Logistics Industry Discusses Partnership For Growth with Chancellor
Logistics UK - Leading the Way
(Text Copyright, Rona Hunniestt/Logistics UK, reproduced with kind permission)
The logistics industry is ready to play a key role in boosting the country's economic performance, as part of the government's broader growth strategy. During discussions between Chancellor Rachel Reeves and key industry leaders held in the Midlands on Friday (13 February 2026), logistics representatives highlighted the economic benefits the sector can generate to catalyse growth and kick start the country's economic performance.
"Our discussions with the Chancellor were clear and constructive: stay focused on growth and work with our sector to provide the backing it needs to deliver it," says Ben Fletcher, Chief Executive of business group Logistics UK. "Our members move all the goods the economy relies on to operate effectively, and are the golden thread which helps deliver new homes, export health, achievement of the Industrial Strategy and, with that backing, can reduce the cost of living for the consumer. To help deliver this, investment in skills and delivery of policies to support energy prices and net zero to assist our sector to deliver its priorities will be key.
The meeting between the Chancellor and representatives of some of the logistics sector's leading businesses took place today at Hams Hall in the Midlands, hosted by local MP Rachel Taylor. And as Mr Fletcher continues, The Chancellor was very keen to find out more about how the sector could transform the country's economic performance, were the correct levers to be pulled by government to facilitate a change:
"Logistics businesses facilitate every transaction within the economy, from movements of raw materials to delivery of finished products to the end consumer. We are involved at every point of the transaction – nothing moves across the country, and around the world, without logistics. And our research shows that our industry could drive an extra £8 billion of economic growth every year, if given the opportunity perform effectively.
"But the cost and tax pressures placed on our sector, combined with barriers to trade with the EU, are stifling our ability to deliver effectively for the economy. We were clear with Ms Reeves today – for our sector to play its part, we want to work with the government to make it easier for us to power the economy in the way we know is possible. It was reassuring to see that these messages were listened to and understood."
The meeting with the Chancellor was hosted by LTS and local MP Rachel Taylor, held as part of a visit by Ms Reeves to the Midlands.
Logistics UK is one of the UK's biggest 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, 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, water 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
