Confidence & Optimism in UK Logistics Hits New Heights

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  • The 2021 edition of the BDO & Barclays Logistics Confidence Index presents the results of survey of the views and insights of 100 senior decision makers.
  • The survey assesses confidence and expectations, as well as the latest hot topics and longer term trends, in the UK logistics sector.

Demonstrating significant levels of renewed optimism, the Logistics Confidence Index has risen this year to 62.5, its highest level since H1 2015, reads a BDO Insight.

Staff shortages and congestion

It might seem counterintuitive, given the current staff shortages and congestion headaches being felt across the UK’s supply chains, but freight forwarders and logistics operators are feeling more optimistic about their businesses than at any time in the past six years.

According to a new report from Barclays and business advisory firm BDO, the Barclays-BDO Logistics Confidence Index has risen to 62.5, its highest since the first half of 2015 – last year’s index reported confidence at its lowest level since 2012, amid heightened Brexit and Covid uncertainty.

Worst of Brexit and Covid-19

The report’s authors said the renewed sense of confidence was largely down to a belief that the worst of Brexit and Covid-19 may be behind the industry.

The logistics industry is still operating against an extremely challenging and well-documented backdrop, but the big difference this year is that operators feel they have a better sense of certainty and visibility of the issues they’re facing,” said Jason Whitworth, partner, M&A advisory and logistics & supply chain management, at BDO.

In the earlier stages of Covid, and before a Brexit deal had been reached, so much was unknown. Fast-forward a year, businesses feel they are able to take control and make strategic decisions about future investments,” he added.

Read the full report here.

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Source: BDO