Peter Mckenna

Weak growth and rising energy costs continue to weigh on an economy that was already stagnating before the Iran war, and the warning signs are flashing. Inflation grew by 3.3 per cent in March according to the Office for National Statistics. This is largely due to increased fuel prices, which saw their largest increase for over three years. Commercial vehicle operators are feeling that pain, and are now paying between £350 and £400 more per week, per vehicle. Businesses already operating on razor-thin margins can ill afford such additional costs, and many simply will not survive them. Economists warn that worse is to come as the persistent jumps in energy costs have not yet fully flowed through to food prices and household bills. They will, and Government needs to act. Our own pre-budget research estimated that the knock-on impact of the planned fuel duty rise will add £2 billion to household costs annually. Other countries have stepped in to assist those industries that are crucial to the economy and the supply-chain. The UK is lagging far behind. We need the Chancellor to act now: Provide a targeted essential fuel user rebate for commercial vehicles, and any planned fuel duty hikes must be scrapped. Every day of inaction feeds directly into further inflation. You can read my latest viewpoint for @ Motor-Transport which goes into much more detail on the need for urgent Government action: RHA demands fuel duty rebate for hauliers as costs surge 40% | Motor Transport #FuelPrices #EnergyCosts #Inflation #UKEconomy #Logistics #RoadTransport

Freight crime is evolving and it’s costing our industry more than ever before. From organised crime networks to tech-enabled theft and insider risks, this is no longer a problem at the margins. It’s a growing, complex threat impacting operators, drivers, and the entire supply chain. In our next episode, I'am joined by Ashton Cull, Christopher Holloway and Nigel Collins from NaVCIS to unpack what’s really happening — and, more importantly, what we can do about it. Expect insight on: • How freight crime is changing • The real cost to businesses and people • Practical steps to reduce risk • Why collaboration across industry, government and police is critical If you caught our last episode, you’ll know we don’t shy away from the big issues and this one matters. Catch up here before the new release: roadway.podbean.com/ Full episode drops next week. Stay tuned. #FreightCrime #Logistics #Transport #SupplyChain

The TAF Best Practice Exchange is one of the key dates in the trade association calendar and tickets are now available. London - Thursday 10 September 2026 The event brings together 250+ trade associations, 60 speakers, 25+ subject sessions, and 20+ partners to share what works - practical insight, experience, and honest discussions about how we deliver more for our members and strengthen our impact. I will be there and looking forward to some straight, constructive discussion and fresh thinking from across the trade association community. If you are serious about the role trade associations play in supporting business and shaping policy - it is a must attend. Hope to see you there. For more information and to secure your place visit: tafbpex.org #TAF #TradeAssociations #BPEx

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) will be launching the RHA Wellbeing Charter on 15 July as part of its ongoing focus on wellbeing across the road transport sector bringing together key stakeholders, members, policymakers and commercial partners. This marks a 10-year industry commitment to improve the health, resilience and wellbeing of people working across the HGV, coach and van sectors. Its purpose is to position wellbeing as a strategic priority for the sector, recognising that workforce pressures, long hours, isolation, poor roadside facilities, recruitment challenges and rising operational demands all have a direct impact on people, business performance and the long-term sustainability of the industry. Built around six pillars: mental wellbeing, leadership and resilience, connecting with others, exercise, food and nutrition, and learning and development — the Charter aims to deliver one million moments of improvement across the industry over the next decade. This is about more than wellbeing. It’s about supporting the people who keep the UK moving, helping attract and retain talent, building resilience, and creating a stronger, healthier future for our sector. Through engagement, insight, and advocacy, we will work with industry and stakeholders to ensure wellbeing becomes a lasting priority. Thank you to our sponsors Backhouse Jones Solicitors , Brabners and Corpay for their support. #Wellbeing #Logistics #RoadTransport #HGV #Coach #Van #People #FutureOfTransport

The @RHANews will host a Garden Party in 2026 as part of our ongoing focus on wellbeing across the road transport sector. This initiative will provide a practical, informal setting to showcase the work underway to support people across the industry, while engaging key stakeholders on shared workforce challenges. By bringing together colleagues, members, policymakers and commercial partners, the Garden Party will support open discussion, strengthen relationships and help maintain momentum behind the wellbeing agenda. It will also create space for conversations about future collaboration and funding to sustain and grow this work. The event will also mark the launch of our Wellbeing Manifesto and our 10-year commitments to support the sector. #Collaboration

For those who know Paul Allera, he will be retiring at the end of 2026 after more than 50 years in the road transport industry. To recognise this, we have recorded a special episode of Roadway – The Podcast to highlight Paul’s career over the years, how the industry has changed since he first started, his time at the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and to thank him for his hard work over the past 8 years with the RHA. We discuss technical developments, industry milestones and the challenges and opportunities ahead for operators. A fascinating conversation with someone who has genuinely helped shape the industry. The podcast will be launched on 2 March click here to follow and listen to previous episodes we have released- lnkd.in/etqRF6PH

Great to catch up with Stephen Phipson CBE from @MakeUK_ . It is always useful to compare notes and discuss the challenges facing our respective sectors, and to understand how we can collaborate further to strengthen both our voices when engaging with government by providing evidence based recommendations and support. Stephen, thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you again soon. #Collaboration

Podcast Launch | Roadway – The Podcast – Episode 5 We’ve just launched Episode 5 of Roadway – The Podcast: Digitising the Haulage Industry. In this episode, we are joined by John Lucy, Scott Robertson , and Craig Thompson from @Haulage_Hub Marketplace explore what digital transformation really means for the road transport industry — and how the RHA Exchange is supporting members in a practical, trusted way. The conversation covers: 🔹 Why now is a turning point for digital adoption 🔹 How technology can help reduce empty running and improve efficiency 🔹 The importance of trust, verification, and supporting hauliers of all sizes A clear, practical discussion focused on real-world challenges and solutions. Listen here mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/77sn… Watch Here: youtu.be/2G--CN-XnYw #RoadwayPodcast #DigitisingHaulage #RHAExchange #RoadTransport #Logistics #Haulage