The logistics sector: Safe as warehouses?

3 minute read

In line with broader economic trends, new technologies and business models are transforming the logistics sector. The rapid growth of online shopping is driving change, with the Office for National Statistics estimating online now accounts for almost 20 per cent of all retail sales in the UK, up from less than five per cent in 2008.¹ Meanwhile, rising expectations on the part of employees, business partners and particularly consumers are forcing companies to develop more reliable and responsive supply chains.

With the growth of e-commerce in its infancy, this is no short-term phenomenon. Online sales, for example, continue to grow at a double-digit pace. In addition, many products that are still purchased in physical stores appear vulnerable to further e-commerce penetration. This is especially the case for routine purchases where speed, efficiency and price are the chief concerns.

Strong rental growth but new technologies could disrupt

Landlords of logistics and industrial space have been clear beneficiaries of investment in supply chains, with the sector enjoying robust rental growth in recent years. According to the IPD Monthly Index, rents have been on an upward trend since the middle of 2013; the longest period of growth since the late 1980s. Over this period, average rents across the UK have risen by around 22 per cent.

While continued growth in delivery volumes appears probable, an array of new technologies could potentially disrupt the logistics sector. These include the Internet of Things, 3D printing, augmented reality, bionic enhancement, cloud logistics, robotics and self-driving vehicles. It is even possible technology might allow logistics sites to be used more efficiently, leading to a reduction in the amount of floorspace dedicated to this function.

Identifying markets with strong demand and restricted supply

The potential for technological change to disrupt the logistics markets creates an uncertain outlook for major players in the logistics sector, including occupiers, landlords, developers and planners. We are taking a two-pronged approach to adapt to the uncertainty, focusing on local markets with robust demand and supply fundamentals.

In terms of demand, this means assessing the factors determining where occupiers choose to base their facilities. Of key importance in these decisions are access to consumers and the availability of labour. Consequently, we have analysed demographic and drive time data to gain a clear understanding of the catchment populations of logistics locations across the country; combining this with a detailed assessment of supply and demand in local labour markets.

We also seek to identify markets with significant barriers to entry for new supply by analysing the local planning and policy backdrop and availability of land.

This analysis has identified various markets, detailed below, which we believe have the greatest potential for long-term rental growth.

Greater London

Greater London presents a mixed picture in terms of demand-side indicators. Positively, it is particularly attractive in terms of access to consumers. But it cannot compete with the West Midlands in providing access to consumers on a country-wide basis. However, the scale and economic strength of the region mean that, within shorter drive times, it provides access to by far the greatest concentration of spending power. This ensures strong occupier demand. But high land values and demand for residential conversion mean logistics sites are scarce with existing sites at risk of change of use.

Greater Manchester

Due in particular to the scale of its local catchment, Greater Manchester scores highly on the demand-side analysis, while Manchester City Council is generally supportive of economic development where the case is strong. However, its dense urban character means there are limited opportunities for development within its local authority area.

West Midlands

The West Midlands scores highly in terms of demand-side fundamentals, with Birmingham particularly strong. Around 90 per cent of the UK’s population can be reached within a four-hour drive. Only the South-East and the North-West provide access to more consumers and spending power in terms of a one-hour drive time.

In addition, the West Midlands scores well in terms of labour supply, with Birmingham offering the country’s largest pool of skilled and unskilled labour. On the supply side, the region is characterised by local authorities that are generally pro-development.

M1 Corridor from Luton to Rugby

Geographic and connectivity advantages mean markets in this corridor offer particularly good access to consumers at a country-wide level. As a result, they rank especially highly as potential locations for single-let logistics operations. Moreover, councils are generally not opposed to development.

M27 Corridor from Southampton to Portsmouth

Our focus on this market derives heavily from its supply-side constraints. Geography, the nature of surrounding areas and restrictive planning policies all serve to limit logistics development. On the demand side, the region does not provide the best access to consumers on a country-wide basis, but it does have good access to southern England with the wider urban area ranked as the eighth-largest metro area in the country.

References

1. 'Comparing bricks and mortar store sales with online retail sales', Office for National Statistics, August 2018