Month in the media – November 2021   

November has been another incredibly busy month for Logistics UK’s media team, who achieved 515 pieces of editorial coverage between 27 October and 23 November and created the opportunity for 1.7 million people to see Logistics UK and its messages featured in the media. 

DRIVER SHORTAGE

The media team continued to achieve strong coverage for Logistics UK’s comments on the driver shortage, with national broadcasts including an interview on Sky News regarding Christmas supplies, as well as coverage on the Daily Express and ITV News websites. Interviews took place on LBC News, London Live News and several regional radio stations on the Discover Logistics Careers weekend, and coverage was secured in the local and trade press. Logistics UK’s comments on the need for improved driver welfare facilities were published by the Financial Times, and a quote was contributed to the government’s press release on HGV driver training, which was subsequently published by the Daily Express, MSN UK and around 22 trade and regional titles. 

BUDGET 

At the end of October, coverage was achieved in a pre-Budget article on FT.com referring to Logistics UK’s call for 10,000 year-long visas for HGV drivers. After the Budget, Logistics UK’s comments on the announcement of funding to improve driver facilities were included in the print and online editions of the Financial Times and The Times, and the organisation was quoted in the Financial Times once again in relation to the lack of lorry parking spaces. 

ENVIRONMENT

Widespread national and regional coverage was achieved following the government's announcement of non-zero emission HGV phase-out dates, including in the Evening Standard, Metro, Mail Online, ITV.com, Yahoo! UK and Ireland, AOL UK and MSN UK.  Logistics UK’s comments were included in two stories issued by the Press Association and published by over 300 regional newspaper websites around the country. 

ARTICLE 16/NI PROTOCOL

National coverage was secured on Article 16 and the Northern Ireland protocol, with Logistics UK’s comments featuring in The Times and The Times Online. 

EU BORDER RULES

Coverage was achieved in the online and print editions of the Daily Telegraph and on the Daily Express website on new EU rules monitoring entry to the passport-free Schengen Area, which would force drivers to leave their vehicles for ID checks, following the Short Straits Summit roundtable with the Port of Dover and Getlink.  

The month ahead:   The continued driver shortage, and the media’s ongoing concerns around potential Christmas disruption are likely to dominate enquiries to the press office, along with promotion of Logistics UK’s Logistics Awards 2021. 

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