Peel rallies key voices in politics and business on logistics investment

Investing in ports and logistics infrastructure across the UK is key to boosting international trade after Brexit, according to ministers and other senior politicians.

A reception hosted by Peel Ports in Westminster last week focused on transatlantic opportunities and the importance of strengthening the UK’s trade ties with the Americas in the coming years.

More than 100 guests from politics and business attended the evening event, among them Transport Minister John Hayes MP, Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP and Lord Prescott.

Representatives of a number of large UK businesses, including discount retailer B&M and manufacturer Morning Food, were also present.

During the reception, Peel Ports’ strategic projects director Gary Hodgson explained how the company’s £400m container terminal Liverpool2, which launched last year, has acted as a “catalyst for change” for the UK’s import and export potential.

Speaking at the event, he said: “We took the bold move to invest heavily at Liverpool, knowing that if we built the ambitious infrastructure this would support higher productivity for the UK market, and in turn create an injection into the local economy, Liverpool and the Northern Powerhouse.

“We are investing for the future right across the UK, inland and portside, and realise the positive impact a well performing multimodal logistics sector can have on the UK economy’s balance sheet.”

The event was sponsored by Labour MP for Sefton Bill Esterson, Shadow Minister for Business and International Trade.

Mr Esterson commented: “Peel Ports’ significant investment of £750 million into the Port of Liverpool and inland logistics has helped to create jobs, skills and opportunities for young people not only in and around the Sefton area of Liverpool, but beyond.

“This is good news for my Sefton Central constituents and for thousands more besides across the city region. UK Ports are incredibly important to our economy and I fully welcome and support Peel Ports’ fresh and dynamic approach to ensuring we adapt and act as leaders ready to develop worldwide trade opportunities.”

While Peel, he explained, is playing a part in generating infrastructure for businesses in the North West, the company “can’t do it alone”.

He continued: “The Government is committed to High Speed 2 from South to North, but needs to build new west to east railway lines, especially to increase the amount of freight carried by rail.

“It is absurd that it takes nine hours to move biomass fuel from the Port of Liverpool to Selby, just 90 miles away and government must play its part for the Port to fulfil its full potential role in boosting the prosperity of the Liverpool City Region and the North West of England.”

Addressing the attendees, Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said the Government is investing a record £13bn in transport in the North of England, adding: “With a shared voice, Transport for the North will drive forward ambitious plans to improve transport connections and unlock economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse.”

Speaking further, Mr Berry said companies like Peel Ports Group have “led from the very front” by investing heavily and promoting the potential of the Northern Powerhouse.

He added: “We must nurture this incredibly productive area if we want it to continue generating jobs and increasing the UK’s productivity.”

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