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Windsor Framework delay period must be used wisely, says Logistics UK
HMRC has confirmed that the implementation of the next phase of the Windsor Framework will be delayed from 31 March until 1 May.
Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at business group Logistics UK, urges the government to use the time to maximum effect and continue raising awareness:
“There are significant new processes that will be required under the next phase of the Windsor Framework, particularly when it comes to the movement of business to business parcels from GB to Northern Ireland.
“Many businesses will be frustrated by this delay given the extensive work, resources, time and effort they have put in getting their supply chains ready for 31 March.
“For good to come from this delay, HMRC must use every minute to raise awareness and support all of those businesses which aren’t yet ready.
“Ever since the initial delay was announced in the autumn, we have been calling for a wide-ranging awareness programme, and while communication has improved of late there are still low levels of understanding, especially among GB businesses.
“With the rise in e-commerce, almost every household and business in NI relies, one way or another, on parcels, so it is essential that businesses are supported to adapt to these significant changes to ensure the smooth flow of trade.” 
Published On: 20/03/2025 14:27:44
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News In Brief
The UK’s first net zero rail freight terminal is... Cricklewood
DB Cargo UK has created what it believes to be the UK’s first ‘net zero’ rail freight terminal. Situated in Cricklewood, North London, the terminal is used to transport aggregates and waste construction material in and out of the capital, significantly reducing congestion on London’s road network.
While each of DB’s trains already carries the equivalent of up to 129 HGVs and emits 76% less carbon dioxide emissions, it is the company’s incorporation of a wide range of other environmental features that has really slashed the Cricklewood site’s carbon footprint.
These include:
- Construction of one of Europe’s largest green acoustic barriers to minimise the impact of noise and dust on nearby homes.
- Nine species of native trees planted and unused areas of land rewilded, with the site providing an urban habitat for wildlife and a home to wild bees.
- Water used on site is recycled and reused through a surface water capture system.
- The site procures 100% REGO verified renewable energy.
- Switching from the use of white diesel to Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel its on-site machinery and plant has reduced the site’s Scope 1 emissions by 98 tCO2e a year.
- Investment in a new Volvo wheel loader can do the work of the two ageing loading shovels used previously, reducing plant machinery fuel consumption to approximately 41,000 litres.
- Installation of a new, drive-through wheel wash which has reduced water consumption through more efficient filtering and re-use of water. The new system is also more energy efficient and provides improved filtration, reducing the use of chemicals.
- Installation of new electric vehicle charging points for all staff and visitors.
- In 2024, it avoided 40 tonnes of embedded carbon through a circular economy reuse project, whereby modular office facilities were relocated from its site at Barking.
Sustainability Manager Stacie Scullion said the company was now in the process of having the site’s environmental performance officially accredited as carbon neutral on the basis that it will set a new standard for the sector.
“For years now we have talked about the environmental benefits of transporting freight by rail rather than road, however we can make an even bigger contribution towards helping the UK meet its carbon reduction targets by the way we operate our sites.
“At Cricklewood we’ve tried to incorporate as much mitigation as we possibly can into our operations which not only has an environmental benefit, but a significant social value too in terms of improving the quality of life for those residents who live nearby.
“Throughout the development of Cricklewood we have consulted closely with the council’s planning department, residents and their elected representatives, to not only minimise the risk of any disturbance caused by our operations but to enhance the area too.
“Cricklewood is now the jewel in our crown and will form the blueprint for the future development of our terminals across England, Scotland and Wales.”
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