www.truckandtrack.com Winter 2023 Truck and Track 9 BUSINESS NEWS The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has welcome news for the road transport industry on Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), business investment and planning reforms. We are delighted that the Chancellor has listened to RHA’s campaigning efforts on several fronts. Hauliers and coach operators keep goods and people moving – and are vital to our economic viability. We are pleased to see VED for HGVs and the HGV levy frozen for 2024-25. This follows our recent campaigning and will support hauliers who are facing significant cost pressures. The cost of operating an HGV has risen by nearly 10% over the past 12 months in the face of thin average margins of just 2%. Our industry is experiencing reduced activity and fewer goods being moved due to cost-of-living challenges. Road freight volumes are down by 10% and we have seen an increase in insolvencies with reduced profitability. We welcome the announcement on full expensing to make the change announced in the Spring Budget permanent. Firms will be able to claim back the tax on buying new plant and machinery, including vans, lorries and warehousing equipment. We are also pleased that the Chancellor acknowledged concerns that planning is often a barrier to investment in major infrastructure. The introduction of a premium planning service with guaranteed accelerated decision dates for major applications and new powers to hold councils to account is welcome. A strong network of safe, secure roadside truck parking facilities is a key priority for us. The new Investment Zone deals are much needed and we urge that they’re supported with high-quality road infrastructure. We also support Government action in creating more certainty for investors in low-carbon infrastructure. This is through extending the critical national priority designation for nationally significant low-carbon energy projects. We continue to call on the Government to introduce an emissions-linked rebate to encourage hauliers and coach operators to switch to low-carbon fuels such as HVO. Finally, the £2 billion funding being made available to support the manufacturing and development of zero-emission vehicles is welcome, however we need to see more concrete plans on how this funding will be targeted towards commercial vehicles. We will be examining the detail of the Autumn Statement and will continue working closely with the Government and the Opposition ahead of next year’s General Election. Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – RHA reaction Fargo Systems, the logistics industry’s digital TMS provider of choice, has welcomed former employee Adam Cunnew back to the business as a systems analyst. During the previous 12 months, Adam took the opportunity to upskill and complete the PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) accreditation in project management. His extensive knowledge and additional expertise will undoubtedly contribute to Fargo Systems’ continued success in delivering cutting-edge transport management systems to its clients. Adam’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his decision to invest his time in external qualifications. Achieving PRINCE2, the globally recognised de facto standard in project management, demonstrates his keenness to enhance his skills and contribute even more effectively to Fargo Systems’ projects. Adam joined Fargo Systems as an apprentice in 2016 as a firstline support and QA Tester. After completing his apprenticeship, Adam took up the role of product consultant, building a solid foundation in analysis and development over the following six years. “We are thrilled to welcome Adam back to the Fargo Systems team,” said Managing Director Steve Collins. “His dedication to personal and professional growth is truly commendable. With his newly acquired PRINCE2 certification, we anticipate Adam will bring a fresh perspective and enhanced project management skills to our business. As we continue to strive for excellence in delivering logistics software solutions, Adam’s return comes as an asset that aligns perfectly with our goals.” Adam’s return to Fargo Systems signals the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of ongoing development and innovation. His comprehensive skill set and the company’s robust resources and collaborative environment position Fargo Systems as a reliable partner for clients seeking innovative transport planning and resource scheduling solutions. For more information about Fargo Systems and its range of TopsTMS® logistics software solutions, please visit www.fargosystems.com Systems Analyst Adam Cunnew rejoins Fargo Systems after successful upskilling and project management certification Fargo Systems’ Adam Cunnew - image credit Jim Slade Fargo Systems TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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