More than half of UK 3PLs are expecting to invest in more equipment, people, and facilities in 2014 than in 2013, according to the United Kingdom Warehousing Association’s recent warehouse operators survey.
The survey revealed that 53 per cent of respondents expect to see their investment in information technology increase in 2014.
49 per cent said they are preparing to spend more on their vehicle fleets, 47 per cent on extra staff and bigger premises, and 39 per cent on materials handling equipment.
With only ten per cent of those questioned forecasting a decline in their year-on-year spending, 55 per cent are expecting an increase in annual turnover.
But 33 per cent said their turnover is unlikely to change, and 12 per cent are predicting a decline.
47 per cent of companies surveyed are also expecting to offer staff a general pay rise next year.
“Our 3PL 2103 survey provides a useful snapshot of our industry as it emerges from one of the longest and most difficult economic downturns many people can remember,” said chief executive officer of UKWA, Roger Williams.
“It shows an industry that is well placed to face the challenges of the future and one that is quite rightly looking forward with no small degree of optimism.”
Entitled 3PL 2013, the study questioned 60 UKWA members, ranging from firms with less than 20 employees, to companies with a workforce of more than 500.
