IOC chair Carl Lomas applauded a huge agenda success for the IOC quarterly round table, ‘The IOC quarterly Heads of Industry has become the jewel in the crown of top line briefing sessions for express logistics. The May event delivered valie to fellows in knowledge and decision-making. An outstanding brief on future fuel values, an interactive decision process to worker status control from the Bolt case, a new way to move East to West parcels into London, add Govt briefings from DEFRA, DFE and DfT and the result was a magical mix of express logistics final mile content applauded by IOC fellows at the table. Icing on the cake was a passionate insight from outside the sector in the operator review by Stuart Godman, who delivered on oversize plus in the world of pallet networks.’ Set the date July 3rd for the next one. ‘It's free of charge to fellows of the IOC.’

Hosted in the City of London, free network and natter buffet from twelve was well-attended and busy with conversation - from the Evri DHL deal to Whistl and Tesco, DPD and Crimestoppers. EAV cargo bike collapse and return via TREK. Broad agenda was an epic coverage from worker status to security. Fuel values to cargo bikes, education drove a vote for behaviour listings in the delivery operative apprenticeship. Melanie Stancliffe delivered a highly focused challenge to fellows and asked for their vote on worker status. Callum MacPherson from Investec opened with graphs and vision for future fuel values in the post-Trump tariff world.

Free to attend for fellows the IOC quarterly roundtable has become a valued must-do for the diary. July 3rd is your next date.

20th May IOC Roundtable Heads of Industry was hosted at Guildhall meeting room one in City of London. National, regional and local SME discussions input to key challenge list captured by IOC chair Carl Lomas, a ‘word set’ of highlights below, for delivery to door.

Sector consolidation at head of discussions with recent Yodel, DHL, Evri deals.

Diversification of sector opportunity.

Lean Business models, express logistics has little room left for value tweaks.

Budget, NI costs, customer call for discounts to express sector

Recruitment is a key challenge.

Benchmarking needed for incidents, H&S and or road traffic

Alternative Vehicles – Cargo bike investment

EAV latest news on cargo bike and steps to Trek for parts and next models

Finance for SMEs becoming very tight

Security focus was about police engagement, information transfer

Red hot agenda filled the afternoon. Masterclass keynotes included operator focused by Stuart Godman, former express sameday moved to Pallet Track network boss. ‘Pallets are easier than parcels!’

Worker status expert Melanie Stancliffe from Cripps spoke on the Bolt decision and challenged fellows to vote on their view of the status outcome. Keith Doe introduced zero emission express freight on the Thames River.

Trevor Hoyle asked fellows for their opinion in a vote on the behaviour units for the latest update of the Express Delivery apprenticeship that was time-lined by DFE IFA Andy Scott.

Fellows voted on the order of behaviours in the express delivery apprenticeship, top answer, scored number one was the behaviour to be safe:-

-Prioritises the safety of self and others.

-Has a customer- focused mind-set.

-Acts in a professional and ethical manner in line with organisational culture and expectations.

-Takes ownership and responsibility for own work.

-Acts with integrity and honesty in all financial dealings, is astute in work activities and acts credibly.

Sion Pithouse, Senior Policy Advisor, Road Transport talked DfT Security code, covering Police engagement to MI5.

Callum Macpherson delivered Diesel derivatives update post US 'Liberation Day' with a lens on OPEC+ supply.

Cargo Bike latest EN 71860 led by Alan Dickinson and included discussion on the latest EAV news.

Lindsay Cracknell updates on clean air zones nationally.

Dr Tracey Worth outlined the next key dates and invited commitment from the brands engaging in the final mile delivery to the Lord Mayor's Show.

IOC Hon fellow, Alderman Alison Gowman did the reveal of the IOC character set to make the delivery to Mansion House. Representing knowledge and delivery is a life-size Owl and it’s an Owl in IOC blue!

Next IOC heads of industry is July 3rd 2025.

The round table photo gallery

Keith Doe – Thames boat EV innovation

IOC Education DFE IFA Trailblazer group co-chair Trevor Hoyle asks for a vote

Alan Dickinson IOC sub group chair for Cargo Bike group

DEFRA Lindsay Cracknell summary on CAZ

Melanie Stancliffe Cripps asks fellows for their view on control as an impact to worker status