The Cold Chain Podcast

A candid discussion between Shane Brennan and an internationally recognised expert in cold chain energy. Judith Evans of London South Bank University will discuss her latest research and ongoing projects with UK Government on cold chain energy usage, as well as providing her view on the long term potential of reducing energy use and emissions across the supply chain.

In this episode Shane talks to the head of the UK operations for Lineage Logistics Claire Walters, they talk about her extensive and varied experience working in logistics and the fresh perspective she brings to UK cold chain. A year in to her leadership Claire talk about he optimism for the business and our industry and provides great advice to those forging a career in our vital industry 

In this episode, Shane is joined by Paul Martin, MD of Ice Co Storage & Logistics. Paul talks about changes in the business, the value-added service they offer to the industry and the recent acquisition.  Paul dives into his history in the industry, how he started, the changes he has seen tho the business and his plans for the future.  https://www.icecostorelogs.co.uk/

In this episode Shane is joined by the inspirational Lisa-Jayne Cook. Recently selected to be a global ambassador for women in STEM, she has led the way in speaking to young people about the opportunities of working in the refrigeration, heat pump and air conditioning sector.  In this episode they talk about how Lisa-Jayne found her way into refrigeration engineering, her early and ongoing experiences in the job and her passion for making the industry a better more inclusive place for all of us.  Lisa Jayne works for GEA Engineering as a Service Sales Manager, she is a Board Director of the Institute of Refrigeration and a member of the ACRIB industry Board https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jayne-cook-finstr-fwes-99532043   Find out more about  the IOR Women in RACHP network https://ior.org.uk/women-in-rachp  the UN Programme https://www.unep.org/ozonaction/news/news/key-international-associations-and-un-team-provide-more-opportunities-women-cooling check out Lisa's own podcast States of Matter https://statesofmatter.podbean.com/

In this episode Shane talks to fellow trade association CEO James Bielby from the Federation of Wholesale Distributors about how the health of the UK food supply chain. They reflect on how the industry came together to withstand the demand spikes and collapses in the covid years and what lessons that teaches us about how to handle the challenges ahead for businesses across wholesale, hospitality and retail. 

Over ten years Lineage Logistics has reshaped the identity of cold chain across the world. Mike McClendon led the global expansion of the business for most of that time, only recently stepping out from being President of International Business in to a new Ambassadorial role, including taking on the role of Chairman of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, the pan-national representative and networking organisation for cold chain businesses.  Mike talks to Shane about the rapid rise of Lineage Logistics, why the business has been able to grow as it has, he shares his optimism about the future and talks candidly about how Lineage is facing in to the major challenges of our time. A unique insight from a man that has, more than most, shaped the modern history of global cold chain. 

Recorded at the international convention for global cold chain in San Diego, Shane talks to inventor and cold chain solutions provider Bob Tippman.  From a multigenerational family that are an institution of US cold chain, Bob is a one of those people that gets out of bed in the morning hungry to find the next big idea that can change the cold chain.  His products like the Quick Freeze blast freezing solution, are interesting twists on long established technology, and he has plenty more ideas to come.  Shane and Bob also talk about the big idea that they both believe needs to be seriously considered. It's simple but could be game changing, turning up the thermostat and storing food at higher temperatures to reduce overall energy use across the cold chain. Is it that simple... listen and find out.. 

In this podcast special Shane Brennan talks to Paul Wilkinson the President of Movianto UK.  Paul tells the story of how he and the team planned and delivered the logistics that made the covid-19 vaccination programme possible.  A thorough and reflective account of an unprecedented cold chain challenge. Not to be missed.  The interview took place before Paul gave the key note address to the Cold Chain Live! Conference in Birmingham on the 8th September 2022. 

Shane Brennan talks to new Vice-President of the Cold Chain Federation Paul Bennell. Paul runs Samworth Brothers Supply Chain one of the leading distributors of chilled foods in the UK. SBSC has a unrivalled reputation for professionalism and reliability and brilliant working culture.  Shane and Paul reflect on the pandemic and its legacy and talk about the crunch policy and regulatory issues facing the transport industry. 

CCF CEO Shane Brennan and Policy Director Tom Southall talk you through some of the key issues shaping the cold chain this month. On the agenda is the race to be PM and what that actually means for us, the new consultation on penalties for hauliers caught trafficking illegal migrants, the cold chain report and a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the Cold Chain Live! Conference on 8/9 September. 

Shane Brennan leads an expert roundtable discussion on how the world energy crisis is impacting on the cold chain.  Joined by Kath Chapman - Managing Director at AMERESCO; Jon Stowe - Managing Director ACS&T; Peter Summerton - Managing Director McCulla Ireland and Neil Stott, Business Development Director, MyPower - the discussion covers how we have got to where we are, how it is impacting on cold chain operators, the opportunity and role of renewable investment and how businesses navigate the tough energy purchasing market. 

