Collaboration from Government is key - Richard Smith

In last week's King’s speech, we heard the legislative agenda from the new Government. There are some positive early signs, including plans to reform the planning systems, speed up approvals for infrastructure projects and a plan to foster a more joined-up approach to Government between decision makers at a local and national level.

With firms highlighting skills gaps and shortages as an issue which could be a barrier to growth, the decision to reform the Apprenticeship Levy to offer a wider range of skills training is welcome. Collaboration between industry, education, and government will be key in addressing skills shortages and developing new skills strategies which encourage colleges to support courses aimed at jobs in our sector. As with other announcements, we’ll need further detail, and we stand ready to work to improve the training available.

The Government has pledged to consult with industry widely on the measures it announced. While delivering better training and secure jobs is a common objective for both business and government; listening to industry voices and exploring more details is vitally important. To give firms the confidence and clarity they need to invest, we want Government to work closely with us. The first one hundred days will be an important test to see if early actions match early words.

In England, there'll be an increased role for Metro Mayors who already play a key role in strategic planning, particularly in transport, skills, and business support. Combined authorities have the powers to plan to help alleviate congestion and enhance productivity in their regions. We want businesses and consumers to receive the goods they demand efficiently and cost-effectively. An opportunity now exists for local decision makers to work with us to unlock growth which will benefits businesses locally and nationally.

We campaign all year round, and as the only dedicated trade association representing the interests of HGVs, LGVs and Coaches across all four parts of the United Kingdom, we’ll continue to engage with local, regional and devolved decision makers.

We want to continue to work collaboratively with national, local, regional and devolved decision makers when they’re developing road freight strategies, and in relevant policy areas which impact our members and this sector. Consultation with industry will be important in areas such as traffic congestion measures, facilities improvement, and road improvement and safety measures.

With rising costs, ever-changing regulations and evolutions in technology as we move towards decarbonisation, our industry needs clarity every step of the way. Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we’re ready to work with decision makers at all levels to get that clarity and to support schemes and plans that improve routes, improve connectivity and keep the supply-chain moving. This benefits everyone.