John Burbridge, Group Quality and Compliance Manager at Turners (Soham) Ltd from Cambridgeshire has been announced as Chair of Logistics UK’s East of England Freight Council.

The East of England Freight Council is a group representing Logistics UK members from across the region, which gathers quarterly to discuss key topical issues affecting the sector and makes recommendations for the business group’s policy asks of government. Current issues being tabled by the group include the HGV driver shortage, transport infrastructure in the East of England – including road and rail links to and from key ports, including the Port of Felixstowe and London Gateway – and the decarbonisation of freight.

Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Policy covering the East of England, comments: “Since joining the industry 30 years ago, Mr Burbridge has participated in a variety of roles across the supply chain, from packing and distribution positions to Transport Manager, and more recently, Group Quality and Compliance Manager. We are delighted to announce his appointment as Chair of our regional East of England group and look forward to the wealth of in-depth knowledge and experience, both of the industry and of the area in particular, he will bring to our Freight Council.”

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Burbridge from Cambridgeshire comments: “I am delighted to join as Chair for Logistics UK’s East of England Freight Council. With so many challenges currently facing the logistics industry, such as the ongoing skills shortage, COVID-19 recovery and Brexit, it is crucial members have this platform to take part in vital discussions, supported by Logistics UK. I am grateful to my employers, Turners (Soham) Ltd, whose support allows me the opportunity to participate, and I look forward to meeting with the Freight Council members and representing the region.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.