Logistics UK calls for Northern Ireland freight and logistics strategy

Logistics UK has called for the development of a dedicated Northern Ireland Freight and Logistics Strategy.

The business group said logistics was a crucial enabler of Northern Ireland’s economy and could play a greater role in supporting growth and resilience if the right policies were put in place.

Ben Fletcher, chief executive at Logistics UK, made the call during a visit to Northern Ireland, where he and colleagues met key political figures including Liz Kimmins, minister for infrastructure, and Dr Steve Aitken OBE MLA, deputy speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The discussions focused on long-term infrastructure investment, a fair transition to a green economy and collaborative action to promote logistics careers to young people and jobseekers.

Ben Fletcher, chief executive at Logistics UK, 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.”

Logistics UK said the priorities cut across different departments, meaning collaboration and coordination would be needed to support the sector.