Logistics UK announces webinars as Middle East disruption increases pressure on operators

As the Middle East conflict enters its eighth week, disruption continues to have a significant impact on fuel prices and cost of moving goods through the supply chain, and price increases for business customers and consumers cannot be ruled out, warns business group Logistics UK.

“The logistics industry cannot continue to absorb significant price rises and must pass on the increased charges to its customers, and ultimately, consumers,” says Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive. “Logistics businesses tend to operate on incredibly narrow margins, often in low single digits, and the escalating costs that our members are managing are putting businesses under tremendous pressure. Passing on costs is not a route that our industry takes lightly but is necessary to secure businesses’ survival and the resilience of the supply chain.”

To help logistics operators navigate the ongoing challenging business landscape, Logistics UK is organising two free webinars for its members, focusing on practical issues and concerns affecting businesses across the logistics industry:

Wednesday, 22 April – Middle East conflict and logistics webinar

The first webinar, to be held on 22 April between 1300 and 1400 and led by CEO Ben Fletcher, will provide an opportunity to hear Logistics UK’s analysis of the impact of the conflict and how the organisation is responding. Attendees will have the chance to share how the situation is affecting their businesses now, and the expected impacts in the coming weeks and months. Logistics UK members can register here.

Tuesday, 28 April – Middle East conflict and fuel costs webinar

On Tuesday 28 April, between 1100 and 1200, a second webinar has been arranged in partnership with Portland Fuel and myAutomate. The event, also exclusive to Logistics UK members, will provide the latest insight and practical guidance to help logistics businesses understand and manage rising fuel costs in the context of the Middle East conflict. Expert speakers will provide insights on current fuel price volatility and market trends, practical tools to help operators manage fuel costs and risk and guidance on fuel purchasing, data and contracting approaches. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to put questions directly to the panel. Logistics UK members can register here.

“Logistics UK is maintaining close contact with government throughout the conflict,” continues Fletcher, “and as the leading business group in the sector, continues to urge the Treasury to not begin increasing fuel duty from September. Logistics businesses deliver everything that the country depends on every day, from medicines to manufacturing materials, and it is vital that they can continue doing so without driving inflation up through increased costs for their operations.”

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