Leading figures from Hampshire’s growing logistics industry came together this week (April 16) to discuss the future of the sector.
The event was held by leading financial advisers, Grant Thornton UK LLP and Barclays.
Among the delegates at the event were representatives from worldwide logistics firm, PSP, Williams Shipping Holdings Limited and Import Services Limited. Finance experts from Grant Thornton’s and Barclay’s Southampton offices were also on hand to discuss issues within the industry.
Further to Grant Thornton’s and Barclay’s recent research findings, which showed that there has been a decline in confidence among logistics providers, it became clear at the event that logistics businesses in Southampton, Portsmouth and the wider Hampshire region are perhaps more optimistic about the future than their counterparts in other parts of the UK.
Amanda James from Grant Thornton commented: “It could be that with initiatives such as the channel dredging programme at the Port of Southampton and a boom of funding opportunities from bodies such as Solent LEP and GrowthAccelerator businesses here can see real movement and action that encourages growth.”
The latest Grant Thornton and Barclays UK Logistics Confidence Index suggests consumer demand, margin pressure and fuel costs continue to be major areas of concern within the industry.
