Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited LTS Global Solutions in Coleshill last week to take part in a roundtable discussion with industry leaders on the future of the UK’s road freight and logistics sector and the government support it needs to help drive economic growth.
The event was hosted by RHA member LTS Global Solutions and Rachel Taylor, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Road Freight and Logistics.
Commenting after the event, Richard Smith, RHA MD, said: “Today was a signal of just how important our industry is, central to moving everything and driving growth.
“I was keen to press the deep concerns we have about rising fuel duty, depressed international haulage and the ongoing rise of freight crime.
“We will continue to speak to Ministers about risings costs, skills shortages, international pressures, driver facilities, net zero and road infrastructure in order to represent the interests of our members and our key sector.”
Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK chief executive also met with the Chancellor. He said: “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.
“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.”
He added that 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 £8bn 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.”
MP Rachel Taylor (pictured left) said: “I am proud to represent a constituency where over one in five people work in the logistics sector.
“As Chair of the APPG for Road Freight and Logistics, I am determined to champion this vital industry in Parliament - from boosting skills and training to tackling organised freight crime.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Chancellor to North Warwickshire today to hear directly from local businesses about the challenges and opportunities they face, and about the government’s plans to support them in their vital work.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the sector was “fundamental” to the UK’s economy. She added: “From getting food onto supermarket shelves to delivering vital medical supplies, this is the sector that keeps Britain moving, with its beating heart right here in the West Midlands.
“Businesses like LTS Global Solutions here in North Warwickshire are central to delivering the government’s mission to boost our economy.
“That’s why this government is committed to backing the sector with the skills and infrastructure it needs to thrive, creating good jobs, and driving long-term prosperity.”
Dave Hands (pictured right), LTS Group MD, said: “As a leading West Midlands logistics hub we were delighted to welcome the Chancellor today to our headquarters in Coleshill.
“We have been working closely with Rachel Taylor MP, and the Road Haulage Association to support the industry’s voice both locally and in Westminster.
“We look forward to continuing the conversation to make sure our industry thrives.”
