NEWS
BUSINESS BRIEFS
LONGER LORRIES
New trailers to be worth £ 1.4bn to UK economy
Longer lorries will be introduced to Britain ’ s roads to deliver on a government policy to grow the economy , boost productivity , slash road emissions , and support supply chains .
The longer lorries will be able to transport fast-moving consumer goods and retail products , as well as waste packaging , parcels and pallets .
The new lorries will move the same volume of goods using eight per cent fewer journeys than current trailers – generating an expected £ 1.4bn in economic benefits and taking one standard-size trailer off the road for every 12 trips .
A Longer Semi-Trailer ( LST ) is an extralong semi-trailer , able to be towed by a lorry , measuring up to 2.05 metres longer than a standard semi-trailer .
As part of efforts to grow the economy and cut emissions , the government is changing the regulations to allow longer trailers on GB roads , which it estimates will save 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere over 11 years .
The move follows an 11-year trial to ensure they are used safely on roads , and operators will be encouraged to put extra safety checks and training in place .
The trial showed that LSTs were involved in around 61 per cent fewer personal injury collisions than conventional lorries .
Roads minister Richard Holden met with Greggs in its depot in Newcastle to see these new longer lorries .
For British businesses like Greggs , the change in law will help them see a 15 per cent uptick in its regular deliveries , meaning it can now transport thousands more much loved sausage rolls and baked goods through its regular deliveries .
Mr Holden said : “ A strong , resilient supply chain is key to the government ’ s efforts to grow the economy .
“ That ’ s why we ’ re introducing longer semitrailers to carry more goods in fewer journeys and ensure our shops , supermarkets and hospitals are always well stocked .
“ These new vehicles will provide an almost £ 1.4bn boost to the haulage industry , reduce congestion , lower emissions and enhance the safety of UK roads .”
Vehicles that use LSTs will be subject to the same 44 tonne weight limit as those using standard trailers , and the new vehicles are expected to cause less wear on the roads than conventional lorries due to the type of steering axle used .
With over 300 companies in the UK having already taken part in the trial , and almost 3,000 on the road , some of the biggest brands including Greggs , Morrisons , Stobart , Royal Mail , and Argos , will be rolling out the longer semi-trailers .
Introducing LSTs is an important , easy and affordable measure to continue to reduce CO2 emissions from the haulage industry without significant technological and infrastructure development , as the government continues to work closely with the sector to ensure all new HGVs are net zero by 2040 .
The move is part of the government ’ s comprehensive 33 actions to address the shortage of HGV drivers and boost recruitment and retention .
Aycliffe firm Stiller has already taken advantage of the scheme by investing in new LSTs . Read more on pages 22-23 .
ENTREPRENEURS ’ SURVEY The second Entrepreneurs ’ Forum survey for 2023 has revealed that entrepreneurs are focused on growing revenue and improving profitability rather than selling up .
A hundred business founders responded to the Quarterly Members Pulse Survey which indicated a positive outlook among North-East entrepreneurs with regard to growth plans for the next 12 months .
Just over three quarters of respondents are expecting to expand through existing market growth , while 47 per cent indicated that the introduction of new products and services will contribute to their growth in the coming months .
Nearly 20 per cent of businesses are looking to grow through acquisition , a three per cent increase since the last survey in February 2023 .
FOOD CAMPAIGN Places to eat in County Durham have signed up to an innovative new scheme which will see carbon ratings included on their menus .
Durham County Council has launched its second Food for the Planet campaign which is aimed at encouraging both eating establishments and their customers to think more about the carbon emissions associated with their meals and snacks .
The council has already received a glowing national endorsement for its new initiative from The Vegetarian Society .
CHAIR RETIRES Visit County Durham ’ s long-serving chair has announced he will retire after 14 years of dedicated service .
Ivor Stolliday was appointed chair of the Visit County Durham board in 2009 and has proven a dedicated and inspirational ambassador for the county .
As Durham ’ s destination management organisation ( DMO ) and Durham County Council ’ s tourism service , Visit County Durham plays a crucial role in growing the county ’ s visitor economy .
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS # 64 We ’ re already working on issue # 64 of Aycliffe Business , due out late July .
The deadline is Friday , July 14 . To enquire , call 01325 728024 or email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
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