The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has launched its Election Manifesto for 2024 during a special reception held at the House of Commons. Hosted by Ben Everitt MP and attended by notable figures including Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, the event aimed to highlight the critical role of warehousing in the UK economy and present key policy requests to lawmakers.
The reception, supported by speeches from MPs and UKWA CEO Clare Bottle, focused on the presentation of eight significant policy recommendations to MPs and stakeholders from various government departments such as the Department for Transport (DfT), Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUCH).
UKWA’s manifesto emphasizes the need for reform in business rates and improvements in the planning system. It also advocates for the exploitation of solar energy potential on warehouse rooftops, reflecting the sector’s push towards sustainability.
Clare Bottle, CEO of UKWA, stressed the importance of the warehousing sector, which employs 8% of the UK population, in national economic activities. She pointed out the inadequate representation of the sector’s needs in parliamentary discussions and called for the appointment of a dedicated Logistics Minister to address this oversight.
“Part of the problem is a lack of joined-up government. Currently, our eight policy pleas must be addressed to eight different departments, which is why our first and arguably most crucial request is the appointment of a Logistics Minister in the next government,” said Bottle.
Additionally, UKWA has reached out to key political leaders, including Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, advocating for their support. The Parliamentary Reception also served as a platform to gather further endorsements for the manifesto.
The UKWA’s policy asks include:
- Appointment of a cross-departmental Logistics Minister by the Cabinet Office to drive economic growth.
- Empowerment of the Connected Places Catapult by the Department for Transport to foster innovation in warehousing.
- Creation of a successor to the Solar Taskforce by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero to continue advancements in commercial rooftop solar initiatives.
- Reform of the planning system by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to support sustainable warehouse development.
- Addition of the UKWA Warehouse Manager CPC qualification to the educational standards by the Department for Education.
- Collaboration with logistics employers by the Department for Work & Pensions to promote sector-specific careers and address skills shortages.
- Encouragement of UK tech firms by the Department for Business & Trade to develop automated and systemic solutions for the sector.
- Restructuring of the business rates system by HM Treasury to ensure fairness for large buildings.
Bottle concluded with optimism about the engagement from MPs and departmental representatives at the event, expressing hope for a government more informed about and supportive of the logistics and warehousing sectors.
