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International express distribution is set for a major upsurge over the next decade - outstripping global economic growth, according to a new report.

A Cranfield School of Management study confirms predictions that express delivery could grow by 18 per cent by 2015.

Shell's corruption fears_2

After cancelling 69 supplier contracts last year for failing to meet its ethical, health, safety and environmental standards, Dutch-Anglo oil group, Royal Dutch-Shell, has revealed it is also unhappy with the “unethical” behaviour of some of its large Europe-based suppliers.

Insularity cost Railtrack_2

An insular geographic structure helped to fuel the decline of Railtrack, Martyn Pellew, director of Unipart Rail’s logistics division, told delegates. The company’s seven “zones” across the UK were a prime example of financial isolationism, in which overlapping profit centres infringed upon each other and best practice was not always passed on, he said.

NHS savings target beaten_2

NHS Supplies cut purchasing costs in the health service by £113.4 million last year, exceeding the Department of Health’s target for savings of £82.5 million. An NHS Supplies spokesperson said the reductions, unveiled last month in its annual report, were achieved by replacing regional and local contracts with national agreements and by benchmarking prices in specific areas.

Supply Network Strategies_2

Lars-Erik Gadde and Hakan Hakansson Wiley, £23.95 Rating: 4/5

Online Dispute Resolution _2

Ethan Katsh and Janet Rifkin Wiley, £25.50 Rating: 4/5

University of North Texas_2

Security institute set up_2

Amid concerns over online security for business-to-business trading, the UK is to get its first professional institute for IT security and forensic computing staff. The Institute for Communications Arbitration and Forensics (Icaf) will award accreditation to universities offering computer security in IT degrees and dispute resolution. It will also have a register of experts. a

High-tech boost for Wales_2

The Welsh Development Agency has established an £11.5 million Technology Exploitation Programme to support small and medium-sized businesses in west Wales and the valleys. Among other initiatives, the agency has earmarked £5 million to support new products, processes and technology.

Stock loss reduction call_2

Increased collaboration between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers would identify and reduce stock loss in the retail supply chain, according to a new report.