🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes

First 100 days: New government must prioritise logistics to kickstart growth, says Logistics UK

The incoming government could begin kickstarting growth in its first 100 days by partnering with the logistics sector to develop Labour’s promised industrial strategy, as logistics can boost productivity for all areas of UK PLC.

With Labour winning a majority in the General Election, the business group has outlined how, with the right policies, the logistics sector is key to driving economic growth and, as one of the UK’s largest employers, deliver skilled roles and break down barriers to opportunity.

“Logistics underpins all sectors of the economy to deliver for households, businesses and public services, every day,” explains Logistics UK’s Chief Executive David Wells OBE, “and is a major sector in its own right, employing 8% of the UK workforce.

“As a result, logistics is ideally placed to help the new government to get the economy moving again, providing its needs can be accommodated in the new government’s industrial strategy.

“If our members are to help get the new government off to the best possible start and give the economy a vital boost, it is essential that the Labour administration supports the logistics sector to drive the growth the country so desperately needs.

“Efficient, cost-effective logistics is critical to every single part of the UK’s economy and our sector is poised to work in partnership with the new government to establish the infrastructure, decarbonisation, skills, innovation and trade policies that will get the country building again.

“By involving our members in the development of the planned industrial strategy and the government’s missions, research by Oxford Economics shows that logistics can deliver productivity gains to supercharge the economy by up to £8 billion a year.

“It is vital that we power up the country while reestablishing the UK’s industrial strength in a clean, green manner. At the same time, we must work with government to provide the roles that will engage and excite the next generation of logistics talent and future-proof the UK’s supply chain to support trade both at home and abroad.”

Logistics UK remains committed to raising the profile and importance of the sector by encouraging the new government to establish the public-private partnership with the industry which was included in the business group’s Manifesto asks.

As Wells continues, this will encourage legislators to consider the needs of logistics businesses as an integral part of all business decision making. “Logistics has a critical role to play in kickstarting growth,” he asserts.

“It is vital that the new administration involves our industry in all areas of Whitehall decision-making on the economy, through the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain – our sector’s role and needs should be an integral part of all plans.

“This will ensure that our industry can facilitate and support the economic development the country needs to return to growth.”

A full list of Logistics UK’s asks of the new government in its first 100 days can be found here:

Published On: 11/07/2024 15:15:00

Comments Section

If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.

There are no comments yet.

News In Brief

Logistics UK members shine at everywoman awards

The 2024 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards winners were announced at the awards ceremony and luncheon held in London and attended by over 480 industry leaders.

Now in their 17th year, the awards were launched to shine a spotlight on the varied and increasing avenues of opportunities available in the traditionally male-dominated industry and celebrate the vital role that women play within it.

2024 - the winners:

The everywoman Woman of the Year Award - Sarah-May Harrison, Operations Supervisor at FedEx Express

Apprentice Of The Year, sponsored by UKWA - Ella Harper, Apprentice Toolmaker at Unipart Dorman

The Customer/Passenger Award, sponsored by bp - Hannah Man, Communications Manager at Go-Ahead London

The Infrastructure Award, sponsored by Transport UK London Bus - Anna Sabatowska, General Manager at Movianto UK Ltd

International Inspiration Award, sponsored by Maersk - Sue Donoghue, CEO Arabian Cluster at DHL Global Forwarding

The Supply Chain Award, sponsored by Unipart Rail - Kristina Slekiene, Manager, Operations at FedEx Express

The Warehousing Award – sponsored by FedEx - Beysun Duru, 3PL Regional Manager at Amazon

Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman said: “Studies consistently demonstrate that diverse teams foster greater creativity, problem-solving abilities, employee engagement, and overall profitability within organisations.

"The economic benefits of equalising the labour force could lead to potential gains of 10% of GDP by 2030. Attracting, retaining, and advancing women has the power to fuel progress, unlock innovation and drive growth, not just for organisations but for the UK economy."

Logistics UK would like to congratulate all this year’s winners and finalists who continue to demonstrate the vital role women play as role models and innovators in transport and logistics.