In a first of a series of interviews with up and coming leaders in UK cold chain businesses I talk to Soraya Karimi-Ghovanlou Supply Chain Director at Smithfield Foods UK.  A fascinating conversation seeing the recent and current issues facing the cold chain through the eyes of a business that is a customer of cold chain services. As a major importer of protein from EU into UK, Smithfield have navigated Brexit and global supply insecurity.  Shane and Soraya explore what makes up a strong relationship between supply chain operations in an importing business and their transport and storage partners. 

Your monthly catch up on what's been going on in government, the cold chain industry and the UK Cold Chain Federation. An informal Q+A with CCF CEO Shane Brennan and Policy Director Tom Southall 

Shane talks to the leader of one of the fastest growing cold chain businesses in the UK. Nikki Redhead took over the Keep It Cool business in 2014 after a successful career in cold chain logistics. Striking out on her own she has brought passion for customer service to establishing this refrigerated courier business. For a business that is all about filling in the gaps and stepping in at the last minute, it takes a certain kind of energy and commitment that Nikki delivers in spades.  In this conversation she brings her thoughtful and unique perspectives to the challenges and opportunities ahead for UK cold chain.  To contact Keep It Cool  website: www.keepitcool.co.uk  email: info@keepitcool.co.uk  call: 01274 271451

In this episode Shane takes some time at the end of the European Cold Chain Conference in Rotterdam to reflect on how the UK, European and international cold chain is set up to cope with the current economic and regulatory challenges facing the industry. Matt talks about his background working in non-profit business membership organisations before GCCA and how he sees the future of the organisation he took over leadership, just as the world entered the pandemic.  They also talk about the big announcement of a new partnership between GCCA and CCF that will bring new value to their respective members and new opportunities in the future. 

Shane speaks to colleague and 'new kid on the block' Clare Bottle, who has taken on the leadership of the UK Warehousing Association. Clare, who is an experienced logistics practitioner, gives her perspective on the important role that 'communities' (like UKWA and CCF) play in helping logistics professionals to gain insight, support and practical advice outside of their day job. She also reflects on stepping for the first time into the world of lobbying and communicates her passion for standing up for warehousing with government and wider politics and the media.  

In this episode Shane talks to the Managing Director at the UK cold chain institution that is Reed Boardall Cold Storage.  Andrew talks about how his business coped with a year of unpredictable events in 21, and came through it stronger. How he invests in the continuous improvement and innovation of their operations and facilities and his optimism about the year ahead for RB and the wider frozen food supply chain. 

Shane interviews Eddie Green Head of Cold Chain at DFDS. they talk about Eddies long experience in cold chain logistics, rooted in the shipping industry MAERSK, Norfolk Line and DFDS. In recent years overseeing the growth of cold chain operations, the acquisition of HSF and managing the Brexit transition.  he brings his experienced, calm and common sense approach to the discussion and talks in particular about his and DFDS' commitment to sustainability investment. 

A special edition of the Podcast sharing an interview Podcast Host and Cold Chain Federation Chief Executive Shane Brennan gave to Naga Munchetty on BBC Radio 5 Live on the 5th October 2021. Over 20 minutes he debated the supply chain crisis, its cause and effects with Richard Tice the leader of REFORM UK (the new name of the BREXIT Party).  

Whilst at the TCS&D Show in Peterborough earlier this month, Shane caught up with Mark Burrell MD of Moran Logistics.  Having taken on the role during the pandemic, Mark talks about how he and his colleagues have coped with the operational challenges of the covid pandemic. He also talks about his passion for supporting and nurturing people across his business and his commitment to sustainability.  Relatively new to the cold chain sector and a new member of the Cold Chain Federation Mark brings a new energy and perspective to the role and the Federation. 

In second episode of the series of podcasts recorded live at the TCS&D show in Peterborough this month, we talk to Michael Kane. Michael brings his unique and long standing experience in fleet strategy, maintenance and technology to this conversation.  We talk about the how Marshall's team of support engineers managed to keep cold chain running through covid and how they are facing into the future of technological innovation and alternative technologies. 

The first episode in a a special mini stories of podcasts that include the edited highlights from the debates and interviews run by the Cold Chain Federation at the TCS&D Exhibition in Peterborough on 7th and 8th September.  The session includes CEO Shane Brennan's reflections on 18 months of crisis in the supply chain, Policy Director Tom Southall's overview of the progress in the CCF Road to Net Zero Project and debate between Tom, Shane and Dr Rob Lamb of Star Refrigeration on the opportunities and challenges of net zero in the cold chain. 

