CLEF Group launches drive to boost logistics industry

Cumbria Logistics Employer Forum, the new partnership between local authorities and leading businesses in the logistics industry, has given details of its plans to meet five key objectives in a bid to boost the economy in Cumbria.

At the second public meeting, the 40 attendees also benefited from a presentation by Stobart Group Deputy CEO Richard Butcher that helped to share best practice in the industry based on Stobart's experience and recent growth.
 
The Cumbria Logistics Employer Forum (CLEF) has been set up to bring a range of organisations involved in the important economic sector together and offer a platform to help increase and strengthen the logistics skills pool in the region.

The forum will focus on five key objectives that are aimed at promoting the growth of the logistics sector in Cumbria and increasing the awareness and profile of logistics in the region. This includes providing a networking facility for CLEF members to share best practice and to help advise on opportunities for training and development of people.

To deliver these results, a working group headed by members of the CLEF steering group will be established to drive forward each of the objectives. Local businesses will make up the working groups and ensure the entire project is moving in the right direction and producing the most benefit.

Significant support has been pledged by Carlisle City Council, Skills Funding Agency and Skills for Logistics - an organisation licensed by the government to develop workforce skills within the logistics sector and provide employers with a competitive advantage. They will join local companies such as Carrs Billington, Sealy UK, Enesco, BOCM Pauls, Reays Coaches and System Training to support the forum and tackle major issues facing the logistics industry.

John Scott, CLEF Vice Chairman, said: "We have had a fantastic turnout today and it's great to see the group established so quickly we can now start to work on the important objectives and focus on implementing the working groups to make a real difference. We are lucky to have significant support from both local businesses and the public sector. It was great to have such an in-depth insight into the Stobart Group business and processes and there was something there for everyone to take away and learn from."