After a Summer of heatwaves and droughts, many farmers are left facing the impact on their crop yield and winter supplies. However, this is not the only challenge our food supply chain currently faces.

This week, the Food Foundation has drawn attention to the impact extreme weather has had on many the UK’s international suppliers, with their latest report finding that 90% of the UK’s top fruit and vegetable supply partners were vulnerable to the effects of the shifting climate.

The report named Farming for 5-a-day, denotes that the UK currently imports 40% of its fruit, with imports making up 80% of our fruit supply.  This leaves us open to supply shortages and price increases, whilst also making us significantly more reliant on imported food than the rest of Europe.

This report comes just weeks after the publication of a multi-sector letter calling for the introduction of a ‘Good Food Bill’ to increase food security within the UK.

The Government’s National Security Assessment published in January, also found global ecosystems to be at a high risk of collapse due to continued degradation, unless significant action is taken. It also stated that the “UK relies on imports for a proportion of both food and fertiliser and cannot currently produce enough food to feed its population”.

This highlights the growing necessity of investing in new agricultural technologies, increasing the resiliency of our domestic food supply and supporting climate change adaptation.

Temperature-controlled storage is a key factor in strengthening the resiliency of the UK’s food supply chain. With extreme temperatures set to become the new normal for UK Summers, increased use of cold storage will be necessary to prevent food waste and extend the shelf life of perishable items, which may not be as readily available as we have become accustomed to.

Refrigerated containers have the additional bonus of mobility, rapid delivery and low expenditure when compared to traditional purpose-built cold rooms. This makes them more accessible to farmers, small businesses and wholesalers, all essential building blocks when developing a stronger supply chain.

If you are looking to proactively prepare your business ahead of next year’s Summer heat or need to increase your cold storage capacity to meet seasonal demand, speak to one of our experts today.

Call 01473 261780 or email sales@sevenrefrigeration.co.uk to get a quote.

SMEs often face tight budgets and limited storage, all whilst trying to establish themselves amongst existing industry competitors.

Hiring a refrigerated container can help entrepreneurs get their business off the ground and provide a solution for business owners looking to scale up their existing operations.

Reduce overheads

Small and medium businesses often don’t have the capital to build cold storage facilities onsite, yet need increased temperature-controlled storage capacity to gain market share, compete with larger businesses and meet customer demand.

Our refrigerated containers are available on flexible hire terms and can be delivered anywhere within the UK where there is a suitable power source.

The flexibility and mobility of refrigerated containers mean that businesses can increase their capacity quickly, whilst avoiding expensive long-term investment. They can have additional storage when needed, instead of it being a continual cost to consider, making them ideal for expansion or during periods of peak demand.

Help growth and scalability

There is often a catch-22 that many business owners face when looking to grow or upscale their business. Increased capacity means more room for stock, more stock means greater sales potential, resulting in higher profits. However, building additional internal temperature-controlled storage takes time and money, delaying opportunities for expansion and creating larger overheads.

In comparison, a refrigerated container can be delivered and setup quickly, at a more affordable price point than having an extension built or building work done. Hiring a unit also allows a business to adapt their storage capacity depending on demand and budgets, instead of being tied into a long-term investment.

Improve logistics

Working out of a small industrial unit, warehouse or office, can mean having to rely on third-party storage spaces to store your temperature-sensitive goods. Having your own storage onsite can therefore speed up your internal procedures, whilst also allowing you to distribute your goods straight from site, improving speed and efficiency.

Minimise waste

Temperature-sensitive goods require specific storage conditions to meet industry standards, preserve the quality of the goods and prevent waste.

Using temperature-controlled storage containers allows a business to meet these requirements, monitor their stock regularly onsite and extend the shelf life of goods. Reduced waste improves profit margins, whilst product quality means greater customer satisfaction, making return business more likely.

Interested in hiring a refrigerated container for your business? Speak to one of our experts today, call 01473 261780 or email sales@sevenrefrigeration.co.uk

This week the government announced a further £20 million funding to develop automated systems and farm robots to assist in the planting, tending and harvesting of crops.

