As of Thursday 9^th April, mandatory housing measures for poultry and flocks of more than 50 captive birds have been lifted in England and Wales, as instructed by the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer on 2^nd April.

The measures were introduced across the whole of England on 6^th November 2025 to prevent the spread of bird flu. The latest risk assessment supported by the best epidemiological and scientific evidence shows that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) levels in wild birds and poultry has reduced.

This means poultry and other captive birds will no longer need to be housed and can now be kept outside.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures will remain in place until the wild bird risk falls further.

The lifting of housing measures applies to all areas unless keepers are in a Protection Zone or Captive Bird Monitoring (Controlled) Zone – these are areas where there has been a recent HPAI outbreak.

Bird gatherings, such as fairs and markets, remain subject to either a general or specific licence.

The lifting means that birds are now allowed access to ranges and outdoor areas, although bird keepers must remain vigilant and implement rigorous and strict biosecurity, as there remains a risk that poultry and other captive birds can still contract bird flu. This includes measures such as disinfecting footwear, clothing and vehicles and equipment before and after entering premises.

As birds have been housed for several months, it may be necessary for birds to be acclimatised and gradually released over a period of days to minimise welfare issues. Defra have issued guidance on preparing to let your birds outside again, which can be found here.

The latest bird flu disease zones can be seen on the map and you can also check details of the restrictions for further advice and information.

Oakland International has announced its first investment in electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs), marking a significant milestone in developing fully electric, low‑carbon, end‑to‑end supply chain solutions delivered by its Oakland Distribution network. This investment supports the company’s ambition to operate logistics routes powered exclusively by electric vehicles.

Contributing to a national network of charging stations which can help link various parts of the UK, the move builds on the company’s investment in operating a 100% electric refrigerated trailer fleet, powered by Eco‑Drive technology that converts engine power into electricity for temperature‑controlled units.

Oakland International Sustainability Officer Elinor Smith commented: “Pressure is increasing on supply chains to decarbonise, and with the likelihood of additional charges in urban and inner‑city locations through schemes such as ULEZ, organisations are paying far closer attention to their carbon impact. Our investment in eHGVs is a natural next step in reducing transport emissions while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals.”

Safat Chowdhury, Head of Expansions and Special Projects at HIVED added: “As the UK’s only all‑electric and B Corp certified parcel delivery company, we share Oakland International’s ambition to accelerate the transition to genuinely low‑carbon logistics.

“Our partnership over several years, spanning EV capacity, charging infrastructure and reusable packaging, has shown what’s possible when like‑minded businesses collaborate. The addition of eHGVs into Oakland’s fleet not only deepens that partnership, but also expands the electric vehicle options available across the middle and final mile, building on the eHGV capability already operating within HIVED’s own fleet.”

Forming a central part of Oakland’s long‑term net zero strategy, the shift to electric HGVs addresses transport, the most significant contributor to the company’s carbon footprint, and responds directly to rising customer demand for low‑carbon logistics solutions and transparent emissions reporting.

The company’s adoption of Mercedes‑Benz eActros 600 and 400 truck models enable efficient, predictable operation on fixed routes, where electric vehicles deliver the strongest performance and lowest running emissions. To integrate the eHGVs into nationwide operations Oakland will expand fast‑charging capacity across its network and form strategic partnerships to enable remote charging, enhancing reliability and route planning.

Oakland Distribution delivers multi‑temperature logistics across the UK and Ireland, operating a fleet spanning 44‑tonne articulated vehicles, rigids and multi‑temperature vans, supporting retail, wholesale, convenience and foodservice channels.

Added Elinor: “This initial investment in eHGVs strengthens our wider programme of sustainable innovation and reinforces our position as one of the sector’s most ethical and environmentally focused supply‑chain leaders.”

A Certified B Corporation, Oakland International is a specialist in multi‑temperature supply‑chain solutions, providing services including storage, distribution, contract packing, consolidation and direct‑to‑consumer delivery. The business is also recognised for its award‑winning distress load management service, leading the market in reducing food waste across the supply chain.

