SCALA to address shifting strategies at 22nd supply chain debate

With global logistics reeling from EU trade negotiations, volatile US tariffs, and new trade policies, international supply chain consultancy SCALA is set to host its annual supply chain debate. As operations leaders look for more resilient ways to move goods across increasingly complex networks, senior experts at the event will discuss the question: “Rethinking global supply chains – is it time to shift strategies?”

Founded in 2001, SCALA provides supply chain and logistics expertise to clients around the world. With an executive board of directors, all of whom have senior level business experience, the firm is at the cutting edge of supply chain ecosystem strategy.

Putting this expertise to use, each year, the firm hosts a public debate about the future of the industry. Now in its 22nd year, the annual supply chain debate is set to take place on the 5th of June in Coventry – and brings together senior experts from across the supply chain ecosystem at a time of major uncertainty for the sector.

Chris Clowes, executive director at SCALA and Chair of the debate, explained, “Our debate this year couldn’t be more timely. Global supply chains are being tested like never before - from escalating trade tariffs and regulatory shifts to the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather. Resilience is now the top priority for businesses looking to thrive in 2025 and beyond.”

But by bringing experts together to discuss ways forward, Clowes contended that SCALA was presenting a chance for industry leaders to “step back and share their views on the bigger picture”. Hopefully, they will help each other to build a more comprehensive idea of “what’s changing, what’s next, and how supply chains can remain resilient in an increasingly unpredictable world.”

As they look to address the central point – “Rethinking global supply chains – is it time to shift strategies?” – experts will touch on a number of key themes. These include the trade-offs between nearshoring and offshoring, and whether localised production can offer greater resilience; the impact of geopolitical risks such as trade conflicts and shifting regulations; and the growing physical challenges facing global networks, from pandemic aftershocks to ongoing transportation bottlenecks.

This year’s event promises discussion from a diverse panel of industry leaders, each offering on-the-ground insight into the challenges and changes reshaping supply chains today. Among them are Professor John Manners-Bell, founder of the Foundation for Future Supply Chain; Kirsty Lantos, COO at Tangle Teezer; and Tiger Wang, chairman of China-based Ocean Business Group and co-chairman of SCALA’s joint venture in China.

The 2025 debate is supported by Aptean, CILT, Culina Group, DHL, GXO, Infios, Iron Mountain, and XPO Logistics.