The aim is to speed up the development of agricultural technology, so that it can be rolled out commercially to reduce the pressure on UK farmers. As Farming Minister Stephen Morgan stated: “This funding will help put cutting-edge robots and technology into their hands, easing that burden while boosting yield and profits.”

Earlier this year the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) highlighted “The potential for a major food crisis” due to our reliance on food, fuel and fertilizer imports from overseas.

Technological advancements could increase productivity and strengthen the resilience of the sector, which has been experiencing increased pressure following the conflict in the Middle East and subsequent delays from international suppliers.

New robots are being built to pick fruit and vegetables during harvest, replacing the need for seasonal workers which are now increasingly hard to find. Technology is even being developed to detect bovine respiratory disease early in dairy cows, which could prevent animal loss and costly veterinary bills. If this new agricultural technology can be developed and rolled out to farmers across the UK, then this should upscale Britain’s food production, resulting in less reliance on imports to feed the nation.

However, increased production is only one factor when aiming to strengthen Britain’s food system, having suitable cold storage to prolong the shelf life of the food grown will be essential.

During a period where many are already facing increasing overheads, the cost of building new cold store facilities will be the last thing many producers will want to consider. This is where refrigerated containers can provide a necessary solution.

Available on flexible hire terms, temperature-controlled storage containers can increase storage capacity, whilst keeping costs within budget. A 20ft or 40ft container can be onsite for the duration of the harvest season and then removed once completed, meaning farmers only pay for additional storage when it is in use, instead of the ongoing cost of building and maintaining on-site cold storage facilities.

The speed and mobility of refrigerated containers also means that cold storage can be scaled up rapidly in reaction to larger crop yields, preventing potential crop loss or waste.

Looking to increase your storage capacity? Call the team today on 01473 261780 or email sales@sevenrefrigeration.co.uk.

Artwork, antiques and artifacts

Due to the fragile nature of artwork, antiques and artifacts, they require cold storage with adjustable humidity settings to protect them. Exposure to moisture and heat caused by high ambient temperatures, could result in mould growth or warping, causing irreversible damage.

Galleries and museums that store vast collections often have their own specifically build temperature-controlled storage facilities to protect their assets, however there can be times during renovations, site moves or one-off exhibitions, where smaller short-term storage is required. Temperature-controlled storage containers provide a suitable alternative option for these events.

Flowers, plants and seedlings

Storing freshly cut flowers inside a refrigerated container can extend their shelf life prior to sale or display, whether that be in a florist, supermarket or flower show.

Plants thrive in specific temperatures unique to their country of origin. A temperature-controlled environment can therefore be advantageous for plant storage, as it can create the ideal setting for plants to flourish before use.

Seedlings and soil test samples collected by horticultural scientists, researchers and propagation specialists also require set temperatures for storage. Refrigerated containers can provide the environment necessary, with the additional benefit of being mobile, meaning they can also be used onsite during sample collection.

Food and drink

Whether fresh or frozen, a wide variety of food and drink requires temperature-controlled storage to preserve the taste, quality and safety of the product. Wholesalers, manufacturers, supermarkets, meal-kit providers, bakers, butchers and farmers all use refrigerated containers to increase their temperature-controlled storage capacity.

Medications, vaccines and biological samples

Tablet and capsule medications require storage at room temperature (up to 25°c) to ensure the stability and the medication prior to use. High ambient temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of some medicines, whilst increasing the potency of others, both of which could cause substantial health risks to a patient.

Vaccines, injections and specialist medications have even stricter temperature storage requirements, usually requiring storage at temperatures between 2°c and 8°c to ensure patient safety.

Biological samples are also temperature-sensitive, with poor storage resulting in spoiled or unreliable test results. This is why many hospitals, health clinics and laboratories utilise refrigerated storage containers for additional storage, as part of their emergency planning or during building maintenance and construction.

Timber and resin

Timber requires storage in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent the material from warping prior to use, whilst resin needs to be kept at set temperatures to stop the liquid from hardening.

Call 01473 261780 today to discover how we can help you get the storage you need.

For owner-drivers and small haulage companies, securing consistent work is one of the most persistent challenges in the industry. Fuel costs fluctuate, downtime reduces margins, and winning contracts independently takes time and resources that smaller operators often cannot spare.

