Menu
26/01/2010
Minister Addresses Fleet Managers
Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson delivered the keynote speech at the Freight Transport Association's (FTA) inaugural Scottish Supply Chain Forum (SSCF) today.
The SSCF will help shape the future of Scotland’s supply chain, bringing benefits to businesses and the environment and will engage with policy makers, like Mr Stevenson, at the highest level.
The Minister said: "The freight industry makes a vital contribution to Scotland’s economy, supporting jobs and businesses across the country through the efficient delivery of goods. The industry is also playing its part in the fight against climate change.
"Where feasible, the Government is keen to encourage more freight to move from road to rail and water, and offers support through the freight grant schemes, which have removed over 120 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads over the past 10 years.
"We will continue to work with the industry and welcome the role this new forum can play."
The SSCF will allow its members – comprising Scotland’s business and logistics community – to share best practice and also help direct FTA’s transport policy lobbying.
Martin Gordon, Freight and Logistics Development Manager of The Edrington Group, and a key member of the SSCF, said: "The SSCF will allow us to share knowledge and best practice with other businesses to our mutual benefit and also to play a more active and efficient role in the FTA’s lobbying activities.
"With all the major transport modes represented, together with some of the biggest businesses in Scotland, we as a trade organisation will not only be a loud voice but a decidedly well-informed one."
As a multi-modal and issue-driven platform for discussion, the SSCF will cover a broad gamut of topics.
Strategic developments affecting, for example, carbon emissions targets will be up for debate as will more modal-specific, practical problems, such as specific railway line use.
The SSCF will discuss infrastructure investment plans, strategic road and rail freight issues, ferry and shipping service issues and air freight issues, all from a local, national and international standpoint.
(PR/BMcC)
The SSCF will help shape the future of Scotland’s supply chain, bringing benefits to businesses and the environment and will engage with policy makers, like Mr Stevenson, at the highest level.
The Minister said: "The freight industry makes a vital contribution to Scotland’s economy, supporting jobs and businesses across the country through the efficient delivery of goods. The industry is also playing its part in the fight against climate change.
"Where feasible, the Government is keen to encourage more freight to move from road to rail and water, and offers support through the freight grant schemes, which have removed over 120 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads over the past 10 years.
"We will continue to work with the industry and welcome the role this new forum can play."
The SSCF will allow its members – comprising Scotland’s business and logistics community – to share best practice and also help direct FTA’s transport policy lobbying.
Martin Gordon, Freight and Logistics Development Manager of The Edrington Group, and a key member of the SSCF, said: "The SSCF will allow us to share knowledge and best practice with other businesses to our mutual benefit and also to play a more active and efficient role in the FTA’s lobbying activities.
"With all the major transport modes represented, together with some of the biggest businesses in Scotland, we as a trade organisation will not only be a loud voice but a decidedly well-informed one."
As a multi-modal and issue-driven platform for discussion, the SSCF will cover a broad gamut of topics.
Strategic developments affecting, for example, carbon emissions targets will be up for debate as will more modal-specific, practical problems, such as specific railway line use.
The SSCF will discuss infrastructure investment plans, strategic road and rail freight issues, ferry and shipping service issues and air freight issues, all from a local, national and international standpoint.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Motoring News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Early mist and fog clearing to leave a dry and mainly sunny day, although patchy cloud possible through County Down. Warmest in the west with light east or northeast winds. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Dry and bright at first but some areas of low cloud developing through the evening and overnight, particularly over southern counties and the north Antrim hills. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
