The Brief | Edition 5 | For Supply Chain Leaders

Every fortnight, The Brief brings together the most relevant updates across logistics, freight, transport, ports, and industry to help you stay informed, prepared, and ahead of the curve.

This week’s edition covers new funding wins, skills challenges, security reforms, and signals of growth across the UK and EU. Here’s what’s worth knowing and what it could mean for your business.

14.5% of Operators Face Severe HGV Driver Shortages

Logistics UK’s Skills & Employment Update (17 July 2025) reveals that 14.5% of transport operators report severe or very severe difficulty recruiting HGV drivers. The trade body warns that discontinuing central HGV Skills Bootcamp funding by autumn 2025 risks patchy, devolved retraining provision across the UK.

What this means for you:

This is a timely reminder to pressure-test your own driver attraction and retention strategies. Even if your operations aren’t yet affected, funding cuts could reduce training availability and drive up competition for skilled drivers. Particularly in regions with fewer retraining routes. Now’s a good time to assess where your workforce is most vulnerable, explore stable shift models, and consider partnering with a specialist recruitment provider to strengthen your access to vetted, long-term driver talent across key markets.

Behind £20B Transport Investment Announced - But Ports Left Behind

The 2025 Spending Review earmarks £20 billion for transport infrastructure, focusing on major rail projects and urban mobility. However, key port corridor upgrades such as Felixstowe–Ely and East Midlands connectivity remain unfunded, raising concerns about freight bottlenecks.

What this means for you:

While major road and rail schemes may offer medium-term efficiency gains, gaps in port investment could increase strain on coastal logistics and import-heavy supply chains. It’s worth keeping tabs on local LEPs or regional investment zones stepping in to bridge the shortfall and consider lobbying through your industry bodies if this impacts your core routes.

Logistics Sector Gains Strategic Recognition in UK Industrial Strategy

Logistics UK has confirmed that the new Modern Industrial Strategy (published in June 2025) includes a dedicated section recognising freight and logistics as critical to UK productivity. The strategy also plans to develop a new freight and logistics plan later this year and commits to collaboration on initiatives like the Supply Chain Centre and Skills Levy changes.

What this means for you:

Although logistics wasn’t explicitly named as a “foundational sector,” it is now formally positioned within national strategic thinking. This is a pivotal moment for organisations operating across freight, warehousing, manufacturing, or transport logistics. Participation in upcoming consultations or strategy groups could help influence policies that affect skills, planning reforms, and infrastructure. Consider how your organisation might contribute to or benefit from these frameworks.

DHL eCommerce UK Doubles LNG Fleet with Volvo Trucks

DHL eCommerce UK has doubled its fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles, expanding its decarbonisation strategy and urban distribution capability. The new trucks will support growing volumes and low-emission targets across last-mile hubs.

What this means for you:

This adds pressure and sets the bar for greener urban logistics. If you’re operating in eCom, contract logistics, or just sharing roads with low-emission carriers, now’s a good time to assess how competitive your sustainability credentials are. Consider partnering with low-carbon fleets, reevaluating your Scope 3 impact, or testing green pilot schemes to stay ahead of customer and regulatory expectations.

EU Ministers Tighten Port Security to Combat Import Crime

EU Ministers have approved new measures to enhance maritime and port security across member states, including improved scanning technologies, risk intelligence, and public-private coordination to combat smuggling and trafficking.

What this means for you:

Tighter checks may slow throughput at key entry points. Particularly for businesses handling time-sensitive or high-risk goods. If your supply chain flows through EU ports, engage with your freight partners early to understand how screening upgrades or procedural changes could affect dwell times. For customs or compliance teams, this may also signal new documentation requirements ahead.

Peel Ports Announces Major Expansion at Great Yarmouth

Peel Ports has announced a major infrastructure expansion at Great Yarmouth to support offshore wind, energy logistics, and coastal shipping. The upgrades include new warehousing and quay enhancements to meet surging demand in the southern North Sea energy corridor.

What this means for you:

This is a strong signal of continued investment in green energy logistics and regional port diversification. If you’re in heavy freight, marine engineering, or supporting the energy sector, Great Yarmouth may become an increasingly strategic site. Consider exploring capacity or partnerships tied to future energy or renewables tenders.

Insights for Supply Chain leaders

We’ll be back in two weeks with The Brief. Until then, feel free to share this with your team or reach out if there’s something you’d like us to cover next.

Till next time,

The MVP Recruitment & Talent Solutions Team

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