I know that the freight industry plays a vital role in this country’s economy, delivering goods to construction sites, hospitals, schools and supermarkets across the UK. The general public, however, generally remain unaware of the economic significance and the sheer number of jobs available in the freight sector.

I am pleased to say that this attitude may be changing thanks to a campaign called Fit for the Future, led by the trade newspaper Freight Industry Times.

Whilst it is estimated that over half a million new employees will be required to meet the growing demands of the freight sector in the next few years, research shows that nine out of ten school pupils have never even considered a job in the industry.

However, 80% of those pupils said they would reconsider once the variety of choices available, from freight forwarding to supply chain operators with associated opportunities for advancement, were explained to them.

Fit for the Future has identified five key areas that need to be challenged:

1. Engaging with young people and attracting them into the industry
2. Improving the image of the industry and changing the public’s perception of it
3. Investing in the recruitment and retention of staff
4. Providing more training and increasing skills
5. Embracing gender and cultural diversity

All highly laudable aims and I wish the campaign every success. Ours is a vibrant industry and the more youngsters that can be encouraged to enter it the better.