Logistics 100 focus: Q&A with Chris Sturman, chief executive, Food Storage & Distribution Federation

We ask Logistics 100 member Chris Sturman about the Brexit concerns of FSDF members.

Kirsty Adams: Chris, what concerns have your members expressed regarding Brexit?

Chris Sturman: The first must be the availability of goods vehicle drivers. At either 35,000 or around 55,000, supply chain impact will be catastrophic, if all non-UK drivers voluntarily or are forced to return to their home countries. The exit has already started with the decline of the £ sterling against the Euro.

The second is delay to food vehicles and containers arriving at UK ports of entry. UK imports 48% of all food consumed in the UK market, and 28% from continental Europe and Ireland. Customs clearance process will apply to all goods, and needs to be quick to shortages of products on the supermarket shelf. The second part is to provide 24/7/365 port health clearance, to enable ensure all food products are cleared for onward despatch quickly as current dispatch speeds or better.

To nominate a colleague or yourself for The Logistics 100 2017/2018 visit www.shdlogistics.com/logistics100