RHA reaction to Government industrial strategy

Today’s release of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy sets out how the government intends to boost investment and support key sectors to grow the economy.

The RHA welcomes the recognition of the vital economic contribution of the freight and logistics sector within the strategy. Supply chains enable the rest of the economy to function, producing job opportunities across the UK. We are pleased to see that the strategy acknowledges the key role freight and logistics will play in maintaining the competitiveness of the key growth-driving sectors.

Support for small businesses by helping to tackle late payments and a new Business Growth Service to support SMEs are also welcome steps.

However, the strategy could have gone much further in designating the freight sector itself as a foundational sector.

We look forward to working with Government to ensure there is growth and opportunity for commercial vehicle operators who will play a foundational role in UK competitiveness.


Commenting, RHA Managing Director Richard Smith said:

"The Government rightly identified manufacturing, energy and construction as key growth areas. The Logistics sector will be fundamental to delivering this intended growth across all sectors. With 85% of UK goods moved by road freight, we're the backbone of the economy. Every solar panel that needs installing, every manufacturing component that needs moving, every construction project that needs materials, it all depends on our industry to get from A to B.

"If we’re to get the 200,000 HGV drivers we need in the next five years to keep up with demand, new technical excellence colleges must include provision for heavy vehicle driver and technician bootcamps. These courses will be essential to future-proofing our sector. 

"As we said in our infrastructure strategy reaction, a safe and fit for purpose road network must also be a top priority for Government to meet their targets and grow the UK economy."