NI logistics businesses express support for Windsor Framework, but need detail

Friday 10 March 2023

Logistics businesses trading between GB and Northern Ireland have expressed strong support for the new Windsor Framework trading agreement between the EU and UK, according to exclusive research produced by business group Logistics UK. But while 79% of those surveyed welcome the certainty which a new trading agreement will bring for their businesses, the sector still has questions about the shape of the final proposals and is keen to be involved in the implementation plan for the Framework.

“The agreement is welcome news for our members who drive the NI supply chain with GB, Ireland and the rest of Europe,” says Nichola Mallon, Logistics UK’s Head of Trade and Devolved Policy. “Since the UK left the EU, our members in NI have experienced a period of prolonged uncertainty as the details of how to trade with our closest neighbours have been negotiated. When it comes to transporting goods from GB to NI in particular, the process has been protracted and added cost and time to journeys.

“Logistics UK has been pressing politicians for a new “green lane” arrangement which would ensure the smooth flow of trade between NI and GB, and the inclusion of this in the agreement will make trade movements between the two easier. More than 55% of our surveyed members agree that the new deal will reduce the administrative and cost burdens on trading between GB and NI, a reduction recognised by two thirds of those trading between NI and Ireland – all of which is excellent news for businesses in the logistics sector and for the wider NI economy.”

However, as Ms Mallon continues, uncertainty still exists among the sector concerning operational details of the deal, with 47% of those surveyed uncertain or doubting the extent to which the agreement will deliver greater affordability for their businesses, and more than 31% concerned if the Framework will provide certainty, stability or simplicity for ongoing trading relationships:

“The Windsor Framework is a positive position from which to strengthen and grow NI’s trading relationships with both GB and the EU, which have been in limbo since the UK left the European Union. 72% of those businesses questioned which are not currently trading with NI agree that the Framework provides more stability and certainty for trade, while 40% of those surveyed confirmed they will be looking to re-establish trading links with NI.

“This reinforces Logistics UK’s call for a targeted strategy with GB suppliers to re-establish and strengthen trade with NI. As with any agreement, the devil is in the detail, and we and our members stand ready to assist the government in co-designing the development and application of the implementation stage of this agreement, in a way that works for consumers, business and the NI and GB economies.”

99 businesses of all sizes responded to the Logistics UK survey, including those which trade with GB, with Ireland and with the rest of 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 decarbonisation, 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.