Working for our members: Wales – March 2025  

Logistics UK continues to represent members across the devolved nations.    

There are more than 90,000 people employed in logistics roles in Wales, which is almost seven per cent of the workforce, and we have over 8,000 logistics businesses, making, selling and moving the goods that the country’s economy relies on every day.   

The contribution the sector makes cannot be understated, but we also know that there is a significant opportunity for Wales and the UK as a whole if our industry can realise its full potential.  

With the next Senedd election due to be held next year and recent changes in ministers, it has been a challenging time, but Logistics UK is continuing to champion the importance of the logistics sector and is urging the Welsh government to create an environment that allows the sector to thrive by ensuring its policy programme recognises that the sector underpins the Welsh economy.   

A key way to ensure this happens is through the development of a designated Freight and Logistics Plan. On behalf of members, Logistics UK wants the sector to be recognised as an enabler for growth. To unleash the power of logistics, our report published last year identifies four key areas where the Welsh government must focus attention to drive sustainable growth: unlocking investment through public-private partnership; innovative and integrated infrastructure; a fair transition to a green economy and addressing the skills challenge.   

Continuing engagement across the devolved nations is important to our policy work. Most recently, Logistics UK, as part of a coalition of seven trade associations representing Welsh food and drink from farm to fork, engaged with Parliamentarians about the value of logistics. At the event for Welsh Parliamentarians, we outlined the vital role of the logistics sector and spoke to 17 politicians, including 15 MPs, one member of the House of Lords and Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.   

Other recent activity in Wales has included organising a webinar on freight crime – an issue members are increasingly concerned about. The speaker discussed what members should be aware of, where particular hot spots are and answered questions from members on this issue. Fuel theft is particularly concerning so this important topic was covered during the session.    

To maintain momentum, we have recently written to members of the Senedd asking for an updates on the Freight and Logistics Plan and we are seeking clarification on what work can be done in the meantime before the plan is formalised. We have also written to the Economy Cabinet Secretary to see if there are any opportunities where the logistics sector can help with wider growth ambitions. Other policy work has involved engaging with shadow ministers to obtain cross-party support for the plan, setting out why it is so critical for the Welsh logistics sector in Wales, as well as those operating in Wales.   

With lots of expected changes on the horizon, Logistics UK will continue to engage with key stakeholders and decision makers to ensure the voice of our sector is heard. 

To discuss our policy work in Wales, reach out to Josh Fenton, Logistics UK’s Policy Manager – Wales. 

Published On: 20/03/2025 14:29:00

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