In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, host Richard Smith explores one of the most pressing challenges facing the road transport and logistics sector today: the growing skills gap. From driver shortages to technician training, the industry is under increasing pressure to attract, train, and retain the workforce it needs to keep the UK moving.

Richard is joined by Kevin Birch, Managing Director of TRS Ltd and delivery partner for RHA Skills, and Sally Gilson, the RHA’s Policy Lead. Together, they dive into the realities behind the shortage, the impact on operators, and the practical steps the industry can take to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline.

Across this conversation, the panel discusses:

• How to get more employers—especially SMEs—engaged with apprenticeships
• The state of current skills shortages and how they compare to recent years
• What’s driving the persistent lack of HGV drivers
• Recruitment and retention strategies that genuinely make a difference
• The emerging technician crisis and the need to invest in future talent
• How policy, funding, and innovation can support long-term solutions

Clear, confident, and grounded in real-world insight, this episode offers practical guidance and a collaborative look at how the industry can work together to close the skills gap.

Roadway – The Podcast reflects the RHA’s commitment to being a supportive, knowledgeable, and trusted partner for the sector.

Tune in for a discussion that matters to every operator, trainer, and policymaker shaping the future of road transport. https://www.rha.uk.net/ Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

Uncertainty. Pressure. Progress.

In the latest episode of Roadway – The Podcast, I’m joined by James Lean from Barclays to unpack the findings of their newly released Logistics Confidence Index — and what it really means for the road transport sector.

The Index has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, yet resilience remains a defining feature across the industry. We explore why that is, and how operators can plan ahead despite market ambiguity, rising costs and accelerating digital change.

James shares insights on:

• Scenario planning and maintaining working capital headroom

• Why collaboration and confidence go hand in hand

• Capex, consolidation and investing through uncertainty

• The growing risk of a two-speed logistics sector in the AI era

Whether you’re running a haulage business, coach fleet or van operation, this episode offers practical perspective on navigating what comes next.

Listen now — wherever you get your podcasts.

Barclays Logistics Confidence Index: 2025: https://www.barclayscorporate.com/content/dam/barclayscorporate-com/documents/insights/Industry-expertise-24/2025-Logistics-Confidence-Index.pdf

https://www.rha.uk.net/ Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

In this first episode of Roadway – The Podcast, RHA Managing Director Richard Smith speaks with Steven Meyerhoff of legal firm Backhouse Jones and Abby Harnwell, Finance Director at the RHA joins the conversation about one of the most significant legal battles in UK road transport - the Truck Cartel Claim.

Together, they unpack how major truck manufacturers were fined billions for price-fixing, what it means for UK hauliers, and how the RHA is pursuing fair compensation for affected operators.

Between 1997 and 2011, major truck manufacturers were found guilty of price fixing — and the RHA is leading a group claim on behalf of thousands of operators to seek fair compensation.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How the cartel operated and what the manufacturers were fined for

• Why the RHA brought this claim - and the journey so far

• The scale and complexity of the legal process

• What members can expect as the case moves forward

• Why standing up for the industry matters more than ever

Clear, confident and conversational, this episode brings listeners inside the story of a legal fight that could return millions to the road transport sector - and reshape how the industry is treated in future. https://www.truckcartellegalaction.com/ https://www.rha.uk.net/ Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

Welcome to Roadway – The Podcast, a new series exploring the people, progress and policies shaping the road transport sector. From the driver shortage to infrastructure, net zero to regulation, we’ll be speaking with those driving change and those navigating it.

You’ll hear from operators, experts and industry leaders across haulage, logistics, coach and van — bringing clear insight into the challenges the sector faces.

https://www.rha.uk.net/ Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, host Richard Smith explores the evolving role of trade associations and the leadership challenges facing membership organisations in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment.

Richard is joined by Tim Doggett, Julia Garvey, and Harry Shackleton, members of the Trade Association Forum (TAF) Board. Together, they reflect on their professional journeys, what effective association leadership looks like today, and how representative bodies can remain relevant, trusted, and member-focused in the years ahead.

Across this conversation, the panel discusses:

• The biggest challenges currently facing UK trade associations

• How member expectations and engagement are changing

• What good governance looks like in a modern membership organisation

• The leadership qualities association executives will need for the future

• How trade associations can future-proof themselves for the next decade

Clear, considered, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode offers valuable insight for anyone involved in association leadership, governance, or member engagement.

Roadway – The Podcast reflects the TAF Board’s commitment to thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and supporting organisations that shape UK trade and industry.

Tune in for a timely and insightful discussion on the future of trade associations and the people leading them.

https://www.rha.uk.net/

Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net