In relation to the launch of the Trader Support Service, Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, comments: 

“UK businesses face significant challenges at the end of the transition period, not least the matter of customs and other formalities, which many will be encountering for the first time. We are delighted to see the launch of the Trader Support Service today, which should help NI businesses – who face particular challenges – transition to the new trading arrangements, protect continuity of trade and help to ensure EU Exit is a success for the NI economy. The service will also provide support to GB businesses who trade with, or move goods to and from, NI. As a next step Logistics UK are now calling on the UK government to publish a clear border operating model for trade between NI and GB, so that the logistics industry can plan for January.” 

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) 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. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.