Logistics subcontracting offers a practical solution. By partnering with an established logistics operator, owner-drivers can access a steady pipeline of work, more predictable income, and operational support without the overhead of competing for contracts alone.

Why do small hauliers struggle to scale independently?

Independent operators face a distinct set of pressures that larger fleets simply do not encounter in the same way.

Winning direct contracts requires time, relationships, and often a proven track record with major clients. Without that infrastructure, many owner-drivers rely on spot freight markets, which are unpredictable and increasingly competitive. One quiet week can have a serious knock-on effect on cash flow.

At the same time, operating costs continue to rise. Fuel, AdBlue, maintenance, and compliance costs eat into margins before a single invoice is paid. Managing these costs while also sourcing the next job creates a cycle that makes growth difficult to plan for.

Then there is vehicle utilisation. Empty running, long gaps between loads, and inefficient routing all reduce earning potential. Without a strong network behind you, maximising utilisation is hard to achieve consistently.

What is logistics subcontracting?

Logistics subcontracting is a working arrangement where an owner-driver or small haulier carries out transport jobs on behalf of a larger logistics operator. The larger company holds the contracts and manages customer relationships, while the subcontractor provides the vehicle and driver capacity to fulfil those jobs.

Subcontracting differs from agency or day-hire work in that it typically involves a more structured partnership. The best arrangements offer agreed rates, regular work streams, and genuine operational support rather than just a stream of one-off jobs.

For smaller operators, this model removes the pressure of independently sourcing freight while still allowing them to run their own business and vehicle.

What are the key benefits of becoming a logistics subcontractor?

Consistent work opportunities across local and long-distance routes

One of the most significant advantages of subcontracting is access to a regular flow of jobs. Rather than chasing spot loads, subcontractors receive work through an established network. Seven Logistics currently operates over 150 dedicated vehicles around major port locations including Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton, giving subcontractors access to both local and long-distance opportunities.

Better cash flow through weekly payments

Irregular income is one of the most common pain points for independent operators. Seven Logistics offers weekly payments (two weeks in arrears), which makes budgeting and planning significantly more straightforward. Predictable income reduces financial pressure and gives owner-drivers a stronger foundation from which to grow.

Reduced operating costs through fuel card access

Fuel is one of the highest variable costs for any haulier. Subcontractors working with Seven Logistics can access fuel cards, helping to reduce spend on both fuel and AdBlue. Over the course of a year, these savings can make a meaningful difference to net income.

Access to additional equipment and trailer hire

Not every job fits every vehicle. Subcontractors with Seven Logistics can access trailer hire, which adds flexibility without the capital outlay of purchasing additional equipment. For operators looking to take on a broader range of work, this removes a significant barrier.

Nationwide operational support and parking facilities

Running a vehicle without backup is a risk. Seven Logistics provides 24-hour operational support and access to a nationwide vehicle workshop network, so subcontractors are not left managing breakdowns alone. Free parking is also available at Seven Logistics depots whilst carrying out agreed jobs, with permanent parking solutions available at key locations including Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton.

How does the right logistics partner help you grow?

Subcontracting with a well-established operator does more than fill your diary. It changes the shape of your business.

Higher vehicle utilisation means more revenue from the same asset. Less time spent on administration and contract negotiation means more time focused on the job. And with a reliable income stream in place, expanding your fleet becomes a calculated decision rather than a leap of faith.

Many owner-drivers find that subcontracting provides the stability needed to plan further ahead, whether that means taking on a second vehicle, investing in better equipment, or simply running a more sustainable operation day to day. You can learn more about the full range of Seven Logistics services to understand how subcontracting fits within a wider network.

Why are more owner-drivers choosing partnership models?

The haulage industry has seen growing interest in partnership-based working arrangements. As operating costs increase and the administrative burden of compliance grows, many smaller operators are reassessing how they source and manage work.

The focus is shifting towards efficiency. Owner-drivers who partner with established operators gain access to infrastructure, support, and a steady work pipeline that would take years to build independently. Rather than viewing it as a loss of independence, many subcontractors see it as a smarter way to run their business.

