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Moody Logistics has highlighted the need for government support of the haulage and logistics industry after business secretary Andrea Leadsom paid a visit to the family-run firm.
MD Caroline Moody said she explained to her “the vital role it plays in satisfying the demand for cheaper goods and keeping the country stocked and supplied" during a 15-minute private meeting on Wednesday (27 November).
The business secretary toured the Cramlington company’s logistics hub along with the Conservative candidate for the Blyth Valley constituency, Ian Levy.
They also inspected its fully restored 1950s Bedford truck ‘Peggy’ and climbed aboard its new £75,000 Iveco tractor unit.
Moody said: “I was keen to represent the views of the smaller independent operators who make up the majority of the UK’s haulage industry.
“The industry is heavily regulated and is highly susceptible to rises in fuel costs and fluctuations in the global and UK economy,” she added.
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“I particularly highlighted the national shortage of qualified HGV drivers, which currently stands at 59,000, and explained the importance of narrowing this skills gulf.
“Mrs Leadsom was interested to learn how Moody Logistics is addressing this problem through its development of driver apprentices but made the point that this opportunity needs to be widened to include older people.
“I hope I impressed upon her the need for government to fully support the haulage and logistics industry as it is not always high on the political agenda – but it plays a crucial part in this country’s economic success.”
As well as touring the warehousing facility and operations hub, Leadsom also visited sister company MCR Services, as well as viewing the ongoing construction work to create a new 6,000sq ft unit for service and repair centre Heathline Commercials.
Leadsom said: “Logistics is vital, and it is really important for the UK that we continue to support thriving family businesses such as Moody Logistics.”
