Sustainable future

The Cold Chain industry is always bustling, but the holiday season amplifies this energy to a whole new level. As we approach Christmas, it’s a fitting time to reflect on my first year as CEO of the Cold Chain Federation. One word that perfectly encapsulates this experience is relentless.

We are an industry that is relentlessly heading towards a sustainable future, working 365 days a year and relentlessly adopting new and innovative ways of increasing productivity.

Why should the Cold Chain Federation be any different? My role has been the most demanding year of my life. Yet, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for a sector vital to UK PLCs and the consumer. I feel privileged to be among the few who champion and bolster the Cold Chain.

Over the past year, the CCF has flourished, and our rapport with politicians and stakeholders has never been stronger. Our events are more popular than ever, and our thought leadership is growing year by year. The industry’s unwavering support and infectious passion have been a source of immense gratitude for me.

One of the year’s many highlights has been launching and presenting our first cohort of winners for the Emerging Leaders Bursary programme. Launched earlier this year, the Cold Chain Emerging Leaders programme aims to cultivate crucial skills and experience that current and future industry leaders need. The award recipients participate in a year-long programme that includes residential sessions, online workshops, and coaching modules, all intended to prepare them to become influential leaders in the cold chain sector.

The sector’s skills mismatch is a widely discussed issue, and here at the Federation, we are determined to play our part in addressing it. In 2025, we aim to build on our progress and offer more places on the Leadership Trust courses, with further initiatives to be announced in due course.

That is not the only project on the table for 2025. It has been an important time as I have been locked away with the CCF Team as we plan 2025. With designs on building on a successful events calendar, a bigger and more insightful Cold Chain Report, and Cold Chain News going to the next level, it is going to be an exciting time.

We also hope to make real headway with the Government as they settle into a routine and we as a country achieve the stability that we have craved over the past few years.

Phil Pluck

CEO, Cold Chain Federation

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