Finishing - July-August 2022

12 CHEMICALS
Next generation
The logistics industry has taken a decisive
step to address the industry’s long- term
recruitment and staff retention issues
with the launch of a major new awareness and
recruitment campaign, Generation Logistics.
Co-ordinated by the Chartered Institute of
Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Logistics
UK, in partnership with the Department for
Transport, the campaign has already gained
significant support and sponsorship from a
wide range of businesses of all sizes from
across the logistics industry.
Logistics is an integral part of all supply
chains and the Chemical Business Association
(CBA) which represents the chemical supply
chain is naturally keen to support this
campaign as an Official Partner and to play an
important role in making it a resounding
success.
Tim Doggett, chief executive of the CBA
commented ‘Having myself enjoyed a career
of over 30 years in logistics, not only do I
realise its importance, but even more so the
opportunities, and huge range and diversity of
roles that exist. ‘Generation Logistics’ provides
an opportunity to showcase this and to raise
awareness amongst not just young people,
but also those who might be considering a
change in career.’
Tim further commented ‘More than 95% of
all manufactured products contain inputs from
the chemicals industry and, not to mention
things such as ensuring that we have safe
drinking water. Chemicals are critical to our
society, our health and well-being, and also
our economy and the Chemical Business
Association is working hard to change the
perception of the industry as a whole, and in
raising awareness of what the logistics sector
has to offer – ‘Generation Logistics’ is a great
place to start!’
The Secretary of State for Transport, Grant
Shapps MP, is delighted that the government
is supporting the campaign: “I am proud to
confirm government support for the
Generation Logistics campaign. The pandemic
has once again demonstrated the strategic
importance of supply-chains and their
associated workers. Their work to keep the UK
moving was exemplary and I have nothing
but admiration for those unsung heroes who
keep the UK trading, keep food on our
shelves and provide our factories, shops,
hospitals and schools with the supplies they
need. Logistics workers make a substantial
difference to our lives, every day.
“However, we have a new challenge facing
us as we look to the future of freight. We
need to attract a diverse and skilled workforce
to play a key part in a new, exciting era
transforming an industry at the forefront of
innovation and technology. There are
thousands of logistics roles available to people
from all backgrounds, experience, and skills.
This campaign will showcase those
opportunities in artificial intelligence, advanced
robotics, autonomous vehicles, and the
decarbonisation of the supply chain. This
industry campaign is integral to not only
supporting growth of this vital sector but also
ensuring we have the workforce needed for
now and the future.”
Sharon Kindleysides, Chief Executive of
CILT comments: “Generation Logistics brings
together operational logistics organisations,
government, CILT (UK), Logistics UK and
sector trade bodies to create and support a
campaign that will raise the positive profile of
the sector and inform and attract the
resources and talent that we need to meet the
future demands that will be placed on us. The
sector has been recognised as critical
infrastructure over recent years and
Generation Logistics will highlight the huge
range of roles and career development
opportunities that are available at all levels and
across all modes and activities.”
The industry launch took place at
Multimodal at the NEC in Birmingham, where
Trudy Harrison MP, Under-Secretary of State
for the Department of Transport, met some of
the campaign’s sponsors and took part in a
round table to debate the issues facing
logistics recruiters today. And while the launch
of the campaign to consumers is set for 26
July 2022, there is still time to get involved as
a sponsor.
Finishing - July/August 2022