Around 2.7m people are employed in UK logistics but the sector faces significant skills and recruitment challenges – Liverpool freight forwarder Trinity Logistics is keen to push the issue top of the agenda. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool freight forwarder Trinity Logistics says it is critical the UK logistics sector steps up its efforts to inspire and recruit the next generation of its workforce.

There are around 2.7m people employed in UK logistics but, as experienced people retire, the industry faces a huge challenge to upskill its existing workforce and identify and hire new recruits.

Figures from the Logistics Skills Network revealed that in 2024, 54% of logistics businesses faced skills shortages. There has been a particular issue with the recruitment of HGV drivers.

And, for Trinity, there is also an urgency to attract more women into the logistics sector. Of those 2.7m, just 20% are female. Careers in logistics and maritime have long been male-dominated. Trinity is keen to change that.

A female-led business that was founded by former dock worker Amanda Unsworth, Trinity ships goods for its myriad of clients all over the world. The company has recently opened a new base in Dubai.

Commercial director Sarah Madden told LBN: “At Trinity Logistics, we’re passionate about more than just moving goods. We’re committed to moving futures forward. This month, we’re celebrating the impact of our continued work in careers and education.”

In early October Amanda represented Trinity as a panellist at the Rise Up Summit, joining industry leaders to discuss how the sector can continue to attract and develop future talent in logistics.

In 2024 Sarah led a Port of Liverpool tour for 40 Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) students, giving them an inside look at how the logistics sector and its supply chain operates.

Sarah was approached at the Rise Up Summit by two students from the cohort. They thanked her for her invaluable insights into opportunities in the sector – something they say they were keenly pursuing.

Sarah added: “They shared how the experience inspired them to write their university essays on logistics, and how it helped shape their career goals.

“One has since secured an internship, and the other expressed a strong interest in joining Trinity after graduation.”

Students who joined the port tour were in their second year studying International Trade at Liverpool Business School, LJMU.

Module lead, Dr Katherine Neary, said: “Collaborating with Trinity Logistics and visiting their offices and the Port of Liverpool has provided unique and impactful learning experiences.

“As module lead I am keen for all students to understand the opportunities available to them in the city region after graduation, particularly ones which link to their degree in Business with International Business Management (BSc).

“The teams at Trinity logistics and Peel have provided informative, real-life access to their careers, working environments and impacted student learning and aspirations for the future”.

On Friday, Sarah led a second cohort on a port tour with 40 new LJMU students, continuing Trinity’s mission to inspire and inform future logistics operatives.

“We’re also expanding our outreach by visiting local schools, helping younger students understand the exciting opportunities the logistics industry offers,” she explained.

READ MORE: Female-led freight firm strengthens top team

“Stories like these remind us that our efforts truly make a difference. At Trinity Logistics, we’re proud to play a part in shaping the future of our industry — one student at a time.

“At Trinity, we are doing our bit, and we think the industry as a whole needs to do much more. Maritime and logistics play a critical role in our lives. A large percentage of the food and medicines we rely on come through our ports.

“Logistics is vital to our daily lives, and we need to make sure we have the right people in the sector to keep it moving.”