Priti Patel, Member of Parliament for Witham, recently visited Simarco International Ltd at its headquarters in Witham to meet with Chief Executive Simon Reed and his executive team to discuss the company’s operations, future plans, and the challenges currently facing the logistics sector.
Simarco International is one of the country’s leading logistics and freight companies, based here in Witham, supporting trade across the United Kingdom and internationally. During the visit, Priti was given an overview of the company’s operations, including its freight and distribution services and its engagement with the local community.
Priti also heard about Simarco’s work to promote apprenticeship opportunities and career pathways within the logistics sector, helping to develop skills and employment opportunities for local people. During the visit, she also discussed the challenges facing the business and the wider sector, including rising business rates and increases in National Insurance contributions, which are placing considerable pressure on growth and recruitment.
Following the visit, Priti said:
“It was a pleasure to visit Simarco International here in Witham and to meet with Simon Reed and his team to hear about their future ambitions, as well as the impact that recent policy changes are having on growth in our part of Essex.
“Companies like Simarco are vital employers in our area and make a significant contribution to our local economy. Simon and his team demonstrate what hard work and ambition can achieve, and it was inspiring to hear about their involvement with local schools and their apprenticeship schemes.
“The meeting also provided an important opportunity to discuss the real challenges currently facing the logistics sector, including the increasing cost pressures on UK businesses such as rising business rates, higher National Insurance contributions, and soaring fuel costs. These pressures are having a direct impact on investment decisions and job creation.
“Logistics companies are being squeezed from all sides by this Labour Government. These damaging policies are holding back growth, undermining confidence, and reducing opportunities for local people. Economic growth and opportunity are vital to helping people get on in life. Only the Conservatives have a credible plan to back British businesses, support industries like logistics, and ensure people have the opportunities they need to succeed.”
Simarco’s Managing Director Trevor Scott said:
“We welcomed the opportunity to meet with Priti Patel and discuss the key challenges facing the logistics sector. We are always open to engaging with all local MPs and value the chance to share industry perspectives. Conversations like these play an important role in supporting greater understanding of the reality's businesses are facing”.
Priti’s visit to Simarco forms part of her wider engagement with local businesses, supporting, and championing key businesses across the Witham constituency.
