Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 22 LOGISTICS UK NEWS Logistics UK has announced the winner of its Transport Manager of the Year competition at the business group’s final Transport Manager conference for 2023. Chris Pratt, Transport Manager at EPD Insulation Group Ltd was named winner and Sarah Wilkes-Jones, Transport Manager at Brakes UK, was runner-up. Logistics UK launched the competition in 2022 as a platform to display the great work UK transport managers do every day. David Wells, Chief Executive at Logistics UK, said: “The Transport Manager of the Year competition acknowledges and celebrates the best transport managers and their work over the past year, and I am delighted to present Chris Pratt with the winner’s trophy. The judges were particularly impressed with his wide knowledge and problem-solving abilities, and I congratulate him on his success. I would also like to extend my congratulations to our runner-up, Sarah Wilkes-Jones, as well as all those who were shortlisted.” The competition, which is supported by BP, took place in multiple stages, mostly online, and included statutory requirements testing, a case study submission and an online interview with the judging panel. Prizes include a £1,000 holiday voucher and two tickets to the 2023 Logistics Awards for the winner, and a £500 shopping voucher and two tickets to the 2023 Logistics Awards for the runner-up. Adrian Brabazon, Head of BP Fleet Solutions in the UK, who was on the panel of judges, said: “I have been incredibly impressed by the quality of the entries into the competition. It is evident a transport manager’s role is increasingly complex, identifying efficiencies within their businesses, maintaining a compliant fleet, while focusing on nurturing relationships with their drivers. Chris Pratt superbly demonstrated all these attributes and is a worthy winner of Transport Manager of the Year 2023.” Trophies were awarded on the day for first and second place, with two other shortlisted finalists, Fiona Hamilton, Regional Transport Manager at Constellation Cold Logistics and Andrew Moore, Transport Manager at FareShare Midlands, receiving certificates. Logistics UK names Transport Manager of the Year 2023 at final event in record-breaking conference series Photo shows (L-R), David Wells, CEO of Logistics UK, Chris Pratt of EPD Insulation – Logistics UK’s Transport Manager of the Year and Adrian Brabazon, Head of BP Fleet Solutions More targeted government investment – combined with action to improve the flow of goods across borders and a commitment to work in closer partnership with the logistics sector – could boost GDP by £3.9 billion per annum by 2030, and generate enough revenue to finance the salaries of 20,000 nurses according to a new independent report by Oxford Economics on behalf of business group Logistics UK. ‘Logistics: Delivering a solution to the UK’s productivity puzzle’ outlines how the ability of UK’s logistics system to support greater competition and efficiency in the UK economy is being held back by challenges caused by border friction and a lack of investment in national infrastructure, innovation and skills – which, if addressed, could also result in an increase in annual household disposable income. David Wells, Chief Executive of Logistics UK comments: “The UK’s economy faces a productivity challenge at present, but logistics can be a big part of the solution. This report, conducted on our behalf by Oxford Economics, emphasises how improving the productivity of the logistics sector, one of the UK’s most significant economic contributors, would have a positive impact on the whole economy. However, the findings also suggest that reversing the UK’s decline in productivity and delivering these gains is beyond the control of industry operators alone and will take concerted effort and investment by government. “To ensure that the nation’s decline in productivity is addressed, it is imperative that government works with the sector to establish a cross-Whitehall Logistics Productivity Forum, to maximise the benefits that this sector can deliver to the whole economy. “To deliver the gains outlined in this report, the logistics sector requires government to work in strategic partnership with the private sector to deliver improved infrastructure, reduce friction at the country’s borders to boost trade, resolve skills gaps and invest in innovation to drive efficiency.” The new analysis also highlights that, while there would be a significant economic benefit for the UK from addressing these challenges to close the gap with other nations, this must be achieved alongside delivering the transition to a green economy. Mr Wells adds: “If the UK gets the transition to net zero right, it will align with long term higher productivity. In the shortterm, significant levels of investment are required to make the necessary switch efficiently. Both public and private investment needs to avoid stranded assets. The logistics sector and government must work in partnership to ensure that taxpayer and private investment in the transition delivers value for money and supports, rather than hinders, economic growth. “Government support is vital to support the pace of change required, to prevent a loss in private sector efficiency, and ensure a smooth transition for all sectors of the economy.” Government partnership with logistics could unlock £3.9 Billion in economic growth, says Logistics UK TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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