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Logistics confidence leaps

[ March 24, 2014   //   ]

There has been a surge in confidence in the logistics sector during the second half of 2013, according to the latest  report commissioned by Barclays and Grant Thornton UK.

The latest bi-annual UK Logistics Confidence Index report surveyed over one hundred senior decision-makers in logistics businesses, finding an overall confidence reading of 74.9, up almost 25% on the previous six months and 43% year on year.

It is the highest index rating and largest half-year increase since the survey was launched in H1 2012.  However, the sector is still grappling with some big challenges as margin pressure, customer demand, fuel costs and market volatility are cited as the greatest cause for concern over the next six months.

Of those surveyed, over three-fifths (61%) said that operating conditions were more favourable, compared to 26% in the first half of 2013.  Only 7% stated that the current outlook had worsened with 32% saying that conditions had stayed the same.  Looking ahead to the next six months, the majority of respondents believe the outlook is likely to improve further with over half (55%) expecting more favourable conditions.  35% believe it will stay the same and only 10% believe conditions will deteriorate.

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