The logistics industry needs to be able to react quickly to changing consumer trends, especially as the UK has become one of the leading e-commerce markets, according to the FTA.

The FTA Logistics Report 2014, launched today at the House of Commons, has been compiled with support from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and includes the results of PwC’s UK Total Retail Survey. This found that 27% of consumers now shop online on a weekly basis.

The research also predicts that retail sales made by tablet or smartphone will account for a quarter of all online retail sales by 2017.

The report found that over half of the FTA’s members expect to see business increase over the coming year, as well as an increase in staff levels. They also expect to see the number of redundancies decrease as business optimism grows.

FTA chief executive Theo de Pencier said demand for flexible deliveries has increased, presenting more challenges to both retailers and logistics firms. “The Logistics Report 2014 reflects this fast-paced revolution and outlines the need for the freight and logistics industry to develop a simple, scalable and flexible supply chain to be able to react quickly to evolving trends,” he said.

Coolin Desai, UK transport and logistics leader at PwC, said: “In an era of accelerated globalisation, with both business and consumers demanding better transport options, an integrated transport strategy is more important than ever. Getting this right will be key to driving the best return on investment.”

The Parliamentary launch of the report in the House of Commons today (8 May) was sponsored by All Party Parliamentary Group on Freight chairman Rob Flello MP.

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