The president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport has expressed a desire to address the skills gap in the supply chain sector.

Beverley Bell FCILT, Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain and CILT’s new President in the UK asked guests at the Annual President’s Inauguration Lunch: ‘Why don’t people want to work in our industry?’

Speaking at the CILT Annual President’s Inauguration lunch, which was attended by nearly 90 senior members and special guests, Beverley Bell highlighted the astounding figure that the supply chain, transport and logistics industry contributes to the UK economy; £92 billion. She emphasised the disproportionality of the industry’s contribution to the economy and society at large in comparison to the profile and recognition the industry receives.

Bell addressed the need to improve and raise the profile of the logistics and transport industry in order to attract more young people to join the profession. She spoke of a need to challenge the stereotypes placed on our industry, with particular reference to the ‘typical lorry driver image’, and that more should be done to champion the great work being done every day.

Addressing the three challenges that both the industry and Institute must address Bell outlined the themes of her Presidency:

• Skills gap – she highlighted that by 2020 the logistics and transport industry will need another 1.2 million workers and we must work harder in order to recruit such a significant increase in workforce
• Training – Bell demanded that we ‘must invest in our employees’ and told guests that the industry’s record of training people was low and that this needs to be addressed
• Revenue – the Institute must increase membership as well as increase training services. Bell expressed that CILT is a ‘fantastic organisation’ and should do more to sell itself.