Logistics UK hosts inaugural Sir James Whitehead address

Logistics UK hosted the inaugural Sir James Whitehead Address on 19 June, bringing together an audience of logistics leaders, policy makers and thought leaders to discuss the sector’s political and economic landscape.

Logistics UK's CEO, David Wells, opened the event by explaining its purpose is to support the logistics sector to understand and engage with the big issues that are shaping our world and politics.

The address entitled ‘Trade, economics and a crisis of politics’ was delivered by Anand Menon, Professor of European and Foreign Affairs at King’s College London and Director of UK in a Changing Europe.

He set out how major economic and political shifts have impacted our trade, the long-term impact of Brexit on our politics, the UK’s challenging economic performance and the hard choices that will face whoever wins the election.

Professor Menon’s address was followed by discussion chaired by Logistics UK Chief Executive David Wells OBE with John McTernan, former Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Tony Blair, James Wroath, CEO of Wincanton and Michelle Gardner, Logistics UK Deputy Director – Policy.

The wide-ranging conversation covered what we could expect from Labour if it wins the election, what it will take to get growth going in a constrained fiscal environment, the vital role the logistics sector plays underpinning the economy, its need for planning reform and grid infrastructure to kickstart green growth, and the opportunity for automation to drive UK productivity.

Wells said: “We hosted the Sir James Whitehead Address, named after our founder and a leading 19th century merchant, to do three things: highlight that logistics is a major economic sector that has a long and important history; emphasise that logistics is integral to and underpins our modern economy; and most importantly, look around us and to the future, to understand and engage with the big issues that are shaping our world and politics.

"Only by doing this, can our sector help the UK capitalise on the opportunities and mitigate the risks facing us.

“Too often, logistics is not thought of in these terms. We are recognised as essential but that is different from being regarded as a driver for the future – as an important player in the key questions of our time. That is what we want to change, and the Sir James Whitehead Address is a key part of that effort.”

Published On: 27/06/2024 15:30:00

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