Reynolds appointment “positive for growth”, says logistics sector

The reappointment of Jonathan Reynolds as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade in Andy Burnham’s new Cabinet has been welcomed by business group Logistics UK.  As Ben Fletcher, the organisation’s Chief Executive explains, Mr Reynolds’ return to the department is positive news for the sector which underpins all economic activity:

“Congratulations to Jonathan Reynolds on his reappointment as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Logistics UK looks forward to working closely with him again to support the government’s ambitions for economic growth, investment and good jobs across every part of the UK.

“Through his leadership of the Modern Industrial Strategy, Mr Reynolds highlighted the essential role logistics plays in enabling businesses to manufacture and trade, and the vital contribution it makes to local economies and job creation across all four nations. With the government focused on boosting productivity and strengthening UK industry, recognition of logistics’ importance as a foundation of the economy will be critical to delivering growth in every region and nation.  Mr Reynolds understands that the choices ahead of us are not between services and industry, but about how both of them together can turbocharge growth – a stronger logistics capability can be the catalyst the economy needs.

“Nothing moves without logistics. From ports and airports to roads, rail freight and warehousing, the infrastructure that underpins our sector also underpins the wider economy. Employing 8% of the UK workforce, contributing £175 billion in GVA annually and enabling more than £1 trillion of international trade, logistics is a vital national asset. Over the past two years we have worked closely with the government to ensure that the role logistics plays in driving industry forward is clearly recognised. Jonathan Reynolds’ reappointment is a positive sign that this recognition will continue, and we stand ready to work with government to deliver the long-term prosperity and higher living standards we all want to see.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk