This week’s unveiling of the Future Space Survey 2025, the 8th annual real estate study from Savills and Tritax Big Box, provided a fascinating insight into how the UK logistics sector is faring.

Over 300 participants, including developers and investors, took part in the study, revealing that the number one issue for the third consecutive year is concern about accessing the power sites need to be developed and let.

In parallel, there is growing concern about how warehouses will decarbonize and meet ESG goals, given the thousands of connection points that will be required to charge EVs electric Goods Vehicles (eGVs). This was a key discussion point on the panel, alongside the current low levels of solar PV on warehouse rooftops and uncertainties around government policy.

With waiting lists for grid connections often stretching to around 15 years, location and access to power have never been more critical. This sentiment was echoed by the panellists Claire Bottle, Chief Executive, UK Warehousing Association; Phil Roe, President, Logistics UK; Gareth Osbourne, Head of Real Estate Solutions (UK&I), DHL, and Dave Travis, Head of Manchester Office, Tritax Big Box Developments.

Guest speaker Rory Stewart, an academic, former politician, and diplomat wrapped up the event with a speech in which he outlined the unpredictability of the current geopolitical landscape and its potential impact on the logistics supply chain, energy, and raw materials.

For advice on grid connections and energy planning contact Steve Jeffers, Director of Business Development, for an initial discussion.

A recording from the event and the full Future Space Survey report is available here.