For the UK cold chain, 2022 has been a year of continuing growth amidst a backdrop of the challenge of soaring costs exacerbated by global forces, economic uncertainty and Government chaos. The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has been working on the industry’s behalf every step of the way.
Policy Director at Cold Chain Federation
On the one hand the industry has maintained steady progress with major new facilities coming on stream and exciting developments in sustainable transport refrigeration technology; while at the same time the cost of doing business has risen sharply principally due to the energy crisis but also compounded by the end of the red diesel rebate and labour and material cost rises. The alarming scale of these cost increases was detailed in our new Cold Chain Report, published in July. As well as providing essential up-to-date data for our members, this new annual report will be a valuable tool for our government engagement activities.
Despite Government turmoil, the CCF has achieved much for its members in 2022, including being instrumental in the postponement of full customs checks on food products imported from the EU and supporting members to build relationships with their local MPs. Looking ahead, our work will focus on engaging with Government to ensure that the future Energy Bill Relief Scheme includes support for critical cold chain businesses beyond April and on red diesel, we are building evidence to explain why Government must start providing proper support for the trial and uptake of alternatives to diesel powered TRUs.
We have provided advice and support for CCF members on a raft of this year’s emerging and developing issues. Our Net Zero Project has continued with a report on The Cold Store of 2050, while our other reports and webinars this year have examined cybersecurity, recruitment and compliance among other topical issues. In addition, the formal partnership we agreed with the Global Cold Chain Alliance in the spring has given CCF members access to a range of new global resources and relationships.
A highlight of this year has been getting back together for the flagship CCF conference, Cold Chain Live, in September. Debate and discussion with 300 cold chain colleagues, alongside the perspectives and insights of experts from outside our industry, gave us all the chance to take a step back and think differently.
As well as the return of Cold Chain Live in 2023 and a range of topical reports and online seminars, next year CCF members can look forward to the return of our parliamentary reception in May. Last year we introduced the cold chain to key politicians and reflected on its resilience during the pandemic; in 2023 our return to the House of Commons will celebrate cold chain people. We will also hold the Cold Chain Climate Summit in March, our Summer Party and Cold Chain Cup in July and our President’s lunch in November. Join us to make sure you don’t miss out.
COLD CHAIN FED
0118 988 4468
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