🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Business rates reform must recognise logistics is critical part of the UK economy, says Logistics UK
Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK's Head of Planning and Infrastructure Policy said: "Logistics UK welcomes the opportunity to respond to the government’s discussion paper on business rates reform.
"While we acknowledge the desire for a fairer, more sustainable system, it is crucial that the unique challenges facing the logistics, warehousing and distribution sector are fully considered, alongside the potential consequences of the proposed reforms on the sector.
"Logistics is the backbone of the UK economy, enabling the movement of goods across supply chains that support businesses, consumers, and public services. The logistics sector is a critical part of the UK economy and a significant contributor of business rates. Reform of the system must recognise this.
"Additional costs placed on the logistics sector are felt across the economy and disincentivise investment in efficient, sustainable supply chains. Any attempts to distinguish between online and offline retail are outdated and do not recognise how businesses operate in reality. Reforms to rates reliefs should be tapered and provide incentives for investment and modernisation.
"Business taxes should, whenever feasible, be broad in scope and neutral across sectors to prevent unfair advantages or costs for particular industries or companies. This approach helps maintain fair competition and avoids adding unnecessary complexity to an already intricate tax system.
"In today’s economy, the line between online and offline sales is increasingly blurred, making any attempt to structure a business rates system around this distinction impractical and disconnected from real-world operations.
"Businesses of all sizes, from major traditional retailers to small enterprises, rely on substantial online activities and the supply chains that support them. This was highlighted in an August 2024 report by the Federation of Small Businesses, which found that 63% of high street small businesses sell at least some of their products through websites, mobile apps, or online marketplaces."
Published On: 06/03/2025 14:34:01
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News In Brief
£2 million deep water berth boosts cargo at Port of Liverpool
The berth, which is located at Peel Ports Group’s Alexandra Complex, is the first deep water bulk berth to be opened at the port in 40 years. It welcomed its inaugural vessel on 28 February – the Andesborg – and will accommodate vessels up to handymax sizes.
Combined with the existing N3 Alex berth, the new addition will increase the vessel handling capacity of both the Alexandra Complex and the Port of Liverpool as a whole. The 534,000sq ft complex, where a £28m warehouse was also recently developed, is designed to provide a full, efficient solution for customers’ bulk storage and handling requirements.
Phil Hall, Peel Ports Group Mersey Ports Director, said: “This is a significant moment for the Port of Liverpool. The addition of the new deep water bulk berth will not only allow us to accommodate larger vessels, it will also improve the port’s overall ability to manage bulk cargo, providing more efficient cargo operations and helping us to keep supply chains moving.
“Not only does this project show our dedication to investing in infrastructure, when combined with our modern storage facilities the new berth ensures we can handle a diverse range of commodities and support customers with their needs.”
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