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Logistics UK reflects on the successes of 2023 and looks forward with optimism to new challenges ahead

By David Wells OBE, Logistics UK CEO

As 2023 draws to a close and the final touches are made to the last Logistics Magazine of the year, it feels like an appropriate time to reflect on the successes of the last twelve months and look forward with optimism to the new opportunities ahead.

Working in the logistics sector has presented a number of quite formidable challenges in the last few years. As a sector we’ve tackled Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, an acute skills shortage, a global recession and now we have our eyes firmly on impending decarbonisation deadlines while in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

The legal and regulatory framework of the country has had to shift to rise to the challenge and reflect our new reality. But under pressure we must keep up to speed with the latest changes to road transport legislation and continue to meet the needs of the nation.

Our newest Yearbook of Road Transport Law – due to be published in January and widely regarded as the authoritative source of legal and compliance information in the UK – will help keep you abreast of developments across the industry to ensure the continued safety and compliance of your operation.

If you need some more hands-on assistance, our Member Advice Centre (MAC) is always there to help, too. The MAC team has dealt with over 13,000 cases by phone or email in 2023 and remains a unique and invaluable resource.

Logistics UK’s intrepid policy team has also continued to represent and amplify your concerns to key decision makers at local and national levels this year. Their collective passion and hard work has resulted in some big policy wins – 28 in total – and, as an organisation, we have managed to deliver 42 important consultation responses.

In fact, everyone across the organisation is working hard to make sure Logistics UK is more relevant than ever before.

Our media department has achieved almost 3,000 items of coverage so far this year, including 105 national pieces and 73 broadcasts, with an astonishing reach of around 475 million people.

We have also hosted 26 different events over the last 12 months, with a record number of delegates attending our Transport Manager conferences and our annual Logistic Awards gala event being the biggest and most successful on record.

These Logistics UK gatherings not only allow members to stay ahead of the curve with the latest industry information, they represent precious opportunities to network with industry peers and swap stories of triumph and adversity.

I look forward to our 2024 roster, where more exciting ideas will be shared and debated, and connections made across our industry.

Remember, Logistics UK is here to advise and support you through the myriad challenges and opportunities that will likely arise in 2024 – and there will be many.

We encourage you to maximise the use of your membership and look forward to being of continued service.

Warm wishes from everyone at the organisation this Christmas,

David Wells OBE

Published On: 21/12/2023 14:30:00

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In brief

New leadership at Zemo Partnership to focus on accelerating the delivery of net zero transport

Claire Haigh is to take the helm of Zemo Partnership (formerly Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership), the organisation that has been working with government and the widest range of stakeholders for over 20 years to deliver key policies and initiatives to accelerate the decarbonisation of UK road transport.

Andy Eastlake is stepping down after more than a decade leading the Partnership. He leaves a legacy of sustained progress in transport decarbonisation and with the end of transport’s ‘fossil era’ in sight.

Claire Haigh, the founder and CEO of Greener Vision (formerly Greener Transport Solutions) and Executive Director of the Transport Knowledge Hub, is to take on the leadership role at Zemo from January 2024.

“I am delighted to be taking the helm of Zemo Partnership at this crucial juncture for the net zero agenda,” said Haigh.

“Climate change is our greatest predicament and decarbonising transport is one of the toughest challenges of all. The UK has some world-leading targets, but what is now needed is a laser-like focus on delivery. Crucially, we need the right policies and incentives to enable investment and support the supply chain transition.

“There is a massive amount to do, but there has also been significant progress. Under Andy’s exemplary leadership, Zemo has been there as the honest broker every step of the way - working with government, industry and academia to find solutions for net zero road transport.”

Claire Haigh was previously CEO of Greener Journeys, an evidence-based campaign organisation (2009-20) funded by the major public transport companies, which was established to highlight the environmental and associated benefits of bus travel. Claire also currently chairs the Delivery and Impacts Independent Review Panel for the Joint Air Quality Unit (Defra/DfT).