BPA chief calls for greater UK ports focus

The Industrial Strategy includes provisions for the UK to build on its strengths and enable all parts of the country to succeed, helping to deliver a high-skilled, competitive economy that benefits people throughout the UK.

As part of its strategy, the government intends to invest more in science, research and innovation; upgrade its digital, energy, transport, water and flood defence infrastructure; improve procurement; deliver affordable energy and clean growth; and focus on building on local strengths and addressing factors that prevent areas from reaching their full potential by investing in key infrastructure projects, increasing skill levels and backing local expertise.

Further, the government promises to build a proper system of technical education, and boost key skills in science, technology, engineering, maths and digital proficiency; support businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK to ensure they can access finance and wider support to grow; encourage trade and inward investment; cultivate world-leading sectors and create strong structures and institutions to support people, industries and places to maximise local strengths.

Mr Ballantyne said: “We welcome the publication of today’s Industrial Strategy and support the strong focus on growing the economy, investing in transport and increasing trade. The Strategy rightly recognises that ports are hubs for employment and it includes a welcome suggesting that improving connections to ports can help to promote trade and create jobs.

“For our own sector, we would also encourage measures that enable ports to develop and grow to be included in the Strategy. These include fast track planning and consenting, and protection from development conditions that we have suggested previously in our Port Zones concept.”