Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Supply Chains in Practice

Global Supply Chain Debate, 10-11 November 2015

Putting the UK at the Heart of Global Supply Chains

The Global Supply Chain Debate is a biennial event hosted by WMG. It brings together senior professionals from a range of backgrounds to discuss and debate perspectives on the supply chain, and the role that the UK can play as part of a network of global supply chains.

Day 1: Workshops, scene setting, networking

Day one started with a choice of afternoon activities: a workshop facilitated by Crimson & Co Consulting, focusing on supply chain capabilities and 'finally breaking the silo', or a tour of the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Showcase, including automotive supply chains.

The evening saw delegates and invited guests gather for the official Debate launch and the results of the MyChainReaction project from Professor Jan Godsell (WMG), and Ruth Leary (School of Cultural Policy Studies, Warwick).

Focusing on increasing public engagement of supply chains, the project captures an individual's personal understanding of what a supply chain means to them and where they see themselves in the chain. Composed as a response to the individual stories that contributed to the project, a series of spoken word poems were performed by Pangaea Poetry. An artistic representation of the supply chains of two partner companies was also unveiled, demonstrating the links within a supply chain network for CHEP and Altro Flooring.


Prof Jan Godsell Opens the Global Supply Chain Debate 2015  Professor Martin Christopher, Cranfield School of Management Global Supply Chain Debate 2015
Global Supply Chain Debate 2015 The Global Supply Chain Debate Launch 2015 Pangaea Poetry at the Global Supply Chain Debate 2015/Global Supply Chain Debate 2015






Day 2: Main Debate


Day two found over 70 delegates gaining insights from keynote speakers including Chuka Umunna (MP), Dr Richard Miller (Innovate UK), Mike Wright (JLR), Sir Michael Arthur (Boeing UK and Ireland), Dame Julie Moore (University Hospitals Birmingham), Janice Munday CBE (Advanced Manufacturing and Services, BIS) and Gill Ringland (SAMI Consulting).

The programme involved presentations, round table debates, and scenario planning to enable participants to consider:

  • What is the supply chain?
  • Why do supply chains matter?
  • What role do you and your organisation play as part of a network of global supply chains?
  • Key trends and drivers: how you may need think about supply chains differently?
  • How can you future proof your supply chain against a range of potential scenarios?

The day concluded with a panel debate Chaired by Professor Martin Christopher (Cranfield School of Management) and featuring all the keynote speakers. Delegates were able to pose questions focusing on how to take the global initiative forward and the current barriers to the UK being the heart of the global supply chain.


Presentations
Why Supply Chains Matter Chuka Umunna, MP
Putting the UK at the Heart of Global Supply Chains Professor Jan Godsell, Operations & Supply Chain Strategy, WMG
The Strategic Importance of Supply Chains Sir Michael Arthur, President, Boeing UK and Ireland
The Changing Face of Contracting Clare Francis, Partner, Pinsent Masons
Supply Chain Design to Support the Circular Economy

Miriam Gilbert, Director, Coincidencity

Dr Donato Masi, Operations & Supply Chain Strategy, WMG