BIFA, along with 10 other industry associations, has co-signed a letter emphasising the crucial role of the logistics sector, urging the government to focus on the industry to boost growth and productivity within the UK.
Highlighting its contribution of £163 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) and substantial tax revenue, the letter focuses on the benefit logistics has, and how, if backed by the correct policies, it can continue to thrive and boost the economy.
The central focus is the appointment of a dedicated minister for logistics, with cross-departmental responsibilities and supported by a Cabinet Office structure:
“To facilitate growth, we are urging the UK and devolved governments to work in partnership with us. We are also urging whoever is the Prime Minister after the next election to appoint a dedicated minister for logistics with cross-departmental responsibilities, backed by a Cabinet Office structure to support delivery across Whitehall”
Amongst the letter, various other requirements were proposed, including:
- Radical planning reform, long-term infrastructure investment and increase in transport capacity
- A joint UK government-logistics sustainability and decarbonisation roadmap
- Skills policies to enable the sector to win the battle for talent
- Partnership between the UK government and the sector to boost trade
You can read the full letter HERE.
The letter, alongside Steve Parker, BIFA Director General, was also co-signed by:
- Richard Ballantyne OBE – Chief Executive, British Port Association
- Claire Bottle – Chief Executive, UK Warehousing Association
- Geraint Evans – Chief Executive, UK Major Ports Group
- Amanda Francis – Chief Executive, Association of International Courier & Express Services
- Phil Pluck – Chief Executive, Cold Chain Federation
- Paul Sanders – Founder & Chair, Association of Pallet Networks
- Maggie Simpson OBE – Director General, Rail Freight Group
- Richard Smith – Managing Director, RHA
- Ian Studd – Director General, British Association of Removers
- David Wells OBE – Chief Executive, Logistics UK
