On the road – Logistics UK’s CEO visits reiterate that nothing moves without logistics

Visit to Howard Tenens

Ben Fletcher and President Phil Roe met Howard Tenens Logistics Group CEO Jamie Hartles at its base in Swindon for a tour and discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the logistics sector. Economic growth, resilience and decarbonisation all depend on a strong, competitive logistics sector with the confidence to invest for the long term and Howard Tenens is a key part of that.

Meeting Freightliner

Ben Fletcher and Phil Roe visited the Freightliner terminal in Birmingham, meeting CEO Chris Lawrenson and Policy and Government Affairs Director Peter Graham. Freightliner sits at the heart of the UK economy as every day its teams move containers from major ports to inland terminals across the UK, keeping shops stocked, factories supplied and trade flowing.

Visiting the DVLA in Swansea

Ben Fletcher visited the DVLA in Swansea to meet CEO Tim Moss to discuss key regulatory issues affecting the logistics sector (including driver licensing and medical processing delays) and reinforce ongoing collaboration with the agency. Hearing firsthand from DVLA colleagues allows Logistics UK to champion the needs of the sector more effectively.

Visiting the Dartford Crossing

Mr Fletcher and Head of Public Affairs Natalie Chapman visited the Dartford Crossing Control Centre, where they met with Nick Joyce, Interim CEO of National Highways and Matt Palmer, Executive of the Lower Thames Crossing, to discuss how Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3) can support a more efficient logistics network.

Visit to Le Shuttle in Coquelles, France

Ben Fletcher and Head of Trade James Mills visited Eurotunnel to see the scale and sophistication of LeShuttle’s freight operation. Starting at Coquelles in France and travelling through the tunnel to Folkestone, the visit provided a comprehensive look at the end-to-end journey, demonstrating the innovation, coordination and expertise underpinning this vital cross-Channel link.

Mr Fletcher said: “For the logistics sector, reliability isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it is fundamental. Our industry underpins the entire economy, employing 2.7 million people and contributing £170 billion GVA each year.

“The investments being made in infrastructure are critically important in supporting the work logistics does, and the recent visits I made were a valuable opportunity to see firsthand how investment is being directed.

“It was also a chance to reiterate the message that runs through the core of everything we do: nothing moves without logistics. It’s thanks to the work of the businesses I spoke to this week, and the wider sector, that trade continues to flow and people get the goods that they need.”