Logistics UK: Northern Ireland needs own strategy for logistics

Ben Fletcher, chief executive of Logistics UK (left) with infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins and Josh Fenton, Logistics UK senior policy manager

Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher has called for the development of a dedicated freight and logistics strategy for Northern Ireland, during a visit to the province to meet with politicians and influencers.

The trade group highlights logistics as a crucial enabler of Northern Ireland’s economy, but says that with the right policies in place the sector will be able to play an even greater role in driving growth and resilience.

Mr Fletcher and colleagues met with key political figures including Liz Kimmins, Northern Ireland’s infrastructure minister, and Dr Steve Aiken OBE, the deputy speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, to discuss how the sector’s growth ambitions could be furthered. Topics for discussion included collaboration to promote logistics careers to young people and jobseekers, a fair transition to a green economy, and how to achieve improvements to long-term investment in infrastructure.

The Logistics UK team also met Stuart Anderson, director of public affairs and international relations at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce.

“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,” said Ben Fletcher.

“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.”

Mr Fletcher emphasised that an integrated freight and logistics strategy was essential given that the policy goals cut across different departments, and success would 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.”