Leaders debate future of global supply chains

1. Top Threats to UK International Supply Chains

Geopolitical conflict and cybersecurity were highlighted as the top threats to UK international supply chains at the 22nd annual industry debate of global supply chain and logistics consultancy, SCALA, last week.

2. Event Draws Over 150 Supply Chain Professionals

On 5 June 2025, over 150 supply chain and logistics professionals, along with panellists from the likes of Jordans Dorset Ryvita and Tangle Teezer, gathered to discuss whether it’s time to shift global supply chain strategies amid ever-evolving geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscapes.

3. Survey Results: Security and Geopolitics Lead Concerns

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.

4. Shift Toward Regional Hybrid Supply Chain Models

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.

5. Diverse Perspectives on the Future of Globalisation

Illuminating a range of pertinent viewpoints, the debate saw four expert panellists from the worlds of manufacturing, global logistics, and academia take to the stage and put forward their cases for – or against – globalised supply chains.

6. Tiger Wang: A Strong Case for Global Supply Chains

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. He expressed that, despite recent disruptions, globalised supply chains are here to stay – noting their importance to economic development in developing nations, for example. Tiger called for diversified supply and manufacturing footprints along with greater dialogue between policymakers to reduce tensions and foster greater resilience.

7. Jordans Dorset Ryvita: The Role of Diversification and 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 wor

8. Tangle Teezer: Strategic Benefits Still Outweigh the Risks

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.

9. Academic Insight: Has Globalisation Peaked?

Finally, Professor John Manners-Bell, founder of the Foundation for Future Supply Chain and author of The Death of Globalization, contended that globalisation has reached its peak. 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.

10. SCALA’s Summary: Flexibility is the Future

Chris Clowes, executive director at SCALA and chair of the debate, commented:

“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…”

11. Industry Support and Event Sponsors

The event, which took place at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, was proudly supported by Aptean, CILT (UK), Culina Group, DHL, GXO, Infios, Iron Mountain, and XPO Logistics.

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