Government Trade Strategy – Logistics UK’s Head of Trade and Devolved Policy Nichola Mallon responds

“The Trade Strategy sets a positive overall direction of travel for growth, but the logistics sector needs to be intrinsic to the tactical delivery plans if the government’s growth ambitions are going to arrive at the intended destination, on time.

“Increasing exports is one of the fastest ways to boost growth yet border bureaucracy has meant that many UK businesses now choose to focus solely on the domestic market. Modernising customs processes is something we have been advocating for some time and our members will be encouraged that the government is harnessing digitalisation and intending to deliver a single trade window.

"It is essential that further detail is provided and this happens as soon as possible to reduce the considerable data burden and border friction on businesses, particularly SMEs, and that government takes coordinated and concerted action to support UK businesses to start exporting again.

“The creation of a new Supply Chains Centre and Economic Security Advisory Service are positive steps towards monitoring and responding to supply chain risk and the strategy rightly highlights the importance of supply chain resilience to the economy. 

"To be effective, both must be developed in partnership with the logistics sector taking into account the importance of the UK’s international gateways for trade which are a core part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure.

“Over the coming weeks, we will continue our work with the government to ensure when the Trade Strategy is implemented it has the necessary detail to address the practical aspects that hit trade such as excessive delays and checks, incompatible IT systems and complicated customs processes.”