Two Forces Shaping UK Supply Chains
The UK supply chain landscape in 2025 is being shaped by two powerful but contrasting forces. On one side, businesses are investing heavily in automation and innovation to drive efficiency and competitiveness. On the other, they are grappling with policy-driven disruption that threatens jobs, energy security, and long-term resilience.
Two recent headlines capture this tension perfectly:
-
Marks & Spencer is investing £340 million in a state-of-the-art automated distribution centre in Daventry, designed to transform food logistics.
-
The UK’s largest bioethanol facility, Vivergo Fuels in Hull, is closing following a trade deal with the US that lifted tariffs on imported American bioethanol, putting up to 4,000 supply chain jobs at risk.
For employers and hiring managers, these stories highlight the urgent need to build teams that can both embrace digital transformation and manage the risks of geopolitical and policy uncertainty.
Automation on the Rise: The M&S Daventry Investment
Marks & Spencer’s £340m automated warehouse, due to open in 2029, represents a major milestone in UK logistics. By embracing robotics and advanced warehouse management systems, M&S aims to create a faster, smarter, and more resilient supply chain for its food business.
What does this mean for supply chain careers?
Automation will not eliminate jobs but reshape them. Skills in demand will include:
-
Procurement professionals who can manage complex supplier networks for automated environments.
-
Supply chain managers with experience in warehouse automation and robotics.
-
Technology-savvy leaders who can integrate digital supply chain solutions.
-
Data analysts who can interpret performance insights from automated systems.
For employers, this means recruitment strategies must evolve to attract procurement and supply chain talent with a strong digital skillset.
Policy Disruption: The Closure of Vivergo Fuels
At the same time, UK supply chains are facing significant disruption from policy decisions. In August 2025, Vivergo Fuels in Hull — the country’s largest bioethanol plant — announced it would shut down, following the removal of tariffs on US bioethanol imports as part of a UK-US trade agreement.
Why does this matter for supply chain recruitment?
The closure highlights how vulnerable supply chains are to international policy and market shifts:
-
Job losses and skill displacement across up to 4,000 roles in the green fuel supply chain.
-
Energy resilience concerns, with the UK becoming more reliant on imported biofuels.
-
Procurement and supply chain teams forced to adapt to shifting global supplier landscapes.
Employers increasingly need strategic procurement and supply chain professionals who can anticipate and respond to global trade disruptions, diversify suppliers, and build resilience into operations.
The New Reality: A Dual Focus for Hiring Managers
Together, the M&S investment and Vivergo closure highlight the complexity of today’s supply chain environment:
-
Innovation and automation are critical for future growth.
-
Resilience and adaptability are vital to withstand policy, trade, and market disruptions.
Hiring managers must now look for professionals with hybrid skills — individuals who understand digital supply chains but also bring expertise in risk management, supplier diversification, and long-term strategy.
Partnering With Experts in Supply Chain Recruitment
At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we specialise in helping organisations across the UK secure the procurement and supply chain professionals they need to thrive — whether you’re seeking automation specialists, procurement leaders, or supply chain managers skilled in risk mitigation.
We understand that every organisation faces unique challenges, from integrating robotics into warehouse operations to navigating global supply chain disruptions. Our team brings over 45 years of recruitment expertise in technical and engineering sectors, making us the trusted partner for businesses shaping the future of supply chain management.
Explore our expertise here: Purchasing & Supply Chain Recruitment
Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Supply Chains
The UK supply chain in 2025 is shaped by contrasts: automation unlocking new efficiencies, and policy decisions disrupting established industries. For businesses, success depends on building teams capable of navigating both.
By partnering with a specialist recruitment partner, you can ensure your business has the procurement and supply chain professionals it needs to embrace innovation while managing today’s uncertainties.
Jonathan Lee Recruitment is here to help you find the people who will shape your supply chain’s future – Contact Dan Plimmer today for more information – 01384 446 174 / dan.plimmer@jonlee.co.uk.
Share this blog post
