The logistics sector within the “golden triangle” saw 10 per cent growth last year, but infrastructure development is needed to support future growth, according to a report by the Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership.
The report found that 1,400 logistics and transport businesses currently operate in the area in Northamptonshire, close to the M1, M6 and M42 motorways, and 48 per cent of these are road freight transport companies.
It also predicts that employment will double by 2021.
The NEP’s recommendation is to support growth by developing key infrastructure such as the A14 A-road which makes up part of Euroroute E30, a key link road that stretches from Cork, Ireland, to Omsk in Russia.
Tim Bagshaw, head of investment at NEP, said: “It’s vital that improvements continue to be made to the already strong infrastructure in the area to encourage further economic growth. In order to bring these plans to fruition, we are working with potential investment sources, for example the Government’s Growing Places Fund has allocated £5.9 million to Northamptonshire.
“Alongside maintaining and developing infrastructure; skills, breadth of skills required and career opportunities (for young people in particular) come through as key issues for the industry. We are working with the University of Northampton, Further Education providers and the National Skills Academy for Logistics to begin to address these issues in the local economy.”
The report on the logistics and transport sector, included interviews with 200 UK logistics and transport businesses.
