More than half of new business for logistics operators in the UK has come from customers switching to other providers. 

This is according to the latest bi-annual UK Logistics Confidence Index from Barclays and Moore Stephens, which also revealed that barely one in ten respondents said their main source of business came from those renewing existing contracts. 

For the first time since the report was instigated, operators state that maintaining their existing customer base is now their top focus. 

From this data, the researchers concluded that competition in the UK logistics sector is intensifying. 

Head of transport and logistics at Barclays Rob Riddleston said operators are being more cautious now, where previous surveys have identified a feel-good factor throughout the industry. 

"Yet, there is still a lot of confidence amongst operators with high levels of investment, turnover and profitability still being reported," he commented.