Freight News, Sea

Ports could be great levellers, says BPA

[ February 2, 2022   //   Chris ]

The British Ports Association   has welcomed government plans for levelling up society in a white paper but said that the sector needs to be recognised as a key component of regional and national growth.

Responding to the proposals which were unveiled by Michael Gove on 2 February, BPA chief executive Richard Ballantyne said: “Ports are drivers of growth in their own areas, at local, regional and even national level. We will be making the case to the government for the prioritisation of port-related initiates in its plans.”

BPA said that the sector employs over 100,000 people, often in areas of high deprivation and jobs are well paid and highly skilled. Ports are also the basis for clusters of activity as they can provide hubs of economic investment, bases for important industries and gateways to trade. Therefore Government plans should look to expand the possibilities for the sector to support its aims.

As has been recognised by the government’s Freeports strategy ports can be the vehicles for economic growth. The White Paper should examine ways to better facilitate in investment and development opportunities around the coast.

BPA also wants to see national and local focus on the UK’s public road and rail network.

Tags: British Ports Association; BPA