In a year where many sectors are battling shrinking margins, falling demand or economic uncertainty, one corner of the UK economy is consistently punching above its weight: storage, fulfilment and logistics. As online retail keeps growing, consumer expectations around speed and sustainability are rising, and supply chain pressures continue, logistics isn’t just keeping up, it’s growing.
According to Onrec, job vacancies in logistics and warehousing rose by 9% in Q2 2025 compared to Q1, with roles from warehouse operatives to drivers showing strong demand. Cushman & Wakefield reported that take-up of industrial and logistics space rose around 10-11% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2025, driving half-year figures to 16.8 million square feet. The UK logistics market is also expected to grow at some 7.5% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
Why is this happening? A few forces are converging:
- E-commerce is no longer growing incrementally, speed, tracking, and convenience are now basic expectations.
- Environmental and regulatory pressures are pushing firms to adopt more sustainable delivery methods, greener vehicles, plastic-free packaging and fulfilment practices.
- Companies are rethinking supply chains for resilience, shorter lead times, better storage and fulfilment networks closer to consumers.
- Industrial real estate demand is rising, particularly for well-located, energy-efficient space, according to Cushman & Wakefield.
Why PLP’s Consultancy Approach Matters Now
At Parke Lane People (PLP), we’ve been watching these trends closely. We aren’t an “agency” in the commission-first sense, we see ourselves as a consultancy in recruitment. That means finding people who are not just qualified on paper but aligned with business values, culture, and long-term potential.
We’ve seen a steady increase in enquiries from the storage & logistics sector over recent months, many via referrals from members of the Opendoorz networking group, as well as direct approaches. These enquiries aren’t just for generic roles, they’re often for individuals who can help shape businesses: those who understand sustainability, those who can manage fulfilment operations, and those who can help scale storage & delivery efficiently.
We believe PLP’s USPs are especially relevant in this environment:
- Deep understanding of niche needs (e.g. sustainable logistics, fulfilment, storage) rather than simply filling roles.
- Strong referral-based leads (which tend to produce better matches and higher retention).
- A commitment to pairing the values of both client and candidate, especially in sectors where environmental and ethical considerations are increasingly non-negotiable.
As Andy Parke, founder of PLP, explains:
“In today’s market, what sets a recruitment consultancy apart is not just delivering CVs, but helping businesses find people who will build with them, who share the urgency for sustainability, efficiency, and long-term growth. We’re seeing storage & logistics firms not want stop-gap hires, but transformational ones. That’s where a consultancy approach adds value.”
Case Study: Darcica Logistics, Sustainable Growth in Action
One company that exemplifies the direction of the sector is Darcica Logistics, based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. Founded in 2020 by Anthony Tattersall, the business was inspired by family values, named for his daughters Darcey and Jessica, and built with a strong sense of environmental responsibility.
Operating from a 15,000 sq ft facility, Darcica offers a wide array of services: plastic-free e-commerce fulfilment, same-day and next-day courier solutions, pallet deliveries, secure storage and stock management, event logistics and parcel & pallet collections. They deliver locally, nationally and internationally, and have embedded sustainability in multiple dimensions, from the way goods are handled, to how deliveries are made (including via electric vehicles), to tracking CO₂ savings and minimising plastic excess.
Recently, PLP sourced and placed a team member for Darcica, not a quick fix, but a sales & customer service role intended to support Darcica’s expanding operations. This placement is a microcosm of the sector’s needs, individuals who are operationally adept, values-driven, and steeped in logistics & fulfilment skills.
Here’s what Anthony Tattersall, owner of Darcica, says:
“What we needed was someone who understands more than just order-picking or delivery windows. We needed someone who could help us grow sustainably, who cares about efficiency, green standards, and who can help Darcica deliver on both speed and conscience. Working with PLP, we found just that. Their approach is consultative, thorough, and aligned with our values.”
Beyond the single placement, Darcica also demonstrates what many clients in this space are striving for: combining high service levels with environmental leadership. In a market where consumers and business partners increasingly ask how goods are delivered, not just whether, Darcica is positioning itself ahead of the curve.
What This Means for Businesses, Candidates & the Future
For businesses in logistics & storage, the implication is clear: growth is there, but so is competition, for space, for talent, for credibility on sustainability. Choosing the right people matters more than ever. A recruitment consultancy that understands the full picture, values, culture, the operational challenges, becomes more than a service, it becomes a strategic partner.
For candidates, the opportunity is also strong. Roles including sales & customer service roles in warehouse operations, fulfilment, delivery, stock control, supply chain tech are proliferating. The increasing prominence of ethical and environmental standards means that professionals who can combine technical competence with green credentials or values will be very much in demand.
We at PLP believe that sectors like storage & logistics illustrate exactly why the consultancy model in recruitment is not a luxury but a necessity. It forces deeper engagement, better matching, lower turnover, and ultimately more sustainable growth for all involved.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 continues, we expect the momentum in logistics and storage to persist. But success won’t come just by riding the wave, it will come by making thoughtful hires, investing in people who can help improve processes, embedding sustainability, and aligning with partners who aren’t just transaction-focused, but craftsmanship-oriented in their business.
Darcica Logistics is one example, smartly growing, values aligned, delivering both speed and sustainability. PLP sees many more such opportunities, and is ready to help businesses in this sector find the people who will make a difference.
If you’re a logistics or storage business looking to make your next strategic hire, you can reach us through the PLP Contact Page or connect directly with Andy Parke on LinkedIn.