Funding for programmes to drive innovation in logistics and encourage young people into the sector must be included in the Government’s upcoming spending review, the UK Warehousing Association said today [Monday, 10 February].
In a submission to the Treasury, the leading membership body for the warehousing industry called for the Generation Logistics programme, which has been supported by the Department for Transport to change perceptions of careers in the area, to be extended.
The UKWA also called for the Freight Innovation Fund, which provides up to £150,000 to companies to test out productivity-enhancing technologies in real-world settings, to be included in the Government’s long term spending plans.
Both measures would help towards achieving the missions set out by the Prime Minister is his ‘Plan for Change’, of which the first is kickstarting economic growth, the UKWA argued. The warehousing sector contributes over £28bn to the economy, employs 400,000 people, and is relied upon by both businesses and the public sector to keep supply chains working.
Recent changes announced by the Chancellor to remove barriers from the planning system and encourage regulators to have a more pro-growth outlook were praised by the trade body, but further action was called for to reduce bureaucratic delay when it came to customs approvals, planning, and the business rates system.
Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association, said:
“This is the moment for the Government to embrace warehousing and logistics as an engine for growth. Whether it’s raising GDP, creating opportunities for young people, or simply making sure the NHS functions, our members will be essential to delivering their missions.
“Ours is a highly competitive sector, operating often on tight margins, and it normally doesn’t ask much from government. Warehouses aren’t simply the physical hub for goods, they’re a litmus test for the UK’s attractiveness as a place to invest. With targeted support for innovation and skills, and continued progress on reducing barriers, we are confident that warehousing can play a central role in driving the UK forward.”
