Keeping logistics at the top table: Logistics UK welcomes Minister O’Dowd to meet members in Belfast

Friday 17 May 2024

Business group Logistics UK remains steadfast in its drive to ensure the logistics sector is prioritised by policymakers at the highest level. This week, it welcomed Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd MLA as he joined member businesses from across NI at its Northern Ireland Freight Council meeting which took place at Clifton House, Belfast.

Logistics UK’s quarterly Freight Council meetings provide member businesses with the opportunity to keep updated on logistics policy and discuss issues affecting the sector. During his visit, Minister O’Dowd addressed the group to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector in Northern Ireland and identify ways the Executive could help ease the burden on the industry and unlock its potential.

Nichola Mallon, Logistics UK, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy at Logistics UK said, “We are very grateful to Minister O’Dowd for making the time to meet with our members as it is crucial that our industry’s views are heard by policy makers. The transport and storage sector added £1.4bn to the NI economy in 2021. There are over 6,000 logistics businesses across the north, employing over 65,000 people. Our industry is critical in driving economic growth and ensuring we all have the goods we need, where and when we need them.

“The role that logistics plays in keeping Northern Ireland moving has been demonstrated in recent years, particularly when considering the impact of Brexit, the pandemic, war in Ukraine, energy price shocks and ongoing disruption to shipping in the Red Sea.  Significant challenges are facing the sector when it comes to the cost of doing business, decarbonisation, having access to modern and efficient infrastructure and ensuring we have a workforce that is fit for the future.

“Logistics UK is committed to working in partnership with the Minister for Infrastructure and all of his Executive colleagues to deliver the change that is needed to unlock our industry’s potential and boost trade and economic growth.

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. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk