Make road spending top priority, says FTA

Infrastructure investment has to be the top priority for government, according to a survey by the Freight Transport Association for its Logistics Report 2017.

Respondents to the FTA Logistics Industry Survey rated investment in road improvements and recognising the vital role of logistics in the economy as the top two actions that they would like government to take.

In contrast to a similar survey last year, promoting the image of logistics to young people overtook a cut in fuel duty to reach third place.

Respondents said competitiveness had improved relative to the EU and globally, but there was less optimism for economic growth in 2017, with 46 per cent expecting the coming year to be better, compared to 54 per cent the previous year.

The skills shortage is still an issue, according to the survey, but this year it was highlighted by 32 per cent – well down on the 72 per cent anticipated staffing issues last year.

Respondents also said they felt less than adequately informed about the potential impact of Britain exiting the EU on their businesses. The report highlighted the importance of being able to trade with the EU in a seamless manner, with minimal red tape and at no additional cost, and to still be able to operate on EU territory.

The expansion of Heathrow was also seen as essential for growth.