Logistics UK: Time to seize momentum of economic growth

Following confirmation that economy grew by 0.7% in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2026, building on growth of 0.5% in Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2026, business group Logistics UK has welcomed the signs of economic resilience and urged the government to create the conditions businesses need to invest, improve productivity and drive long-term growth. Commenting on the latest gross domestic products (GDP) estimates published today (12 November), Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said:

“The latest GDP figures are encouraging and demonstrate the resilience of the UK economy. Real GDP growth of 0.7% alongside services sector growth of 0.9%, indicates that demand is continuing to support business activity across many parts of the economy. Transportation and Storage output growth of 0.5% is particularly welcome, reflecting the essential role logistics plays in facilitating trade, supporting consumer demand and enabling growth across every region of the UK.

“While a single quarter does not establish a long-term trend, it is encouraging that there has now been consistent growth this year and stronger economic activity should help support freight volumes and business confidence. Growth of 0.5% in the Transportation and Storage sector would suggest that businesses continue to invest, move goods and serve customers despite significant cost pressures.

“Logistics firms are currently managing higher employment costs, elevated borrowing costs, continued investment requirements linked to fleet decarbonisation and increasing pressure to improve productivity.

“A stronger economic backdrop should help support the investment needed to modernise supply chains, expand capacity and strengthen the resilience of the UK’s freight network. The government should build on this momentum by creating conditions that encourage long-term business investment and economic growth.”

Business group Logistics UK champions the logistics sector, the backbone of the UK economy and global trade, providing a unique, authoritative voice for its members. As the only trade association representing the whole industry, it supports more than 22,000 members, operating in road, rail, waterways, sea and air freight, in ports, airports and warehousing, as well as the customers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. The group delivers industry representation, services and thought leadership to support a sector that is critical to economic growth, employing 8% of the UK workforce, contributing £175 billion in annual GVA and enabling over £1 trillion of international trade. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk