a real passion for the industry?
- Have you worked in the storage industry for 30 years or more?
- Are you the only female racking inspector in your company?
If you’ve got an interesting story to tell about your working experience in logistics, send an email to becky@aurapr.co.uk and let’s get talking.
SEMA Training
Are you looking to do some training with SEMA this year?
Did you know our new online booking system is now up and running on the SEMA website?
As well as viewing the training online, you can also view real-time course availability. Plus, we have updated the process and you can go through and book and pay for any course you like.
Don't hang about, our popular courses are filling up quickly!
