Meet Transaid

Exhibiting at IMHX 2022

Stand UK7

Ahead of IMHX 2022, Caroline Barber - Chief Executive at Transaid, chatted to us about all things IMHX, new product launches, sustainability and key market trends to watch out for.

To learn more about Transaid, visit them at IMHX 2022 or head over to the Transaid website.

How do you view the outlook for the UK logistics industry?

COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges for the transport and logistics industry. Supply chains were disrupted and labour shortages were exacerbated. However, our sector is resilient and whilst 2022 is bringing a new set of challenges, there are also opportunities ahead, especially for companies who are embracing change and responding to the evolving market demands.

Transaid is an organisation that transforms lives through safe, available, and sustainable transport. Founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, we work with communities, partners, and governments to solve transport challenges throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In the countries where Transaid works we are seeing first-hand the effects of disruption to manufacturing and to supply chains. We are seeing a reversal in previous gains made in tackling nutrition, malaria and maternal health.

However, we are very proud that our work is continuing to make a real impact and that is testament to the strength of our partners in the UK and in the countries where we work.

What new initiatives are you launching in 2022?

Transaid is involved in a number of exciting new initiatives in 2022. Our road safety work continues in Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. We have helped form a National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Kenya and 2022 will see the launch of a number of activities to increase the uptake of helmet wearing for motorcycle taxi and passengers alike.

In Uganda we are working closely with Ministry of Health to support long distance truck drivers with access to information about COVID-19, providing testing at land borders and broader road safety messaging.

We have been busy training truck driver trainers in Ghana and working closely with the authorities to develop a new training standard for truck drivers in the country.

Our next UK cycle challenge - Hadrian’s Cycleway is set to take place this September and we are preparing for a team of up to 40 riders to tackle the 157-mile route across a stunning World Heritage Site. To find out more about the challenge, and to register your interest please click here.

How has Transaid embraced sustainability?

Transaid is involved in a number of important initiatives this year.

Our rural mobility programmes have delivered strong results with a low carbon footprint and we are looking into a range of scale up options.

What key trends should we watch out for?

The trend towards increased demand for home delivery/collection points is likely to continue with many companies needing to respond to evolving customer focused fulfilment requirements.

Companies will need to continue to innovate and many will continue to invest in automation over the next few years, especially with the drive for more digital solutions and more traceability through the supply chain.

There is still work to be done to address the driver shortage and recruit and retain talent in the industry. Deliberate and coordinated strategies are required to make progress in these areas.

For Transaid, we look forward to continue working closely with our corporate partners to and share their expertise and solutions with our partners in Africa. As government funding for global health (amongst other areas) is scaled back or diverted, the support we receive from our corporate partners has never been so important. We are truly grateful to our 36 corporate partners who are truly help to transform lives in Africa.