How Seven Logistics supports its subcontractors

Seven Logistics actively supports smaller transport businesses and single-vehicle operators across the UK. With a management team bringing more than 20 years of knowledge and expertise in the container transport industry, the business is built on long-term relationships rather than short-term arrangements.

Subcontractors benefit from competitive rates, access to major port locations, and genuine operational backing. Seven Logistics is part of the wider Seven Group, a multifaceted business operating across logistics, asset management, refrigeration, and more, meaning subcontractors are partnering with a stable, established organisation with the resources to support them.

Whether you operate a single vehicle or a small fleet, Seven Logistics is actively looking for dedicated partners to support continued expansion.

Ready to become a subcontractor with Seven Logistics?

If you are looking for consistent work, better cash flow, and operational support that helps rather than hinders, logistics subcontracting could be the right move.

Get in touch with the Seven Logistics team to request a Subcontractor Information Pack or to discuss how a partnership could work for your business.

Frequently asked questions

What types of work are available for subcontractors with Seven Logistics?

Seven Logistics offers both local and long-distance work, with a strong presence at major UK ports including Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton. Work includes container haulage and a range of other logistics services across the UK.

How are subcontractors paid by Seven Logistics?

Seven Logistics operates weekly payments, paid two weeks in arrears. This provides subcontractors with a reliable, predictable income compared to the irregularity of spot freight markets.

Do I need my own trailer to work as a subcontractor?

No. Seven Logistics provides access to trailer hire, meaning you do not need to own additional equipment to take on a wider variety of jobs. This makes the arrangement accessible for owner-drivers operating a single vehicle.

What support does Seven Logistics offer during breakdowns or operational issues?

Seven Logistics operates a 24-hour support team and provides access to a nationwide vehicle workshop network. Subcontractors are not left to manage operational problems alone, which reduces risk and downtime.

Is there parking available for subcontractors at Seven Logistics depots?

Yes. Free parking is available at Seven Logistics depots while carrying out agreed jobs. Permanent parking solutions are also available at key locations including Felixstowe, London Gateway, and Southampton.

With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we understand the importance of proactive preparation and contingency planning to a business’s success.

Whether this year’s heatwaves have made you more conscious of the limitations of your existing cold storage or you are thinking ahead to peak seasonal periods like Christmas, finding the right temperature-controlled storage solution for your business is vital.

Increasing business costs combined with growing customer expectations mean that preserving the quality and integrity of your stock is essential for continued growth.

If existing cold storage fails, you need a back-up plan that can be executed quickly and safely to protect your assets from becoming wastage.

During times of high customer demand, you may require additional space to store your extra stock, allowing you to stay one step ahead of customer requests.

We work with a diverse range of industries and sectors across the UK, offering nationwide delivery, flexible hire terms and an extensive engineer network, enabling us to provide full-service support.

Our bespoke 20ft and 40ft refrigerated containers can achieve temperatures from -40°c to +30°c making them suitable for storing a range of goods, helping you to provide the highest standard of service. Plus, all our units boast a range of safety features to protect your team, including a panic alarm, internal release, removable ramp, flat floor and LED lighting.

To get a quote for your business, call the team today on 01473 261780 or email sales@sevenrefrigeration.co.uk

Whether you are preparing for an upcoming sports event, music festival, exhibition, flower show, catering event or food and drink festival, choosing the right storage is vital.

Temperature versatility
Capable of achieving temperatures from -40°c to +30°c our refrigerated storage containers are suitable for storing a wide range of goods from food and drink to temperature-sensitive equipment and materials.

Flexibility
Event organisation requires detailed planning and temperature-controlled storage which can be positioned precisely where required, for the exact length of time needed. Refrigerated storage containers can be hired on both short and long-term contracts, making them suitable for any event, whether it’s just for the weekend or for a season.

Safety features
Our refrigerated containers feature a range of safety features including a panic alarm, internal release, removable ramp, flat floor and LED lighting. Once the unit has been set up and commissioned, a full demonstration is given to a designated staff member by a trained engineer.

