Globalisation key concern at supply chain debate

HE WARNED that the UK’s heavy reliance on offshoring has rendered it especially vulnerable to disruption and highlighted that automation and digital technologies will be key to enabling nearshoring and re-industrialisation.

On 5 June 2025, over 150 supply chain and logistics professionals gathered at the Scala Supply Chain Debate.

The debate included live audience polling, which uncovered that over a third (37%) of respondents saw security and geopolitical conflict as the biggest threat to UK international supply chains in the next five years. This was shortly followed by cyberattacks at 33%. However, the survey also indicated that globalised supply chains are unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon, with over half (51%) of respondents remaining committed to global sourcing and operations and a further 38% actively balancing operations between global and regional suppliers.

Europe and Asia

Meanwhile, 71% of respondents agreed that the current global supply chain landscape is in transition, evolving towards more regional hybrid models. The vast majority (94%) of respondents thought that the current trade tariff war will strengthen ties between European and Asian countries.

Tiger Wang, chairman of China-based Ocean Business Group and co-chairman of SCALA China, opened the debate by reaffirming the value of global supply chains. Tiger called for diversified supply and manufacturing footprints along with greater dialogue between policymakers to reduce tensions and foster greater resilience.

Collaboration

Jennifer Smiley, head of customer supply & logistics at Jordans Dorset Ryvita, went on to acknowledge the rising complexity of today’s global supply chains, citing Brexit, the pandemic, and geopolitical instability as major disruptions. She advocated for product diversification, strong logistics partnerships, and industry collaboration to help navigate an increasingly volatile and complex world.

Kirsty Lantos, COO at Tangle Teezer, expressed that, despite shifting market dynamics and consumer awareness around product origin, Tangle Teezer’s global supply chain continues to offer strategic value, with the benefits provided currently outweighing the risks.

SCALA executive director Chris Clowes, says: “This year’s debate highlighted just how much the global supply chain landscape is evolving and how critical it is for businesses to adapt.

“The panel explored a spectrum of views, from strong advocacy for continued globalisation to calls for greater regional resilience and nearshoring through investment in automation technologies. What was clear is that while globalisation is far from dead, it is no longer the only path forward. Instead, we’re seeing a shift towards more flexible, hybrid models that balance efficiency with resilience, and depend entirely on each business’s unique circumstances. In fact, most attendees agreed that we’re in a transitional phase, rather than an all-out rejection of global supply chains, despite the complex landscapes unfolding around us.”