Government Wants to "Strengthen Supply Chains" in Face of Shocks - Logistics Minister

(Copyright text, UKWA, reproduced with kind permission)

"Recent events, both at home and abroad" have shown how critical the logistics sector is to the success of the UK, Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, has said.

Addressing business leaders at an event held by the UK Warehousing Association in the House of Lords, Mather stressed the Government was "doing its best to step in and strengthen supply chains" that faced pressure from high fuel prices and the constant need to increase efficiency.

Reforms to the planning system to make sure local authorities account for the needs of logistics, funding for technology-driven advances, and better data on freight networks were all given as examples of action the Government is taking to support the industry.

The Minister acknowledged the skills challenges in warehousing, saying that the UKWA was doing an "absolutely stellar job at shaping the workforce and making sure that it's future-ready". The trade association has been at the forefront of developing new technical and vocational pathways into warehousing, in collaboration with government departments.

Clare Bottle, CEO of the UKWA, said:



"We have been campaigning for a long time to get a minister for logistics, and the fact it has finally happened is a sign that the Government is taking our sector seriously. It's great to be working with Keir, who clearly understands the importance of warehousing to every business and household in the country, and the pressure our members are under.

"The Government has made some positive moves, including planning reform and new training options for warehousing. There is a massive black cloud hanging over us at the moment, however, in the threat of further business rate rises at the Budget.

"It's absolutely essential that logistics is seen as a priority for the whole of government. Rising costs in one part of the supply chain, whether that's tax, regulation or fuel, will lead to higher prices for companies and consumers. Business and Government have to work together to stop this happening."

About UKWA

• The UKWA is the dedicated trade association for the vital warehousing sector, representing over 1,000 member businesses, who together operate around 400 million square feet of warehousing and distribution space across thousands of locations.
• Warehousing is essential to every business supply chain, as well as to the NHS and the rest of the public sector. It contributes over £28bn to the economy and employs 760,000 people across the UK.