Warehouse Sector Boom: How We Deliver Specialist Warehouse Solutions
- KTCS Ltd Team
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
The UK warehouse sector is experiencing extraordinary growth, with demand for high-quality warehousing space continuing to rise dramatically. As specialist construction consultants with deep expertise in warehouse transformations, we at KTCS are perfectly positioned to help businesses navigate this dynamic landscape.
The Expanding Warehouse Market
Recent market research paints a compelling picture of the warehouse sector's remarkable trajectory.
According to the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) report published by Savills in April 2024, the UK warehousing sector has grown by 61% over the past decade, now encompassing nearly 700 million square feet of space. This expansion reflects the sector's critical importance to both supply chains and the broader UK economy.
The Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast for 2024-2026 predicts warehouse and logistics project starts will increase by 9% per annum in 2025 and 2026, driven by the anticipated recovery in consumer spending.
Key Factors Driving Warehouse Demand
Several factors are fuelling this extraordinary growth:
Evolution of Warehouse Functionality
Modern warehouses now serve as central hubs of supply chain activity, handling complex operations including reworking, assembly, personalisation, packaging, dispatching, returns management, and recycling—becoming vital components of the circular economy.
E-commerce Expansion
The most dramatic shift has been the rise of online retail. The UKWA report reveals that online retailers have increased their warehouse footprint by an astonishing 813% over the last decade. With online retail penetration forecast to exceed 30% in the UK by 2028, this trend shows no signs of slowing.
Larger Facilities
Warehouses are getting bigger, with units over 1 million square feet now comprising 10% of the stock, up from just 3% in 2015. The average build-to-suit warehouse has increased from 297,000 square feet in 2015 to 333,000 square feet in 2023.
Our Warehouse Construction Expertise
As warehouses evolve from simple storage facilities into sophisticated distribution hubs, businesses need construction consultants with specialised expertise in this sector. At KTCS, we deliver comprehensive project management for warehouse fit-outs, bringing proven expertise in coordinating complex installations across multiple specialist trades.
Our Warehouse Services
Drawing on our extensive warehouse sector experience, we offer:
Expert Project Management
We deliver comprehensive project management for warehouse fit-outs, guiding projects from initial planning through to final commissioning while ensuring exceptional quality and cost control. Our experienced team provides a single point of contact and clear accountability for project success.
Complex Installation Coordination
Our project managers coordinate all technical aspects of warehouse fit-outs, from complex racking systems and fire protection to security infrastructure and mechanical and electrical services. We oversee every detail, including loading bays, temperature control systems, and mezzanine floors, ensuring seamless integration with existing operations.
Minimising Operational Disruption
We understand businesses cannot stop for renovations. We specialise in developing carefully phased implementation plans that allow operations to continue throughout construction and modification work, minimising disruption to daily business activities.
Design Services
With our in-house architectural technicians, we deliver essential design documentation for warehouse facilities, including complex racking systems. Using advanced CAD technology, we create realistic rendering and precisely coordinated drawings that guide accurate project delivery.
Future-Proofing Facilities
We design with flexibility in mind, considering future expansion, automation integration, and operational changes to protect long-term investments. This is crucial as warehouses continue to evolve in size and complexity.
Case Study: Iron Mountain at Magna Park North
A prime example of our warehouse expertise is our work at Iron Mountain's state-of-the-art facility in Lutterworth. Our in-house technical team developed general arrangement layouts and contractor specifications for both office areas and digital storage processing facilities across both MPN2 and MPN3 projects. The project included coordinating designs for warehouse storage systems, fire protection infrastructure, and mechanical and electrical installations.
We site-managed all works at the 503,200 square foot MPN2 facility, completing the project on time and within budget. Our approach to design management supported clear communication between all parties throughout the project.
Meeting the Challenges of Modern Warehousing
We address key challenges in warehouse construction:
Space Optimisation
Our technical team develops innovative layouts that improve workflow and accommodate modern storage systems, helping businesses maximise every square foot of space.
Cost Control
Through early issue identification, value engineering, and efficient installation planning, we help control costs on major facility projects, ensuring budgets work as hard as possible.
Compliance
Our designs ensure full compliance with current building regulations and safety standards while anticipating future requirements, preventing costly modifications later.
Looking Forward
With the warehousing sector projected to continue its strong growth trajectory through 2025 and beyond, businesses seeking to expand or optimise their warehouse facilities need partners with specialised expertise.
At KTCS Construction Consultants, our deep understanding of warehouse environments and proven track record of delivering complex projects for prestigious clients including Iron Mountain and Oasis Group enables us to offer the comprehensive services needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving sector.
For businesses looking to capitalise on the warehouse boom, we provide the expertise, experience, and hands-on approach needed to create efficient, future-proof warehouse facilities built for the demands of modern supply chains.