Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, met with DHL in Parliament last week to discuss the Government’s ‘Future of Freight’ plan and the opportunities for growth in the logistics sector.
The freight industry and smart logistics sector is very important to Thurrock as London Gateway continues to expand. Recently, DP World announced the construction of a fourth berth at London Gateway, the creation of 1,000 new jobs and a £12 million investment in new rail infrastructure within the constituency. With billions already invested, it is a huge asset to the local economy and community.
DHL is also expanding in the constituency. In 2021, work started on its new sustainable distribution centre at London Gateway. Its proposed internal volume is equal to 645 Olympic swimming pools and its sustainability rating is ‘outstanding’ according to the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. Mars UK has already committed to occupying 60% of the site. This is another huge investment.
In the UK, the seamless delivery of goods to your front door is a multi-billion-pound industry and contributes £127 billion GVA to the UK economy. Further, with more than 200,000 enterprises in the freight and logistics sector, it is a big employer. The sector enhances the UK’s prosperity, health, wellbeing and security by maintaining the smooth flow of goods into, out of, and across the country.
The Government’s 2022 ‘Future of Freight’ plan outlines a vision for greater collaboration between government and industry to drive growth in the sector. As the world’s supply chains recover from Covid lockdowns, collaboration is vital to unlocking free trade and removing trade barriers. The ‘Future of Freight’ plan introduces a new Freight Council and highlights 5 priority areas for growth; better support for national freight infrastructure; collaboration to deliver Net Zero; commitments to improve the planning system; enhancements to skills training; and encouragement of innovation with a new £7 million Freight Innovation Fund.
Stephen discussed the latest developments and new opportunities for young people starting out their careers with DHL.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “It was fascinating to learn more about DHL’s vision for the future of freight and logistics. I am optimistic about the opportunities for growth in the sector and I welcome the Government’s new partnerships with freight and logistics businesses to ensure that the sector remains innovative and world leading. With DP World and DHL’s recent investments in the constituency, I am sure we will continue to see the economic benefits of the UK’s world-leading logistics sector in the years to come.”
