Logistics and Supply Chain week 2025

We are proud to host our annual Logistics and Supply Chain Week 2025 from 3 to 6 March 2025 at the Kedleston Road campus.

The events of the week will bring together students, academics, and industry professionals to explore the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in the logistics and supply chain sectors.

The week promises to be a hub of knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative opportunities, with a focus on preparing the next generation of logistics professionals, and fostering partnerships between academia and industry.

If you have any questions, please contact Logistics and Supply Chain Week 2025 organiser, Dr Pouria Liravi, Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management and Systems Improvement Research Cluster Lead at the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement, via email, p.liravi@derby.ac.uk.

Workshops and panel discussions

Workshops and panel discussions will be held throughout the week, featuring experts from both the academic and business worlds. These sessions will address topics such as supply chain sustainability, digital innovations, global logistics trends, and the role of technology in transforming the sector.

Participants will gain valuable insights into emerging industry challenges and opportunities.

Round Table with Industry Leaders

Thursday 6 March 11am to 2pm, Track and field room, Sports Centre, Kedleston Road

A special round table event will be held on Thursday 6 March, bringing together leading logistics and supply chain companies to engage in meaningful discussions with students and academics.

This is a unique opportunity for participants to directly interact with decision-makers, share their ideas, and explore collaborative ventures.

Please note we have limited capacity for the round table event, we invite you to register your interest via email s.jones@derby.ac.uk

Conference and Networking Reception

Thursday 6 March, 5pm – 8pm, HEAP, Kedleston Road

The culmination of the week will be the conference on the evening of Thursday 6 March. The theme for the conference will be Data Futures for Logistics and Supply Chains. Esteemed speakers from the logistics and supply chain sectors will share their perspectives on the future of the industry, with topics including automation, freight transport decarbonisation, and logistics innovations.

The conference will be followed by a networking reception, allowing participants to build connections with professionals and potential employers.

Book your place at the Conference and Networking Reception

Helen Hardy - Keynote speaker

Helen Hardy is the Director of Partnerships and Marketing for CILT (UK) who are the chartered body for professionals involved in the movement of goods and people and their associated supply chain networks. She previously worked as the Director of Membership and Engagement (CILT UK), senior business development manager (Wincanton PLC) Head of UK telephone fundraising (The RNIB) and prior to that spent 15 years in senior level recruitment roles.

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Alan Weir - Keynote speaker

Alan, Deputy Managing Director - Production Operations at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, is responsible for all vehicle manufacturing at the Burnaston plant, including the vehicle refurbishment and customisation centre. He joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in 1991 during the construction phase of the vehicle plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire as a Production Control Specialist.

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Alan held several positions covering different functions of the Burnaston vehicle plant, including Production Control & Logistics General Manager, Quality Assurance General Manager and Paint & Plastics Division Assistant General Manager.

In 2015, Alan transferred to Toyota Motor Europe in Brussels as General Manager of Toyota Motor Europe’s Production Control function.

He took up his current position as Deputy Managing Director of Production Operations from January 2022.

Born & raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Alan graduated from the University of Ulster in 1988. He has also worked for Vauxhall Motors Ltd, Ellesmere Port and Ford Motor Company, Saarlouis Germany.

He is married with two daughters and in his spare time enjoys music, singing, running, swimming and his two dogs.

Industry collaboration

Logistics and Supply Chain week 2025 is designed to strengthen the University's ties with the logistics sector. By inviting industry leaders and experts to share their experiences and insights, the University aims to foster long-term collaborations, create new research opportunities, and ensure that its programmes are aligned with the evolving needs of the industry.

The initiative will serve as a dynamic platform to bring together academia and industry, equipping students with the tools and networks they need to excel in the logistics sector while contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry.

Opportunities for students

Students will have opportunities to engage with leading companies, explore placement and employment prospects, and deepen their understanding of the logistics field.

The events will also allow students to showcase their skills and knowledge, making them an ideal platform for career development.

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The Logistics and Supply Chain Week Conference 2025 is proudly sponsored by