Labour Party Conference: RHA joins MPs to promote West Midlands growth

The RHA joined West Midlands Labour MPs and other key figures yesterday (Monday 29 September) to discuss the vital role of logistics in delivering economic growth through skills.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker confirmed a £12 million investment at the Labour Party Conference fringe event, dedicated to logistics training and skills within the region, positioning transport and skills development as key engines for regional economic growth.

The session, “Delivering for the Nation: The West Midlands Role in Training the Transport Workforce,” was hosted by SME4Labour and chaired by Rachel Taylor MP who has presented a Bill to Parliament to strengthen the fight against freight crime.

The panel examined how the supporting the logistics sector can promote social mobility, particularly for women (Rachel Taylor), and opportunities to launch a "green logistics revolution" from the Midlands (Liam Byrne MP). Dave Robertson MP spoke up for increased last-mile deliveries through EVs, and Dr Fiona Aldridge (CEO, Skills Federation) called for sector-entry programmes to build the future workforce.

Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director said cross-sector collaboration is vital to help deliver regional and national growth. And better working conditions would help make the industry more accessible and attractive to all amid growing skills gaps in key roles.

“I was delighted to represent our industry at this event and would like to thank SME4Labour for inviting us to take part.

“Recruitment and retention is a growing challenge for our sector. A lack of new lorry drivers a key issue we need to face down as we must attract the 40,000 truckers a year for the next five years needed to meet demand and drive economic growth.

“The £12m investment in skills and training will boost our sector in the West Midlands and we look forward to working with officials to help maximise its impact for the region.