Dentons and BE News once again brought together a panel of leading voices from across the industrial and logistics landscape for a forward-looking roundtable at Dentons’ London offices. This year’s conversation focused on whether the sector is heading for a reset, resurgence or reinvention, with wide-ranging views on market performance, shifting occupier demands and the impact of macroeconomic forces. Alex Coulter, real estate partner at Dentons, and Simon Creasey, Head of Content at BE News, were joined by: Sally Bruer, head of EMEA logistics and industrial & retail research, Cushman & Wakefield; Jonathan Gardner, chief operating officer, Mirastar; Kate Howe, development director, Tritax Big Box; Alina Iorgulescu, portfolio manager, CBRE Europe Logistics Partners, CBRE IM; Bonnie Minshull, head of London, SEGRO; Bridget Outtrim, director, South East Industrial, Savills; and Logan Smith, head of European logistics, Hines.

Following the exceptional growth of recent years, the industrial and logistics sector has settled into a more restrained period of activity. While dealmaking and development have not come to a halt, the pace remains subdued, with occupiers and investors navigating a complex environment shaped by cost pressures, tariff uncertainty and tightening financial requirements. Affordability, from labour and energy to business rates, continues to challenge occupiers, while rising fit-out costs and the availability of power are increasingly critical to operational decisions and investment viability.

Despite the headwinds, the conversation revealed signs of cautious confidence. The sector’s ability to adapt is underpinned by a broad mix of occupiers and shifting demand patterns, including increased outsourcing and rising interest in logistics-adjacent uses such as data centres. Sustainability remains embedded in market expectations, though the bar is rising, particularly for those relying on green finance. On the capital side, most current activity is centred on value-add and core-plus deals, but there is optimism that core capital will return to the market in due course. Participants also noted that government investment, particularly in areas such as defence, could act as a catalyst for future demand. Looking ahead, long-term success will rely on continued evolution to meet changing occupier requirements, advancing technology and increasing power needs. While not immune from macroeconomic pressures, industrial and logistics remains a vital and resilient part of the UK’s economic infrastructure.

Click to read the full discussion What’s next for I&L – reset, resurgence or reinvention? as reported in BE NEWS on Monday 4 August.