FEATURE: LOGISTICS, FREIGHT & TRANSPORTATION
equating to 11% of the UK non-financial business economy, and in 2016 the number of individuals working in logistics was around 2.54m, which equates to approximately eight per cent of the UK workforce. The UK remains a leader in logistics at a global level, and was ranked in the top 10 of the global logistics performance index of the World Bank for 2016. The export outlook for logistics businesses with
international ambitions such as Diamond Logistics is attractive. The falling value of the pound and a supportive environment for UK exporters – including increased backing from the British Government – saw exports of goods from UK companies to both the EU and to non-EU countries rise during 2016. Data from the Office of National Statistics shows UK sales to the EU in the fourth quarter of 2016 reached £38.3bn, up from £32.7bn in the same quarter of 2015, while non-EU exports were £43.8bn, up from £38.3bn a year previously. Logistics businesses such as Diamond Logistics are in a strong position to capitalise as this growth continues. Not only are they well-placed to expand their own activities in overseas markets, but they will also play a crucial role in facilitating the export activities of other UK companies selling increasing volumes of products in international markets. Online shopping also continues to grow. In December
2016, online retail volumes (excluding automotive fuel) increased year-on-year by 27.9%. Online sales accounted for approximately 14.6% of all retail spending in 2016. Click & Collect has become increasingly popular allowing consumers the flexibility of collecting their goods when convenient and reducing the number of failed deliveries. Click & Collect's popularity has also led to an increase in demand for same day delivery. All in all, logistics might not be the most glamorous
sector in the UK, but in terms of a business proposition the stats show that it's great bet in terms of a long- term career.
January/February 2018 Chamber Profile 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
