The UK cold chain enters 2024 in a strong and vibrant position. Our industry is growing, and demand for temperature-controlled storage and distribution services is expected to continue rising in the medium and long term.
Remarkable technological innovations enable cold chain businesses to operate more efficiently, resiliently, and sustainably. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in understanding among politicians, the media and the public of our industry’s importance to the nation.
However, the UK cold chain also enters 2024 facing several significant challenges. As well as crucial issues continuing from last year, such as high energy costs and difficulties in recruitment, this year brings a substantial increase in uncertainty regarding the direction of policy and regulation.
Whichever way the result falls, the possibility of a General Election in 2024 will be followed by a new government administration that will set strategy and make decisions in a fresh phase of the political cycle. As the industry’s voice, the Cold Chain Federation will seek to influence any proposed developments of regulation, legislation, and government strategy that could significantly impact the UK’s cold chain. To help ensure our industry remains on the front foot, we will develop a UK Cold Chain Manifesto this year, setting out our industry’s key priorities and engaging on those topics with politicians and policymakers before and after the election.
Policy related to sustainability in logistics will, of course, be high on our agenda. While the Government stance on net zero weakened over 2023, newly elected ministers could take a different direction. This year and beyond, we will continue to support our members with expert guidance, valuable data, and meaningful events such as the Cold Chain Climate Summit, which we will host for the second time in March 2024.
The 2024 Cold Chain Climate Summit will explore the key issues, challenges and opportunities for the cold chain in preparing for and responding to net zero. I look forward to gathering with cold chain colleagues, government representatives and leaders in logistics academia to examine the latest data and analysis, to look at the role of future-facing technologies, and to consider the path forward for individual businesses and our industry as a whole.
The Summit will again be followed by a networking lunch and the presentation of the 2024 Cold Chain Sustainability Awards, where the Federation recognises businesses and individuals leading the way towards a more sustainable UK temperature-controlled logistics sector. Find out more about how to register for the Summit and how to enter the Awards at www.coldchainfederation.org.uk
Looking beyond the political changes of 2024, while there are many exciting longer-term opportunities for UK cold chain growth and innovation, we also need to be prepared for adverse impacts of broader global economic pressures. There is still significant uncertainty about the effects of war, oil price volatility, and geopolitical shifts on the UK economy, and we must continue to monitor closely how these global events can affect our day-to-day operations and plans for the future.
It has been an absolute pleasure to spend time with many federation members since I took the helm at the Cold Chain Federation in November 2023. I am delighted to lead the organisation at this important time for the industry, and to support members in making the most of the exciting opportunities and in tackling the challenges our industry faces.
Our industry is unique, and so too are the extensive resources, unparalleled network, and strong voice to government that the Cold Chain Federation delivers on our members’ behalf.
Find out more about the Cold Chain Federation and its work at www.coldchainfederation.org.uk.
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