Oakland International team members Michelle Ganderton and Maryam Ghafoor have been announced as finalists in two categories at the Women in Food & Drink Awards, recognised for their leadership and operational impact within the food supply chain.

Michelle Ganderton, shortlisted in the Supply Chain & Logistics Lead category, marks a 25‑year career progression that began on the production line in 1998. Now Head of Direct to Consumer, Michelle is recognised for her hands‑on leadership and commercial delivery, having significantly grown the operation’s customer base, while developing high‑performing teams within a traditionally male‑dominated sector.

Maryam Ghafoor, selected as a finalist in the Rising Star (Operations) category, has been recognised for her rapid progression within the business. Joining Oakland International less than two years ago in the Direct to Consumer operation, Maryam quickly distinguished herself through her analytical, data‑led approach and collaborative leadership style. She now holds the role of Project Manager, delivering operational improvements and supporting business‑wide initiatives.

Oakland International Co‑Founder Dean Attwell commented: “Michelle and Maryam fully embody the values and standards we strive to uphold across Oakland International.

“Michelle’s journey is a powerful example of how deep operational expertise, resilience and leadership can shape a successful career in supply chain and logistics.

“Maryam’s impact in such a short space of time has been exceptional. Her ability to combine data‑driven thinking with a people‑first mindset marks her out as a future leader in our industry. We’re incredibly proud to see both recognised at national level.”

The nominations highlight Oakland International’s continued focus on talent development, operational excellence and creating clear progression pathways across the food and logistics sector.

A Certified B Corporation and a market leader in reducing food waste through its specialist distress load management service, Oakland International is a multi‑temperature supply chain specialist providing end‑to‑end solutions including storage, distribution, contract packing, consolidation and direct‑to‑consumer services throughout the UK and Ireland. Through Green Clover Developments, the business is also investing in sustainable agriculture, vertical farming and low‑carbon food production initiatives.

The Women in Food & Drink Awards celebrate outstanding contribution, leadership and emerging talent across the food, drink and supply chain industries.

Cold stores push equipment harder than almost any other industrial environment. Sub‑zero temperatures, constant moisture, heavy loads and high‑intensity workflows all accelerate wear -meaning the quality and lifecycle of handling attachments can make or break operational reliability.

For frozen‑food operators, understanding what ‘good’ looks like across the lifespan of an attachment is essential for safety, uptime and long‑term value.

Built for the Environment, Not Just the Job

A cold‑store attachment’s lifecycle begins long before it reaches the warehouse floor.  Materials, weld quality, seals, bearings and mechanical tolerances must all be engineered specifically for low‑temperature performance.  Attachments designed for ambient warehouses often struggle in freezing conditions, leading to premature wear, reduced precision and increased maintenance.

Cold‑ready engineering ensures components remain stable, predictable and safe throughout their working life – even during rapid temperature changes or continuous use.

Performance That Stays Consistent

A high‑quality attachment should maintain:

• Smooth, repeatable movement even after thousands of cycles
• Reliable pallet engagement with minimal drift or misalignment
• Structural integrity despite exposure to frost, condensation and heavy loads
• Energy‑efficient operation, reducing forklift strain and run time

Consistency is the hallmark of a well‑engineered lifecycle. When performance starts to vary, downtime and safety risks follow.

Knowing When to Upgrade

End‑of‑life isn’t just about visible wear.  Changes in throughput, pallet types, racking layouts or automation levels can all signal the need for updated equipment.  Modern attachments often deliver better ergonomics, improved energy efficiency and tighter tolerances – offering measurable operational gains.

With more than 50 years of engineering expertise, Contact Attachments supports cold‑store operators throughout the full lifecycle of their equipment, from specification and installation to maintenance and replacement planning.

To discuss your manual handling requirements, contact the team on 01686 611200 or visit www.forklift-attachments.co.uk.