UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 25, 2025 / Despite continued growth in the UK’s e-commerce and logistics sectors, Midland Pallet Trucks has warned that too many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are delaying essential warehouse investments - a trend that could be eroding productivity and profit margins across the supply chain.

As online sales remain strong and consumer expectations for fast delivery intensify, warehouse operations are under more pressure than ever. However, with inflationary costs and economic uncertainty still weighting on business decisions, many firms are holding off on replacing or upgrading vital manual handling equipment until failures occur. Reactive maintenance has a much higher cost than proactive investment, once lost productivity and downtime are factored in.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, “It’s understandable that in a tight economic climate, businesses want to control spending. But the irony is that delaying investment in essential handling equipment - pallet trucks, stackers, lift tables - often costs more in the long run.

“A single equipment breakdown can stall entire warehouse operations, especially during peak trading periods. Forward-thinking investment isn’t an expense; it’s a safeguard for efficiency and reliability.”

With warehousing underpinning the UK’s £170 billion logistics sector, even small operational inefficiencies can ripple throughout the supply chain. Research from Logistics UK found that over 8% of the national workforce is employed in logistics - yet many smaller operations lack access to modern, ergonomic equipment designed to improve safety and throughput.

Midland Pallet Trucks believes the gap between booming demand and underfunded infrastructure is widening, particularly among SMEs that operate on narrow margins.

“Warehouses don’t need to overhaul everything overnight,” Chesworth added. “But taking a phased approach, starting with the most critical equipment, helps future-proof operations and keeps businesses competitive. Those that invest now will be in a much stronger position to meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond.”

For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com.