The organisers of Commercial Vehicle Forum 2013 are delighted that the new Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill MP, has accepted the invitation to present the keynote speech at next week’s Forum, to be held at the British Museum on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 October.
Mr Goodwill’s attendance represents a real coup, not just for CV Forum but for the UK road transport industry as a whole.
The Minister’s speech will be of great interest to attendees as it will be his first speech to the UK’s road transport industry. Mr Goodwill’s acceptance to speak so early in his new term demonstrates the significance he places on the commercial vehicle, logistics and road transport sectors.
At next Tuesday’s event, the Minister will meet key players in the industry and will have the opportunity to hear, first-hand, the key issues and concerns that surround one of the most crucial sectors of the UK economy.
The CV Forum 2013 will comprise a Question Time format panel discussion, with debate focusing on two specific areas: ‘Exploring world-class business efficiency in the road transport industry’ and ‘How can UK operators set the benchmark for the European road transport sector’?
Each panel discussion will be followed by a lively question and answer session. If you would like to submit a question in advance of the event, please e-mail cvforum@relishevents.co.uk with the subject Panel question.
If you would like to attend this free event, please register online at: www.cvshow.com/cvforum
Timings
13:45 Registration and refreshments.
14:15 Introduction by BBC broadcaster, Justin Webb.
Keynote Speech: Robert Goodwill MP, Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Panel 1 – Exploring world-class business efficiency in the road transport industry
How can the UK road transport industry adapt to an environment of lower margins, more stringent legislation and higher customer expectations? Discussion will address challenges and opportunities for companies in the sector and how best to tackle the issues of sustainability, compliance and technology integration.
Refreshments
Panel 2 – How can UK operators set the benchmark for the European road transport sector?
A thriving road transport sector is vital to the UK economy but it’s a sector that faces some fundamental challenges. Panellists will concentrate on how government policy, skills shortages, the changing commercial environment and funding challenges are impacting the industry’s ability to boost the UK’s economic recovery and how the UK can lead change in Europe.
18:00 Drinks and canapés.
19:00 Event concludes.
Panellists
- Beverley Bell, Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain
- Henry Foy, Automotive Correspondent, The Financial Times
- Giles Margerison, Sales Director, TomTom Business Solutions
- Laura Moran, Commercial Vehicle Director, Hertz UK
- Sarwant Singh, Senior Partner, Frost and Sullivan
- David Weller, previously Head of UK Logistics, Mothercare Group and Transport Manager (UK), WH Smith
