Central and local Government must recognise the importance of the industrial sector, as both a valuable economic growth tool and for the role the logistics sector plays in ensuring commercial success of e-tailing and associated activities such as Black Friday, warns property industry.
In the Delivering the Goods report published by the British Property Federation’s (BPF) and researched by Turley, it outlines how valuable the contribution the logistics sector is to the UK, with £100 billion in Gross Value Added per year.
Director Business Space and Logistics lead for Turley, David Smith, said: “We are delighted to have been commissioned by the British Property Federation for this key piece of work.
“These are exciting times for a rapidly evolving logistics sector and it is important that dialogue between the industry, its stakeholders and decision makers is informed by a sound understanding of its true contribution to UK plc.”
With the launch of BPF’s Industrial Committee last year, the firm is calling on central Government to see the importance of the logistics industry and the role it plays within the wider economy.
Chief Executive of the British Property Federation, Melanie Leech, commented: “The logistics sector can often be overlooked, and few realise what a vital part it plays in our everyday lives.
“Delivering the enormous amount of online orders placed on Black Friday, for example, would not be possible without the logistics sector.”
Other points in the report showed the logistics sector supports a minimum of 56,000 businesses and employment in warehousing operations increased by 40 per cent between 2009 and 2013.
The industrial sector is currently facing tough competition for land from higher value uses such as housing, and in this light, the BPF would like to see the Government departments coordinate their approach to development to ensure that needs within the logistics and wider industrial sector are met.
The committee also encourages local Government to acknowledge the economic contribution of the sector and ensure that industrial land is given adequate provision in Local Plans.
Gareth Osborn, Chair of the BPF industrial Committee and Head of Logistics at SEGRO, added: “With a shortage of industrial land, coupled with an increasing need for housebuilding, the industry faces great challenges when it comes to acquiring sites as well as securing planning permission for industrial uses.”
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