IZCWG & ITWG: Introducing the new WM Logistics and Distribution Cluster
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Summary of the event
In its efforts to align its work with the clusters laid out in the West Midlands Growth Plan, the Innovative Zero Carbon Working Group is using this year to showcase those clusters which are fundamental to the zero-carbon transition. The IZCWG is introducing those clusters to its members to drive new collaboration opportunities in these high growth areas. The first showcase introduced the WM Smart Energy Systems Cluster. Our most recent IZCWG meeting showcased the WM Logistics and Distribution Cluster.
The speakers
Ian Humphreys, Industrial Synergies Ltd and Richard White, Waterman Group
The West Midlands Logistics and Distribution Cluster | Alok Pandya, Connected Places Catapult
Panel – Data and Digitisation in Logistics and Distribution | Chris Lane, Transport for West Midlands, Alan Walker, Syselek, Rober Helme, MHTech
Elsewhere in the Innovation Alliance | Ros Povilionis, Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands and SWM
Roundtable: collaboration and partnership opportunities
How can technology and innovation transform logistics in the West Midlands?
The cluster is well positioned to leverage emerging technologies such as automation, AI, and the Internet of Things. These innovations can improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and support the electrification of heavy vehicle fleets. Panellists emphasised the importance of planning charging infrastructure, coordinating multiple fleet operators, and using digital tools to manage energy demand and costs, highlighting the synergies with the Smart Energy Systems Cluster.
What are the key challenges facing the logistics sector?
The sector faces several challenges: skills shortages, technology adoption gaps, decarbonisation pressures, and inefficiencies in transport networks. The panel discussion specifically identified fleet electrification as a critical hurdle, noting the high cost of on-site charging infrastructure for SMEs, which make up 90% of the sector. Additionally, the shift to electric fleets creates dependency on a complex electricity grid and highlights the importance of data security, given the increasing digitalisation of logistics operations.
How can data sharing drive smarter logistics?
Breakout sessions focused on overcoming barriers to data sharing. Recommendations included creating simple, anonymised data collection systems, phasing data collection to build trust, and identifying the right contacts within companies to share data. Publicly available data, such as SIC codes, could also help map logistics companies and identify optimal locations for shared charging hubs. Data is critical to forecasting energy demand, planning infrastructure rollout, and managing access to charging points.
How can the West Midlands excel during the transition to electric logistics?
Participants identified cybersecurity as a key area where the West Midlands can lead. The region benefits from strong policy frameworks, the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre at Aston University, and the upcoming West Midlands Cyber Hub in Birmingham city centre. By leveraging the region’s innovation ecosystem, businesses can stress-test systems, share best practices, and ensure the electrification of logistics fleets is secure, resilient, and efficient, helping the West Midlands set an example in the zero-carbon transition.
Opportunities ahead
The Innovational Alliance for the West Midlands is actively using its networks and partnership knowledge to showcase the region’s high-growth clusters and the challenges they face, as demonstrated at our recent IZCWG and ITWG meeting. By bringing together businesses, public sector representatives, and academic institutions, the Alliance is helping to spread knowledge about challenges and opportunities while promoting collaboration across sectors. This approach ensures that insights from cluster leads, panel discussions, and breakout groups are widely disseminated, supporting innovation, skills development, and the West Midlands’ economy.
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