Logistics UK has said the sector’s importance to the UK economy has been recognised by government, after aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather MP praised the industry at its annual conference.
Speaking at the business group’s event at London’s QE2 Conference Centre, Mather said that despite ongoing economic uncertainty, “logistics keeps delivering for the UK”.
He described the sector’s workers as “the unsung heroes that will keep Britain moving” and said government understood the role logistics plays in driving growth across the wider economy.
“The logistics industry remains the cornerstone of our island nation which keeps goods moving and businesses trading,” he said.
“The work of Logistics UK is indispensable to the economy, ensuring that we make decisions in government with our eyes wide open and helping us to focus on the issues that matter the most, whether that be resilience, growth or investment.”
Mather said the government heard the voice of Logistics UK “loud and clear”.
He was joined at the conference by shadow secretary of state for business and trade Andrew Griffith MP and Chris McDonald MP, minister for industry at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
McDonald also highlighted the resilience of the sector, noting that supply chains often go unnoticed when they are functioning well.
“When supply chains work, they don’t make the news, and the government recognises the importance of the sector and the efforts it makes to ensure that the economy works,” he said.
“Global instability, including the events in the Middle East, has created huge challenges, but I am really struck by the fact that despite that uncertainty, time and again, logistics continues to deliver for people across the United Kingdom.”
More than 400 executive members registered for Logistics UK’s annual conference, which brings together leaders from across road, rail, water and air, as well as businesses that rely on freight services, including retailers and manufacturers.
Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher said: “Logistics is the engine room of the UK economy, underpinning all other sectors and keeping goods flowing, amid challenging economic conditions.
“The sector doesn’t operate in isolation and drives growth across the economy by linking business regions and markets.
“Continued partnership between industry and government is key to delivering this growth and having three leading political voices at our Annual Conference is testament to the recognition logistics is receiving.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with government to elevate the perceptions of logistics across all parties.”
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