Logistics UK has today (16 December 2022) announced the new appointments of Jonathon Walker as the new Head of Infrastructure and Cities and Jonas Keat as a new Policy Advisor. The appointments cement Logistics UK’s unique position as the only business group representing the entire industry on a national and local level.  

Mr Walker – who holds both a BA (Hons) in Politics and MA in Public Relations from Newcastle University – will lead on road and rail policy and focus on engagement with members and key stakeholders relating to infrastructure and cities to hear their views, identify their key priorities and influence decision making on these issues. 

Following Mr Keat’s graduation from The University of Edinburgh with an MA (Hons) in politics, he will take responsibility for the business group’s skills policy, as well as representing the interests of the organisation’s members at a regional level. In addition, Jonas will be supporting new campaign – Generation Logistics, which aims to tackle the industry’s long term recruitment issues – run by the logistics industry in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT).  

Kate Jennings, Director of Policy at Logistics UK, comments: “We are delighted to welcome both Jonas and Jonathan to Logistics UK and look forward to working alongside them as the policy team looks ahead to the upcoming year. They will undoubtedly provide valuable support within the team and their insights will help us to deliver more for Logistics UK’s members.”   

Mr Walker comments: “I am excited to join the policy team at Logistics UK. Prior to my previous role working for the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives where I represented the interests of over 18,000 members working in legal services, I spent 13 years in regional and business policy working for the North East England Chamber of Commerce.  This experience will provide invaluable knowledge to help me make an impact on industry concerns and represent the interests of Logistics UK’s members.” 

Mr Keat comments: “The skills shortage is an ongoing issue within the logistics sector and an area which Logistics UK is lobbying hard to address with government and other stakeholders. I am thrilled to be joining such a well-respected team and look forward to working with colleagues, members and stakeholders to create positive outcomes across industry.”   

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID-19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.