Akabo Media organised the two-day multi-channel conference at the Connaught Rooms London WC1 as a strong retail mix to final mile logistics that was a diary must-do in the heart of London.

Dr Jonathan Gorst Sheffield Hallam University and return logistics expert chaired, opening speech by Ben Farrell, head of operations at John Lewis, ‘How to manage omni-channel from single channel, asymmetric retail and the customer experience.

LSA chair Carl Lomas followed, ‘measures to consider for retail deliveries’

Body Shop supply chain manager Simon Pattenden spoke on benefits of automation, Vinesh Patel, Sky covered the formula for better returns.

A host of network opportunities and panel discussions were then expertly orchestrated by Jonathan Gorst where retail met logistics to form next generation solutions to final mile.

Carl Lomas, both chair of the LSA and an academic fellow in logistics at the University of Derby spoke perception of value and time in final mile delivery. He then delivered a vision of client chain terminology before showcasing the journey of a pineapple that he has made his own iconic delivery of the final mile logistics solution. There was education too, Degree apprenticeship for Express managers and even a little philosophy of final mile views.

Lomas set context at the Connaught Rooms OmniChannel conf, ‘single channel, pure play, omni-channel, what about omni-channel catalogue, (Screwfix & Argos). ‘Today I will finish with another term, Client Chain! I will glimpse at the next generation of final mile vehicles and challenge the philosophy of your vision in Logistics.’ Lomas, explaining the value of delivery, reviewed the perception of logisticians' values on delivery time, then focused on client perception; he used the journey of a pineapple and its final mile to home free of charge to set the scene for sustainability of final mile in 2025. Lomas, ‘What is express logistics’, then a brief timeline of final mile e-retail before discussing the challenges of free delivery. ‘Ian Wainwright legacy, (2016) the perception of free delivery’. ‘How important is the consumer to the logistics solution, client is king but if you offer next day by nine they will all click it!’ ‘We must recognise the Client Chain.’ Lomas took a glimpse at the next generation final mile vehicles before next generation Trailblazer qualifications for Express. He closed with some academic philosophy of vision in Logistics, how do we see the world and how does the client see the world.