Logistics body sends an important reminder to the government

Edwin Morgan | 19th March 2026 | Comment, Trade Associations
The warehouse sector has been given little attention by government ministers (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
The warehouse sector has been given little attention by government ministers (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Despite the importance that logistics and supply chains carry in Britain's economy, the government routinely ignores the significance of the sector, argues Edwin Morgan

Sometimes, it seems like business just can’t catch a break. My sector, logistics, has been particularly exposed to the rolling crises of the last few years. Each time, it has stepped up, adjusting to a complete overhaul of the terms of trade with the EU, and then responding rapidly to the Covid pandemic.  Companies in our industry had hoped for a calmer period after 2024’s General Election, but 2025 proved to be a tough year for many, with an uncertain economy not helped by the Budget that came late in the year. As 2026 started, things finally seemed to be looking up, with several members of the UK Warehousing Association I spoke to reporting their sites were busier and customers were feeling more confident.  But then came Iran.  Much of the focus on the fallout from the conflict has been on oil and gas prices, but the impact extends far beyond this. At the time of writing, over 100 container ships are stuck in the Persian Gulf, unable to get out through the Straits of Hormuz...

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