A new survey by the Association for Project Management (APM), found that 96% of project professionals working in the transport and logistics sector were confident the UK government will meet its 2050 net zero target. However, 77% highlighted concerns surrounding the profession’s talent pipeline and its impact on the delivery of net zero projects.
The survey, carried out by Censuswide, polled 1,000 project management professionals in the UK. Of these, 29% said they were very confident that the net zero target would be reached by 2050 and 67% were somewhat confident.
According to 54% of respondents, one of the top reasons for this confidence is UK government measures and legislation. Another top reason identified was the actions being taken by the sector, identified by 50% of respondents.
The Spring Budget, announced in March 2024, saw chancellor Jeremy Hunt commit to drawing up legislation to extend full expensing to include leased assets, which could help companies to progress to net zero through the adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles.
However, the Spring Budget came under criticism from some in the logistics industry for the omission of a VAT reduction on public charging for electric vehicles, which the likes of David Bushnell, director of consultancy and strategy at fleet management consultancy Fleet Operations, believe “could have served as a strong incentive for fleet operators to accelerate their shift to electrification”.
For more on the Spring Budget and its impact on the logistics sector, look out for the April issue of Logistics Manager!
Logistics Manager recently hosted a panel discussion on biofuel adoption in the logistics industry at the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition. One of the panellists – Dr Lorenzo Bruno Prataviera, lecturer in logistics and supply chain management and deputy course director for the full-time MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Cranfield University – described government funding and support for the transition towards more sustainable business practises as “fundamental”.
He added: “The role of the government is crucial. But the problem is that it is not the same for all the different governments.” With the rise of globalisation and supply chains often having operations all around the world, it’s not necessarily just the UK government’s policies that could affect supply chains in the UK.
Prataviera highlighted the importance of “collaboration” between governments and organisations at different stages of the supply chain to achieve common goals and a more sustainable future.
Click here to read Logistics Manager’s interview with Dr Lorenzo Bruno Prataviera on the so-called ‘green premium’ and how cost can act as a barrier to green logistics practises from the August 2023 issue. Plus, for more from the conference sessions at IntraLogisteX, check out the highlights from day one and day two of the exhibition!
With 77% of those surveyed expressing concern over the pipeline of talent to support net zero projects across the transport and logistics sector, the need for effective recruitment, training and retention of staff becomes apparent.
The survey showed that 29% strongly agreed and 48% somewhat agreed with the statement that there are currently not enough project professionals in the talent pipeline to sustain the future delivery of net zero projects.
Andrew Baldwin, head of policy and public affairs at APM, said: “With the UK striving to become a global leader in combatting climate change, project managers working across the transport and logistics sector are playing a pivotal role in driving the transition to net zero.
“As the experts on the frontline, they are embracing responsibilities ranging from strategic planning to resource management, addressing complex challenges such as stakeholder engagement and technology adoption, and leading the way towards a better sustainable future.
“That’s why it’s very encouraging to learn from our latest survey that a very significant majority of transport and logistics project managers believe the UK will achieve its flagship 2050 net zero target.
“But our profession is not naïve. We know there is more to do, at both a government level and within the project management sector itself, and the warning about the talent shortage affecting the future delivery of net zero projects must not be ignored.”
The Generation Logistics campaign is one such initiative that exemplifies government and industry support for securing the talent pipeline in logistics. During National Apprenticeship Week [5-11 February 2024], transport minister Guy Opperman MP commended the campaign, saying: “Generation Logistics is revolutionising how we view roles in the logistics sector.”
He continued: “A robust supply chain is indispensable for economic expansion, and we’re committed to fostering a skilled workforce to keep goods flowing.”
To learn more about the road to net zero and how organisations are managing to make their supply chains greener, register for the Sustainable Supply Chain Conference, taking place in London on 25 June 2024!
Logistics Manager has announced the first three expert speakers at this year’s conference, click here to find out who visitors will be able to hear from on the day and visit www.supplychainconference.co.uk for more information on the event, the conference agenda and its unrivalled networking opportunities.
