Greening the Supply Chain: Decarbonising UK Logistics      

On Tuesday 07 May 2024 the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) hosted a breakfast meeting for parliamentarians and industry representatives on ‘Greening the Supply Chain: Decarbonising UK Logistics’. This discussion was chaired Lord Teverson, Vice-chair, Renewable and Sustainable Energy All-Party Parliamentary Group, with guest speakers Gavin Murdoch, Managing Director – Network Transport Solutions, DHL Supply Chain, and Martin Corner, Head of Supply Chain and Logistics, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited.

Key discussion points:

• A fuel mix is the best solution- too much energy would be required for an entirely electric fleet, plus the logistics around range and recharging for HGV’s. Including biofuels- potentially captured from farms- and hydrogen is essential in reducing carbon.
• Using rail more could be beneficial, especially for long journeys but railway infrastructure may need upgrading/a more holistic approach to maximise its benefit.
• Need to consider SMEs which often have lower profit margins so a courier increasing costs to cover their environmental changes, could put them out of business.
• Packaging is another issue that needs looking at- it needs to be able to protect its contents on journeys and not slide around too much.
• Need to reduce emissions across supply chains, perhaps companies sharing trucks could help, i.e. car parts in with bread.

A Roadmap for Future Skills in Manufacturing

On Tuesday 14 May 2024 the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) hosted a breakfast discussion for parliamentarians and industry representatives on ‘A Roadmap for Future Skills in Manufacturing’. This discussion was chaired by Peter Aldous MP, Chair, Further Education and Lifelong Learning Group, with guest speakers Jo Davis, Chair of Education and Skills, British Plastics Federation, and Dr Benjamin Silverstone, Head of Workforce Transformation Strategy and Policy, WMG, University of Warwick.

Key discussion points:

• Long term vacancies are damaging the sector and skills shortages are a problem across the industry.
• 80% of the workforce are already in work. The short-term solution for filling shortages is upskilling the current workforce.
• A review of the apprenticeship levy is needed to improve flexibility and allow businesses to reinvest in their workforce. Apprenticeship standards also need to remain current.
• There is a lack of diversity in talent. Women and girls need to see engineering/manufacturing as an option for them.
• Work experience, career advice and a broader curriculum are all key to improving equal access to, and promoting opportunities in, manufacturing as well as design and creative industries.
• New technologies are going to have a significant impact on the future of the workplace. Technology will change jobs and upskilling will be vital.