Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury has told hauliers that they are “literally driving the recovery” in the UK.
The comments were made in a speech at the Road Haulage Association’s annual lunch on 15 May, where he told guests: “There are real signs the UK economy is recovering. And it’s your members – and many besides you – that are literally driving our recovery.
“If I were to drive the 500 miles from my office in Westminster to my constituency in the Highlands I would pass thousands of goods vehicles, carrying materials for construction, or machinery for manufacturing or cars or clothes or cans – cows even – for export or for retail. So this recovery is your recovery.”
He highlighted action taken by the government to support the sector, including abolishing the fuel duty escalator, cutting fuel duty by 1p per litre and scrapping four planned increases in the duty.
Mr Alexander added that the government had “big ambitions when it comes to investing in the UK’s road network and making sure it’s fit to support 21st century businesses”, with key projects in the pipeline including upgrading the A11 to dual carriageway, to improve access to East Anglia, and improving the A14 – with no toll – to provide links to the ports at Ipswich and Harwich and Felixstowe.
It is believed that road haulage firms will welcome Mr Alexander’s support for the sector and its role in driving the UK’s recovery. To take advantage of the opportunities that an economic upturn brings, it makes sense for haulage business owners and managers to have access to expert advisers to support them in maintaining stability and achieving growth.
At Palmers, our company law team is experienced in working with haulage businesses and can provide comprehensive advice on issues including terms and conditions of trading, partnership agreements and acquisitions and disposals. We also have particular expertise in working with family businesses. For more information, please contact BJ Chong.