Clare Bottle, chief executive of the UK Warehousing Association, has been appointed chair of the Northamptonshire Logistics Industry Forum, a key body focused on supporting jobs, skills development and sustainable growth in one of the UK’s most important logistics regions.
Hosted by the University of Northampton, the forum brings together local businesses, education providers and public sector stakeholders to support the continued development of the county’s logistics industry.
Northamptonshire sits at the centre of the UK’s logistics network and hosts major distribution centres that play a vital role in the movement of consumer goods, food, medicines and a wide range of essential products. The forum’s work focuses on areas such as skills, innovation and sustainable growth, with the aim of ensuring the county remains a leading logistics location.
Bottle said logistics is fundamental both to Northamptonshire’s economy and to daily life, even if much of its activity remains behind the scenes. She said she is passionate about making the sector better understood and about creating clear pathways into strong careers for local people. She also described the forum as an important opportunity to bring education and industry closer together and deliver tangible benefits for the county.
Speaking on behalf of the University of Northampton, Cathy Smith, Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange, welcomed the appointment and described Bottle as a respected leader and advocate across the logistics and supply chain sector. She said her national profile, experience and ability to bring stakeholders together would help the forum build on its work and strengthen the links between the university, businesses and the wider community.
