Month in the media – February 2022

The skills shortage in the logistics industry and changes to border controls have continued to dominate the headlines over the past month, and Logistics UK’s media team has been working hard to ensure the views of members are heard on these issues and others. The team achieved 323 pieces of media coverage between 26 January and 22 February 2022, creating the opportunity for 69.4 million people to see Logistics UK and its messages. 

Coverage at a glance – the numbers:  

• Radio and TV broadcasts – 27 
• National online and printed press – 27
• Regional press – 8 
• Online (transport, regional and trade) – 226 
• Magazines (printed transport and trade magazines) – 30 
• FTA Ireland coverage – 5 

SKILLS SHORTAGE 

The organisation’s views on various developments in skills and recruitment, and calls for government support, featured prominently in the media this month. An interview was organised with BBC Breakfast regarding the HGV driver shortage, with a driver from member company Stagefreight also included in the item. Logistics UK featured in an article in the Daily Mirror on job opportunities in the industry, in a Daily Express article on food supplies to supermarkets, and statistics from the recent Skills Report were quoted on BBC Online and GB News in items on HGV driver training. The organisation was quoted as saying that there were grounds for 'cautious optimism' in the recruitment of HGV drivers in an article on the iNews website.  

BORDER CONTROLS 

Issues around the UK/EU border, as well as a specific focus on the situation in Northern Ireland, have attracted much media attention this month.  Interviews were organised on the Sky News Ian King Live show and the BBC News Channel following publication of the Public Accounts Committee’s report ‘EU Exit: Border Post Transition’, and Logistics UK was quoted on LBC News and the Financial Times, BBC, Sky, Daily Express and CNN websites. Comments on border delays and plans for biometric checks featured in national titles including Metro, Independent, Daily Express, Evening Standard, BBC Online, Yahoo!, the Daily Mail and MSN UK. Confusion over Northern Ireland port checks prompted much media interest, and broadcast interviews undertaken by Logistics UK included the BBC’s national 6pm and 10pm TV news, GB News, UTV, Sky, BBC1 Newsline and local radio and the organisation’s comments were published on The Guardian, Financial Times, Evening Standard, The Independent, Yahoo! and MSN websites and in the local Northern Ireland press.  

INDUSTRY IMAGE 

Logistics UK’s comments featured in an article in the Financial Times, after research commissioned by the UK Major Ports Group found that the British public has developed a newfound appreciation for truck drivers and logistics workers after two years of supply shortages caused by COVID-19 and Brexit. It found that respect for lorry drivers increased faster during the pandemic than for teachers and police. 

AERODYNAMIC DEVICES  

A quote was contributed for inclusion in a government press release on the use of aerodynamic devices and elongated cabs on HGVs, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The comments featured widely in the press, including AOL and Yahoo! UK & Ireland, and over 20 regional and trade publications. 

THE MONTH AHEAD:    

As well as the ongoing skills shortage, the press team will be focusing on the future of logistics in the coming month, with the launch and amplification of the Future Logistics Conference at ITT Hub.  Launches of the Van Driver of the Year competition and Transport Manager 2022 conference series are also planned, as well as continuing promotion of the Supply Chain Resilience conference and Vans Today events (formerly Van Operational Briefings). 

Have you got a story?  If you are keen to speak to the media about a pressing issue – from Brexit readiness to skills shortages, urban restrictions to future logistics – or to shout about some of the great work your organisation is doing, we would love to hear from you.  We are also keen to hear from those with personal achievements to shout about – maybe moving a very unusual load, staff members who have received special awards or with unusual hobbies or expertise. And as always, the media is keen to talk to women working across the industry – we are particularly on the lookout for female drivers who are happy to talk to the press. Please contact Eleanor, Freya or Rona in the media team at press.office@logistics.org.uk – we look forward to hearing from you!       

*www.logistics.org.uk/media

Published On: 24/02/2022 16:00:36

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