Logistics UK statement on the creation of four new Trade and Investment hubs

Tuesday 23 March 2021

In response to the Department for International Trade’s announcement today (23 March 2021) of the creation of four new Trade and Investment Hubs in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and Darlington, Sarah Laouadi, Manager of European & International Policy at Logistics UK, comments:

“The creation of trade hubs in all four UK nations will help to ensure the economic benefits of the government’s global trade policy are felt across the countries. To unlock new opportunities to grow international trade, businesses stepping into new export markets, including SMEs, need access to specialist advice which the trade hubs intend to offer. We are looking forward to seeing the hubs in action as our members start using the services to expand their international activities. While we welcome the government’s support for those trading with the rest of the world, our members continue to rely on imports from and exports to the EU, which remains our biggest trading partner; UK businesses would therefore benefit from similar high-quality advice and support in navigating the new trading relationship with the EU.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.