We’re back with The Brief, your quick read of the latest stories shaping the landscape of supply chain and logistics right now.

This fortnight’s theme is momentum and management.

Budget watch for logistics

As the Autumn Budget approaches, industry bodies are urging the Treasury not to raise costs through fuel duty, business rates or National Insurance. With inflation easing but operating costs still high, many in the sector say stability is what’s needed to support long-term investment and keep supply chains running efficiently.

What this means for you:

Budgets always have a knock-on effect for logistics. Even if no big changes happen, it’s worth keeping an eye on how tax or fuel decisions might shape costs going into 2026. Many businesses are using this time to review spending and plan smarter for the year ahead.

V Levels: a new route to strengthen the logistics workforce

The UK government has announced a new level 3 qualification route called V Levels, designed to give people practical skills for careers in logistics, warehousing, and transport operations. Sitting between T Levels and apprenticeships, they’ll provide flexible, job-ready training built around employer needs.

What this means for you:

It’s positive news that logistics is getting more attention in education. V Levels could make it easier for people to train and start careers in the sector. For employers, it’s worth watching how these courses develop; they could become a useful way to attract and grow new talent over time.

UK manufacturers invest at slowest pace since 2017

A new Make UK report indicates that manufacturers are investing less in equipment and technology than at any time since 2017. High borrowing costs and uncertainty are making some businesses more cautious, though most continue to focus on stability and steady performance.

What this means for you:

When manufacturers slow investment, it can affect supply chains too, from slower order volumes to changes in project timelines. But it also creates room to strengthen partnerships and improve efficiency with the resources already in place.

ETS2 delay gathers momentum

EU countries have voted to delay the new Emissions Trading System (ETS2) until 2028. The system will eventually extend carbon pricing to road transport and building fuels, but governments agreed more time is needed to prepare businesses and prevent sudden cost increases.

What this means for you:

The delay gives transport and logistics businesses more breathing space. It’s a good time to learn how carbon pricing might work and see what systems or data you’ll eventually need, without rushing into big changes.

Dover pauses EES for cars until early 2026

The Port of Dover has delayed the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) for cars until early 2026. The system, which uses biometric checks for non-EU travellers, is already live for freight and coaches, but it will take longer to be introduced for passenger vehicles to avoid disruption.

What this means for you:

For logistics and passenger operators, this means more time to prepare for the new border system. It’s a reminder to keep processes and documentation up to date so everything runs smoothly when the system goes live next year.

Insights for supply chain leaders

Every story this week reflects a steady, thoughtful kind of progress. Whether it’s developing new skills, planning around policy changes, or fine-tuning operations, supply chains are learning to evolve without rushing.

For leaders, the focus is on awareness and preparation: knowing what’s changing, when, and how it might connect to your people and operations.

We’ll be back in two weeks with The Brief. Until then, feel free to share this with your team or let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to explore next.

Till next time,

The MVP Recruitment & Talent Solutions Team

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