Workplace360: Can you share a general prediction for the warehousing sector over the next 12 months?
Steph Gentle: The warehousing and logistics category is set for solid growth, driven by e-commerce and ongoing investment in modern storage. Construction activity is expected to rise sharply in 2026, translating into stronger demand for reconfigurable products such as adaptable storage and vertical space solutions.
W360: How do your products help address labour shortages and improve operational efficiency?
SG: Clear, consistent signage speeds up picking and reduces search times for new, temporary and even experienced staff. Our magnetic systems also add flexibility with no downtime during re-labelling.
Our products simplify the environment and make it more visual, accelerating training, improving compliance and reducing errors. Solutions like Modulean shadow boards, racksacks and floor markings, for example, make best practice intuitive.
W360: Are there any new areas related to the category that you’ve ventured into?
SG: We’ve moved into projected floor signs, which complement our safety and ID range. This technology solves durability issues as the projected image never wears out, eliminating the need to replace adhesive signs or repaint markings. They provide high-impact warnings and can be moved instantly, making them ideal for fast-changing warehouse layouts.
W360: What sustainability initiatives have you introduced, and how are customers responding?
SG: Since the UK’s Simpler Recycling legislation came into effect in March 2025, waste separation has become mandatory for all workplaces in England, including warehouses. Our racksack range supports this transition by making segregation easy while saving floor space. Alongside the original racksack designed for aisle ends, the collection includes the racksack mini for desks, nano for pallet trucks and rollcage, as well as trolleys.
Customers value the ability to stay compliant with the new law, avoiding potential fines and improving sustainability without major infrastructural investment.
W360: What role is automation or smart technology playing in your product development?
SG: As automation grows, warehouses still rely on accurate physical identification. Warehouse management systems, barcode scanners and automated mobile robots only work correctly when racking is correctly labelled and safety information is evident and legal.
As a result, automation hasn’t reduced demand for low-tech visual management – it’s increased it. Our role is to refine these essential products while supporting customers with smart tools behind the scenes.
More complex warehouses are raising new safety concerns and compliance requirements.
Auditors and insurers are scrutinising weight load notices, floor marking and impact protection more closely, meaning many sites are upgrading older systems. We’re also seeing ongoing demand for low-tech tools that safely separate staff and material handling equipment.
W360: How can your products support neurodiversity?
SG: More businesses are prioritising inclusive design and simple visual communication can make a meaningful difference every day. Many of our products naturally support neurodiverse colleagues by adding clarity, consistency and structure to busy environments.
Clear rack labels, colour-coded signage, defined floor markings and tools such as frames4docs, racksacks and other identification solutions all reduce cognitive load and make navigation easier.
W360: What advice would you give dealers looking to strengthen their warehouse offering?
SG: Focus on the essentials. Automated or not, every warehouse needs labelling, safety signage and visual management. It also pays to understand customers’ challenges; label specification or choosing the right fixing adds real value and builds trust quickly.
Finally, keep product information up to date, with sharp images, accurate data sheets and correct branding – professional presentation gives dealers a clear advantage.
The Warehouse of the Future: Predictions from 2025 to 2030 – UK Warehousing Association (UKWA)
The warehousing sector is set for transformation over the next two decades. According to the UKWA report, warehouses of the future will be optimised for sustainability, efficiency and long-term productivity. Among the most significant changes dealers should be aware of are:
Facilities and workforce
Future warehouses will be larger and multi-functional, combining industrial operations with offices, training zones and amenities to balance human and automated workflows. As labour shortages persist, high-quality facilities– including gyms, EV charging, efficient public transport links, affordable onsite childcare and secure parking – will become standard.
Automation
Robotics will be leveraged to improve safety and reduce costs, with semi-automated solutions widely retrofitted in high-volume operations. While Robots as a Service can reduce trial risks, most automation is expected to be purchased or leased. Implementation will also result in infrastructure changes, including robust electrical networks, larger dark stores and smoother mezzanine floors.
AI
AI-enabled building management systems will monitor heating, ventilation, lighting and security in real time, automatically adjusting conditions and guiding evacuations. AI will also connect legacy and modern systems, helping to streamline operations without costly upgrades. Cybersecurity will therefore be essential to protect against sophisticated, advanced threats.
Green energy
The UK government aims for 70 GW of solar capacity by 2030 and recognises warehouse rooftops as an untapped resource, offering strong finance options and payback periods of 4-5 years. Warehouse roof space will therefore increasingly host solar panels and electrically powered vehicles will become standard, alongside lighter, recycled packaging to reduce transport costs.
Inventory
Consumers now expect choice, competitive prices and near-perfect availability, with fast delivery and simple returns processes. To maintain these service levels, warehouses need to hold more inventory, putting pressure on space. At the same time, ‘asset-light’ lifestyles mean people will shop more often and in smaller quantities, provided both price and product access remain steady.
