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Welsh and Scots logistics needs investment, says business group

[ November 26, 2025   //   ]

Logistics UK has called on the Welsh and Scottish governments for robust policies for freight and logistics.

For Wales, it says that whichever party leads the Welsh government after the Senedd election in 2026 needs to develop a freight and logistics strategy, while enhancing Wales’ freight transport corridors, expanding course provision for training and apprenticeships and delivering the energy infrastructure required for decarbonisation.

Logistics UK’s manifesto, released ahead of the election on 7 May 2026, outlines key asks from the association’s members, including recognising how integral efficient logistics is to the Welsh economy and cost of living.  

Policy manager at Logistics UK, Josh Fenton, said: “Logistics underpins the entire Welsh economy and is fundamental for the safe and efficient management and movement of all the goods Wales relies on, every day. Without it, its factories, construction sites, hospitals, schools and homes would not have what they need.  

“Research shows that the efficiency of the logistics sector and productivity of the economy are interlinked. Getting the policy and infrastructure environment right for logistics would unlock £8 billion a year in productivity-led growth across the UK.”  

“Constraints on transport corridors, skills shortages and gaps in net zero policies are inhibitors of growth,” continued Fenton, “and must be addressed urgently so Wales can deliver the growth and prosperity that it needs.”

Logistics UK is also calling on the new Welsh government is reforming the planning system so that logistics infrastructure is given the same priority as housing: clear targets must also be given to develop warehousing in underserved areas. The business group’s members are also clear there is untapped potential in utilising existing infrastructure: Cardiff Airport could play a greater role in air freight if it has access to a distribution hub and improved rail links, and Port Talbot Port is well placed to reduce pressure on other UK ports and drive growth in Wales.

And ahead of the Scottish Parliamentary election on 7 May 2026, Logistics UK has launched a manifesto detailing what it wants the next government to prioritise, so that the industry can deliver on growth. 

Senior policy manager, Alexandra Herdman, said: “Logistics is one of Scotland’s largest employers and is responsible for contributing £7.8 billion to Scotland’s economy, as well as enabling all of its goods exports, with drink, machinery, and fish and shellfish topping the list. 

“To maintain this growth and Scotland’s ability to compete internationally, the Scottish government needs to develop a freight and logistics plan that ensures key freight transport corridors are maintained.” 

The transport projects highlighted in the manifesto include completing the planned dualling of the A9, dualling of the A75 and investing in the A77 to help enhance links between Northern Ireland and Scotland. To improve links between England and Scotland, it says the A1 should also be dualled, and there should be investment in rail capacity as well as electrification to the Port of Aberdeen.

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