The RHA met with MPs this week at a Labour Party conference fringe event to discuss the vital role of logistics in delivering economic growth.
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker also confirmed a £12m investment at the session, for logistics training and skills within the region and positioning transport and skills development as key engines for regional economic growth.
The event was hosted by SME4Labour and chaired by Rachel Taylor MP, who has presented a Bill to Parliament to strengthen the fight against freight crime.
The RHA said the panel examined how supporting the logistics sector could promote social mobility, particularly for women, as well as opportunities to launch a ‘green logistics revolution’ from the Midlands.
Dave Robertson MP spoke up for increased last-mile deliveries through EVs and Skills Federation CEO Dr Fiona Aldridge called for sector-entry programmes to build the future workforce.
Meanwhile, RHA policy manager Sally Gilson was able to speak briefly with the Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Liverpool conference and discuss the need to keep fuel duty frozen at the next Budget.
Writing on social media, Gilson said: “With operating costs still high and margins tight, freezing duty remains a simple but crucial way to support our sector.
“I also spoke with the Chancellor Rachel Reeves and shared the same message – that road transport keeps the country moving and the decisions taken in the months ahead must reflect that.”
RHA MD Richard Smith said cross-sector collaboration was vital to help deliver regional and national growth: “Recruitment and retention is a growing challenge for our sector,” he said.
“A lack of new lorry drivers a key issue we need to face down as we must attract the 40,000 truckers a year for the next five years needed to meet demand and drive economic growth.
“The £12m investment in skills and training will boost our sector in the West Midlands and we look forward to working with officials to help maximise its impact for the region.”
