The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has identified opportunities and made recommendations to Government on the implications of exit from the EU.
CILT represents the expertise and experience of professionals and leaders in the logistics and transport sector – a key element of our economy and UK trade around the globe.
After an approach by the ‘Freight Team’ at the Department for Transport (DfT), the Institute has delivered impartial advice to Government ahead of the imminent triggering of Article 50. Recommendations include:
• Encouraging an engagement and educational initiative amongst key players in the supply chain to ensure customs and non-tariff barriers are as far as possible removed to maximise benefits for British exporters and importers.
• Encouraging a substantial rationalisation of all Government border control agencies to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
• A major effort to ensure that skills and labour availability - throughout the supply chain - are secured so that the UK can be wholly ready to face the challenge of new trade agreements.
A meeting in late 2016 brought together industry experts and representatives from the Institute with DfT officials to discuss opportunities arising from leaving the EU.
The ensuing work resulted in the report: Freight, logistics and supply chain priorities for EU exit negotiations: Recommendations to Government. This report, analyses the potential impacts that Brexit may have on the future of our fast-moving and ever-evolving profession, with a profound understanding that logistics and transport operations that minimise friction throughout the supply chain are vital to UK prosperity and the success of our relationships around the world.
Kevin Richardson, Chief Executive, CILT, said: “The work of professionals involved in the movement of goods and people - and their associated supply chains - impacts directly on every element of society and the environment, therefore the Institute has an essential role to play in informing policy and our Government’s choices so that British companies can successfully trade in every possible market.
“There are many opportunities that can arise from Brexit and, as a profession, we need to be ready and able to seize them and add value; that’s what we, as professionals, do.”
The pace of change post-Brexit is rapid – and so, some elements of this strategic report have already been overtaken by events. Therefore, the DfT has issued follow-on questions to CILT. As a result, this report is evolving into a living document and the CILT’s Policy Team remains continuously engaged in supplying crucial advice to Government.
To help inform CILT’s Policy Committee, contact Daniel Parker-Klein, Head of Policy, CILT. Email: daniel.parker-klein@ciltuk.org.uk or call: 020 7348 1981.