Mobility
Many event sites don’t have existing storage facilities and those that do, may not have it in the location you require. Our refrigerated containers can be delivered anywhere within the UK and positioned wherever you need them, providing temperature-controlled storage that is convenient and enables your event to run smoothly.

The only requirements are a flat stable ground and access to the correct power supply.

Capacity
Building temperature-controlled storage is expensive and may not be appropriate for a short-term event. This is why refrigerated storage containers are often the go-to choice for many organisers, as they provide the storage capacity you need quickly, whilst avoiding high costs and long build times.

Our 20ft refrigerated container can hold up to 8 UK or 10 Euro pallets, whilst our 40ft refrigerated container can hold up to 18 UK or 20 Euro pallets.

Speak to our team of experts today on 01473 261780 to secure the storage you need.

With Wimbledon coming to an end, World Cup matches underway and another warm weekend ahead of us, many will be reaching for fresh strawberries and chilled beverages to stay cool.

Make sure your business wins this Summer, by staying one step ahead of the competition with our bespoke temperature-controlled storage containers.

In the modern age of convenience, customer satisfaction comes from being the reliable source of the goods they need, so that they can enjoy their plans and unwind. Our units increase your stock capacity, meaning your customer is never faced with empty shelves and instead leaves your store with the items they need, ready to enjoy the sun.

Customer demand has already driven record convenience sales during the heatwaves earlier this year and with the Summer holidays fast approaching, seasonal spending is set to begin. Prepare your business for continued success this year, by hiring the additional temperature-controlled storage you need today.

With a vast fleet and a network of qualified engineers available, we can assist you, no matter where in the UK you are located.

Speak to one of our experts on 01473 261780 or email sales@refrigeration.co.uk to get a quote today.

When trying to determine the right storage solution for your business, it’s important to review the benefits of each option, especially when dealing with temperature-sensitive stock.

Our refrigerated containers can achieve setpoints from -40°c to +30°c making them suitable for a wide range of industries and sectors, however this is not the only benefit they provide.

Cost efficiency

Temperature-controlled storage containers are often more cost-effective than the high overhead costs associated with renovating or expanding existing internal cold storage. 

Opting to hire a refrigerated container also means you avoid the maintenance costs and annual services fees associated with the general upkeep of equipment, as these are covered as part of our hire agreement.

Mobility and increased capacity

The transportable nature of temperature-controlled storage containers means that they can be easily placed in locations where storage would otherwise be unavailable. This makes them the perfect solution for events, as well as expansion when existing storage reaches capacity.

Flexible hire terms enable rapid scalability, making them suitable for businesses preparing for upcoming events, peak periods or reacting to growing customer demand.

Improved stock management

Refrigerated containers assist with stock management by extending the shelf life of perishable goods, retaining product integrity and preventing spoilage by maintaining monitorable temperatures.

Containers from our hire fleet also come with a state-of-the-art temperature data monitoring system, which supplies anomaly detection alerts via email if temperatures deviate from pre-set ranges.

Safety and protection

Built from insulated aluminium and designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, refrigerated containers provide the ideal protection from the elements.

Our units also feature flat flooring, internal lights, a removable ramp and panic alarm to provide additional safety features for staff whilst manoeuvring stock.

Speak to our team of experts today on 01473 261780 to learn more.

The high temperatures recorded this week have no doubt highlighted the need for additional or back-up temperature-controlled storage solutions to many businesses across the UK.

With in-store fridges and freezers struggling to cope with the unique combination of high ambient temperatures and increased customer demand, having additional refrigerated storage space became a necessary for many manufacturers, retailers and supermarkets this week.

Small businesses, from bakeries to butchers, also recognised the need for increased cold storage as customer requests for ice cream, BBQ foods, nibbles and cold drinks grew, whilst existing storage facilities were pushed to capacity.

Our 20ft and 40ft refrigerated containers provide the ideal solution for in-store breakdowns, rapid capacity expansion and event storage for temperature-sensitive goods.

Available for both short and long-term hire, with a vast fleet stationed throughout the country, our team of experts can help you prepare for future temperature spikes.

Contact the team today on 01473 261780 to secure the best temperature-controlled storage containers for your business.