In this special episode we bring the speech made by Tim Moran on his re-election as president of the Cold Chain Federation. The speech was given to the organisation's virtual Annual General Meeting on 23rd June 2021.  Tim Moran is the Regional Vice President of Lineage Logistics in the UK. He has served as CCF President since 2017. in this speech he reflects on a year like no other for the cold chain, thanks everyone involved in keeping the nation fed and distributing the life saving vaccine. He also reflects on how we can face into the immediate and long term challenges facing our industry. 

In this episode Shane talks to one of the newest cold chain leaders in the industry. Jon Stowe took over as MD of UK cold chain institution ACS&T in August 2020. As he tells us in the episode this is the company/s centenary year. Jon's optimism and drive shines through explaining how he see's ACS&T unique offer fitting into a to dynamic and growing market. Jon's views on how is setting about building a positive team and working culture are particularly insightful.   

Dean Attwell is the Owner and Chief Executive of Redditch-based Oakland International . Since being forced into cold chain following a radical change of business direction in 1999, Dean and his wife Sallie have never looked back, running one of the most unique and fast growing businesses in UK cold chain.  In this episode Shane and Dean talk about the importance of having the entrepreneurial drive to seize opportunities, how to marry business objectives with environmental and social conscience and the optimism we should all have about the value that people are ascribing to cold chain today.  We also couldn't pass up the opportunity to find out more about Dean's expeditions to both the North and South Poles. 

In this special edition of the podcast we share the recording of our Cold Chain Conversation event held on the 10th February 2021.  Chaired by Cold Chain Federation Chief Executive Shane Brennan, the panel discussed what can or should net zero mean for the cold chain. The discussion forms part of the ongoing road to net zero project launched by the Federation in October 2020 - see report.  Panellists include:  Professor Judith Evans - Southbank University    Professor Alan McKinnon - Kuehne Logistics University  Professor Toby Peters - University of Birmingham Dr Tim Fox - Institute of Mechanical Engineers  Tim Moran - Regional Vice President - Lineage Logistics  and contribution from Tom Southall Policy Director Cold Chain Federation.   

One month into life outside the EU single market Shane Brennan talks to one of worlds leading experts in international food trade. Emily Rees is a Senior Fellow at European Centre for International Political Economy  and Managing Director at Trade Strategies, a trade and regulatory advisory consultancy. In PART ONE Shane and Emily talk about the state of UK to EU trade flows today and in coming weeks and months.  In PART TWO they discuss what Global Britain might actually mean for UK food trade and the cold chain.  ABOUT EMILY REES - An economist by training, Emily's expertise lies at the intersection of trade, sustainability and agriculture. Her areas of interest include “new generation” trade issues including animal welfare, anti-microbial resistance, environmental food standards and values in trade.

One month into life outside the EU single market Shane Brennan talks to one of worlds leading experts in international food trade. Emily Rees is a Senior Fellow at European Centre for International Political Economy  and Managing Director at Trade Strategies, a trade and regulatory advisory consultancy. In PART ONE Shane and Emily talk about the state of UK to EU trade flows today and in coming weeks and months.  In PART TWO they discuss what Global Britain might actually mean for UK food trade and the cold chain.  ABOUT EMILY REES - An economist by training, Emily's expertise lies at the intersection of trade, sustainability and agriculture. Her areas of interest include “new generation” trade issues including animal welfare, anti-microbial resistance, environmental food standards and values in trade.

In this episode Shane Brennan talks to Professor Toby Peters of the University of Birmingham about the role that the cold chain will play in getting covid vaccines into communities across the world. 

In our final interview of the Cold Chain Live! series Shane talk to property investor and cold chain disruptor Steven Lawrence. His Magnavale group is one of the fastest growing businesses in UK cold chain and his exciting plans for new developments have the potential to really shake up the UK cold chain. 

In this longer than the filmed version interview Paul Jackson talks about his experience in cold chain haulage, immediate issues of Brexit and covid-19 and the theme of this week's conference the Future of Transport and the road to Net Zero.  

As part of WEEK TWO of our Cold Chain Live! event Shane Brennan talks to the Managing Director for Supply Chain in UK and Ireland, Gavin Williams. they discuss how XPO views the net zero challenge, the company's approach to technology and innovation and the importance of string customer relationships in achieving environmental goals. You can watch the interview here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHwtX-Seu4U

In this podcast version of the filmed interview (available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7NP_t_7qOo).   Shane talks to UK MD of Lineage Logistics and President of the Cold Chain Federation about Lineage's expansion, the changing structure of the UK market and Lineage's global mission to eliminate waste. 

