Logistics Scotland conference to host infrastructure minister

Following 18 April 2019’s announcement of a £5 billion package of investment for Scotland’s infrastructure, logistics businesses from across the country will be keen to learn how the money is to be distributed to ensure that the country keeps trading efficiently in the years ahead.  And attendees at FTA’s Logistics Scotland conference, taking place on 30 May 2019, will be among the first given the opportunity to quiz government about the spending plans, after it was announced that Michael Matheson MPS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity for the Scottish Government is to deliver the keynote address at the one day event.
Speaking at today’s launch of the investment package, Mr Matheson confirmed that investment in 2019-20 will support the construction of new roads and railways, among other projects and that “Scottish government-procured projects with a value of almost £3.1 billion are estimated to be in construction across Scotland in 2019-20.”  Attendees at the conference will be keen to hear more of how this investment will be made to the benefit of Scotland’s logistics sector, which is helping the nation’s economy to outpace growth experienced in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Those at the event, which is to be held at the MacDonald Inchyra Hotel in Falkirk, will also have the opportunity to learn first hand how Scotland’s logistics system will have to evolve in the next few years, to meet the challenges posed by modern trading conditions.  Speakers, including representatives of Transport Scotland, Network Rail, Scottish Business Resilience Centre and the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership, will debate key issues facing the sector, including international connectivity, transport network development, skills shortages, urban access restrictions and the best way to de-carbonise industry.
Co-ordinated by FTA, which represents more than 17,000 businesses across the sector, the unique conference will provide business leaders plentiful opportunities to debate and discover the issues affecting all modes of transport, as well as the chance to network with other likeminded professionals from across the industry.
“Logistics Scotland 2019 will give business leaders from across the sector an exciting opportunity to discuss and debate the issues of the day, as well as identifying areas for growth and development among themselves and with the panel of expert speakers assembled for the event.  FTA’s relationships with industry influencers are second to none, and the line-up of speakers and topics under discussion we have assembled will provide a comprehensive overview of our ever-changing marketplace.  This is one event that logistics leaders in Scotland cannot afford to miss.”
The one-day conference is open to senior representatives from across the logistics sector, with places costing £295 for FTA members and £350 for non-FTA members.  Those booking before 23 April 2019 will benefit from a 25% early bird discount on these prices.
Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.   
For more information about Logistics Scotland 2019 and to book your place at the event, please visit https://fta.co.uk/logisticsscotland19