Every fortnight, we bring you The Brief: bite-sized updates from the supply chain and logistics sectors to keep you in the know while you’re on the go.

This week’s edition covers government investment, ESG challenges, infrastructure expansion, procurement opportunities, and a pivotal industry acquisition.

£1.1 Billon Maritime Investment Announced

The UK Government’s Department for Transport (DtF) and industry partners have pledged over £1.1 billion to boost the maritime sector, announced during London International Shipping Week. Funds will target coastal communities, port infrastructure, and decarbonisation projects to strengthen the UK’s role in global trade.

What this means for you:

While funds will roll out over time, this is a clear signal that maritime and port logistics will remain a priority growth area. If you operate near coastal hubs, watch for new tenders and infrastructure upgrades that could shape future freight flows. For now, it’s about monitoring where this money lands and positioning your business to take advantage when projects open.

UK Firms Lag on Scope 3 Emissions Action

The Carbon Action Report 2025, authored by EcoVadis and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has revealed that only 6% of UK businesses are on track to meet their Scope 3 emissions targets, raising concerns around climate risk exposure and supply chain accountability. Many organisations remain underprepared for the regulatory and reputational demands of emissions reporting.

What this means for you:

This doesn’t call for panic but does highlight a widening gap between regulatory pressure and actual readiness. If Scope 3 reporting touches your sector, begin auditing what data you already have, where visibility is weakest, and whether supplier engagement is strong enough. Even light monitoring now could prevent costly last-minute scrambles as compliance deadlines tighten.

UK Ports Commit £6 Billion+ to Infrastructure Investments

The British Ports Association has reported that UK ports collectively committed over $6.1 billion to infrastructure projects between 2020 and 2025. Investments range from warehousing and quayside upgrades to decarbonisation initiatives, signalling ongoing confidence in UK maritime trade capacity.

What this means for you:

Unlike government pledges, these are real investments already underway. For operators and shippers, this means growing opportunities for new capacity, storage, and multimodal links. It’s worth reviewing how these developments align with your own routes and whether diversifying gateway options could give you more flexibility in the years ahead.

CMA CGM Acquires Freightliner UK to Expand UK Logistics

CMA CGM has acquired Freightliner UK, bringing intermodal rail freight operations under its logistics arm. This expands CMA CGM’s inland reach and strengthens its integrated ocean-rail offering across the UK.

What this means for you:

This marks further consolidation in UK logistics. For shippers, it could improve service options and resilience by offering more integrated end-to-end capacity. But consolidation may also affect pricing and contract flexibility. Keep an eye on how CMA CGM positions its new UK rail network and consider where you may need to diversify carriers or renegotiate terms.

UKWA Highlights the Overlooked "Limitation of Liability" Clause

UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) highlights the importance of limitation of liability clauses: contract terms that cap how much a party can be held financially responsible in case of breach, delay, or damage. These clauses are especially relevant for warehousing and logistics providers handling high-value goods, where open-ended liability could be disastrous.

What this means for you:

This is a reminder that your contracts themselves carry risk mitigation potential. If you manage warehousing, transport, or logistics services, make sure your limitation of liability clauses are well-drafted, properly included, and legally defensible. Clarify which kinds of loss or damage they cover, ensure they are reasonably balanced, and check they align with law. Doing this reduces exposure to disproportionate liability without altering your core operations.

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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