With the 'B' word back in the news headlines Shane talks to the NFU's EU and International Affairs Director, Nick Von Westenholz  about the implications of life outside the EU single market for UK farming and the wider food industry. A thoughtful and considered view from one of the genuine experts in a crowded and noisy debate. 

In the second trade association leader interview Shane talks to Road Haulage Association Chief Executive Richard Burnett. Shane and Richard reflect on the relaities of managing the interface between government and the logistics industry in the middle of a crisis. They talk about the challenge of supporting haulage businesses through the immediate challenges of covid-19 and Brexit, whilst trying to keep an eye on the challenges and opportunities coming down the track in the future. 

In the first of a mini series, Shane talks to the leader of one of the UK's largest trade federations. Ian Wright has led the Food and Drink Federation from 2015 and in that time has awoken a sleeping giant, ensuring that UK food manufacturing has a seat at the top table of Government. In his candid and typicaly engaging story telling style, Ian reflects on how the industry has coped with covid-19, his concerns about the UK's exit from the EU and his optimism for the UK's new food strategy. 

Shane talks to latest member of the Cold Chain Federation Board Andrew Lawarence. For 8 years Andrew has been a instrumental part of the Magnavale busines that from its first puyrchase of Via Cold Stores in 2012 has grown to a major UK player with 200,000 pallet places across multiple facilities. He talks about the groups ambitious and innovative plans for the future, not least the developemnt at Thames Enterprise Park, and he and Shane reflect on what modern leadership in the cold chain is all about. 

In the week NewCold unveiled its plans to build Europe's largest automated cold store in Corby, Northamptonshire Shane Brennan asks Jon about the plans; how NewCold has navigated through covid-19; why he believes automated stores are the future of cold chain and why he thinks businesses are continuing to invest in new warehousing inspite of economic downturn. 

To mark the start of Cold Chain Energy Week, Shane is joined by Dr Rob Lamb from Star Refrigeration - in this interview Rob's passion for supporting cold chain businesses to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency comes through. They talk about the balance between the opportunities of technology and systems reform, and above all the importance of measurement and monitoring. 

For ten years Nick Hay has run one of the largest temperature controlled supply chain businesses in the UK. In this episode he provides a view from the front line of coping with covid-19, talking candidly about how operational and customer relationships have adapted to cope. He also reflects on where industry has come from and where it is heading.

In this episode Shane Brennan talks to fellow cold chain association leaders about how covid-19 pandemic has impacted on the cold chain. Together they tell the story of how the industry has met the challenges of the crisis head on and reflect on what we might learn that will stay with us once this crisis is over.  Includes contributions from  Marcos Badenes - Secretario General ALDEFE (SPAIN)  Debbie Corado - Director, GCCA (LATIN AMERICA)   Megan Costello - President and CEO - Global Cold Chain Alliance (USA) Davey Gerlings - Secretary General of NEKOVRI (THE NETHERLANDS)  Julie Hanson - Director, GCCA (EUROPE)   Marianne Kintzel - Executive Officer, Refrigerated Warehouse and Transport Association (AUSTRALIA)  Valerie Leserre - Deleguee Generale - La Chaine Logistique Du Froid (FRANCE)  Lizelle Van De Berg - Director, GCCA (SOUTH AFRICA)  

In this episode Shane Brennan (CEO, Cold Chain Federation) talks to Gavin Parnell (Director, The Supply Chain Consulting Group) about what lessons we might learn about supply chain planning from Covid-19, ways to use data well in strategic decision making and how to establish a strong relationship between client and consultants.  Check out the Supply Chain Consulting Group at https://www.sccgltd.com/

Ruth is the driving force behind Talent in Logistics, a business that provides conferences, awards and research in recruiting and developing logistics people. Shane and Ruth discuss what makes logistics people distinctive, what we are getting right and wrong in developing people and how we develop more female leaders across the cold chain.

James Woodward is the third generation owner and Manager Director of Shropshire based business Cold Move. Having navigated his business successfully through a series of changes.  He is able to tell us about the challenges of maintaining a family business in an era of consolidation and big global players.  

In this episode, Shane meets Martyn Cogan as the publisher of the longest running specialist trade magazine for temperature controlled logistics. Martyn has a unique perspective on the changing industry.  They also discuss the upcoming TCS&D Awards. 

In this first episode Shane meets Cold Chain Federation President Tim Moran. Tim leads one of the largest specialist cold chain businesses in the UK. In this episode he talks abut the transition from being MD of the Yearsley Logistics family businesses to joining the worlds largest cold storage business. They also talk about their optimism for the future of the industry and the Federation. 

Welcome to the new Cold Chain Podcast, here is a short intro from your host and CEO of the UK Cold Chain Federation, Shane Brennan