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Logistics UK meets with Welsh Cabinet Secretary and publishes Welsh policy document
Logistics UK and our members were delighted to meet with Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, on Monday 17 June 2024, to highlight the critical role logistics sector plays in underpinning the Welsh economy and the importance of government working in partnership with the industry to unlock its potential.
Outlining the vital role logistics plays in the Welsh economy, Logistics UK’s Policy Manager - Wales, Josh Fenton, says, “There are more than 90,000 people employed in logistics roles in Wales, which is almost seven per cent of the workforce, and we have over 8,000 logistics businesses, making, selling and moving the goods that the country’s economy relies on every day. The contribution the sector makes cannot be understated but we also know that there is a significant opportunity for Wales, and the UK as a whole, if our industry can realise its full potential.
“By prioritising logistics, Welsh policymakers can help deliver productivity gains to help supercharge the UK economy by up to £7.9 billion per year by 2030. Logistics can have a dramatic impact on the growth of the Welsh economy if time and money is invested in facilitating the sector’s efficiency, which is why we are recommending the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain who can deliver across the Welsh government.”
Logistics UK members at the roundtable highlighted the importance of a public-private partnership to unlock investment and drive growth; high quality, integrated transport infrastructure, to enable the delivery of goods in the most productive, strategic and green way, and to link Wales to international markets; a fair transition to a green economy that keeps costs down and supply chains resilient; and skills partnerships to support a thriving sector, with careers in logistics backed by effective strategies, increased skills funding and a sustained commitment to attracting people.
Mr Skates said, "Freight and logistics play a vital role in the economy of Wales and getting essential goods where they need to go. I look forward to working with Logistics UK and its members to ensure the industry is given the support it needs to continue delivering for the whole of the UK."
Josh Fenton, who attended the roundtable, said: “Logistics UK was pleased to meet with the Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates MS, this week for an online roundtable with members to discuss the importance of the logistics sector in Wales.
“Members emmphasised to Mr Skates MS the need for Wales to have a comprehensive plan for freight and logistics. We are pleased that the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that freight and logistics are hugely important to the Welsh economy and agreed that there is a need for Wales to have this plan, which he wants Logistics UK and its members to co-design.”
20mph restrictions meeting
Fenton also met with Mr Skates MS on Wednesday 19 June 2024, to discuss the implications for the logistics sector of the defaulted 20mph speed restriction in Wales.
“I discussed the matter in detail and confirmed that Logistics UK stands up for safe and efficient logistics and agreed that there is a genuine need for targeted 20mph zones in areas with a high concentration of vulnerable people, such as outside schools, hospitals and on housing estates,” said Fenton.
“However, Logistics UK welcomes the review of these restrictions, and the need for key logistics corridors on trunk and local roads to be returned back to 30mph, which would reduce road congestion and emissions as well as improve efficiency of logistics journeys across Wales.”
Logistics UK believes that this will be key for Wales in driving economic growth.
Policy priorities in Wales
“Logistics UK is proud to launch Logistics: Underpinning the Welsh Economy. The logistics sector’s role driving sustainable growth,” said Fenton.
“The document highlights the vital role that logistics plays in the Welsh economy and sets out Logistics UK’s ambitious key policy asks for Wales.”
This includes:
- A public-private partnership to boost productivity and sustainable growth across Wales.
- Innovative and integrated infrastructure.
- A fair transition to a green economy.
- Skills partnerships to support a thriving sector.
Download a copy of “Logistics: underpinning the Welsh economy” here:
Published On: 20/06/2024 14:00:00
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