Logistics UK has created a new Public Affairs team to advance its campaigning work on behalf of the sector.
The new team will focus on relationships with UK and devolved parliaments and governments – including regional Mayors and combined authorities – and will be led by Ben Garratt as deputy director for public affairs.
He’s joined by Natalie Chapman, previously head of policy for the South and now head of public affairs, as well as Emily Wood, who joins as public affairs and policy advisor.
Ben Garratt was most recently head of stakeholder engagement at intercity train operator LNER and, before that, head of rail communications at the Department for Transport. He will lead the development of Logistics UK’s public affairs strategy as the team advocate for Logistics UK, and the sector, in political, government and regulatory arenas.
Emily Wood joins from Westminster-based public affairs, PR and digital marketing agency PLMR and will lead on innovation policy, as well as public affairs. Her role will involve supporting the development and progress of public affairs activity at Logistics UK, and shaping the content and delivery of public policy positions.
Kate Jennings, director of policy at Logistics UK, said the new team would reinforce Logistics UK’s strong position within industry and amplify its voice among senior stakeholders and government.
“The team’s creation will enable us to grow our political engagement at a national and local level and drive Logistics UK’s campaigning work, allowing us to achieve even more for our members.”
Ben Garratt added: “Logistics UK is well respected across government for its evidence-based policy work, and I am thrilled to lead its new Public Affairs team. I look forward to strengthening the business group’s relationships with government and stakeholders to maximise the impact of our work, and to raise awareness of a sector supporting growth, productivity and aspiration in communities across the country.”
Logistics UK has also welcomed Ellis Shelton to its policy team as a policy advisor. Shelton has an MA in Social and Political Thought from the University of Leeds and joins from Make UK where he worked as a policy and campaigns advisor.
