Logistics is a crucial enabler of Northern Ireland’s economy and, with the right policies in place, the sector can play an even greater role in driving growth and resilience. That’s the message that Logistics UK’s Chief Executive Ben Fletcher delivered to Northern Ireland’s politicians as he called for the development of a dedicated Northern Ireland Freight and Logistics Strategy.
During a visit to Northern Ireland, Mr Fletcher and colleagues met with key political figures including Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly Dr Steve Aitken OBE MLA, to outline Logistics UK’s priorities and discuss how the sector can further Northern Ireland’s growth ambitions. Discussions focused on achieving greater long-term investment into infrastructure, a fair transition to a green economy and collaborative action to promote careers in logistics to young people and jobseekers.
Ben Fletcher said: “The logistics sector is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic growth, resilience, trade, jobs and decarbonisation, with more than 6,000 logistics businesses working to supply households and communities with everything they need.
“While Northern Ireland’s economy has outperformed the rest of the UK in recent years, long-term investment in infrastructure must be prioritised to support efficient logistics and regionally balanced growth in the future. That is why we’re highlighting the delivery of the A5 as a priority, alongside a green transition that keeps costs down and supply chains resilient.
“Our member businesses also want to work with policymakers to promote the industry to young people and jobseekers, helping the sector attract new talent and address a widening capability gap.”
As these priorities cut across different departments, Mr Fletcher stressed that a Northern Ireland freight and logistics strategy is essential, as success will depend on collaboration and coordination:
“Logistics businesses continue to operate on narrow profit margins and face daily pressures such as regulatory complexity and additional costs,” continued Mr Fletcher. “A Northern Ireland Freight and Logistics Strategy that tackles the specific challenges for those operating in Northern Ireland as well as those moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be key to enabling further growth and building resilience.
“We’re asking the Northern Ireland Executive to work more closely with the logistics sector, to unlock investment and maximise the value our industry delivers. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Northern Ireland’s policymakers and advocating for our members.”
Ben Fletcher and colleagues met with a number of key policymakers and influencers during his visit, including:
- Liz Kimmins, Minister for Infrastructure
- Dr Steve Aitken OBE MLA, Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly
- Stuart Anderson, Director of Public Affairs and International Relations at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk