24: Lunch with Leon episode 24 - Elizabeth de Jong

Leon Daniels’ lunchtime guest is Elizabeth de Jong from Logistics UK. Their starter sees them mull over working-from-home and its benefits, before they move onto the main course where they chat about the changes in logistics and deliveries this year.They debate why the government should regard freight and logistics as part of the country’s critical infrastructure and how to get more talent into the industry. Elizabeth maps out what to do and why it’s backed by a strong business case.Alternatives to diesel HGVs, how to make a pathway for their phase out and the pressure to speed-up transport decarbonisation is chewed over.During dessert they delve into Brexit and - with only days to go before ‘B-Day’ - discuss how ready logistics is.An economist by background, Elizabeth has a strong track record of leading successful policy teams. She has over 20 years of experience at a senior level in the transport sector which includes consultancy, business analysis, programme management, policy development and policy delivery.  She joined Logistics UK in July 2017 from Rail Delivery Group where she was Director of Policy, and prior to that worked at the Department for Transport.  At Logistics UK she is responsible for UK, Regional, EU and International Policy, Public Affairs, Research & Information and the Member Advice Centre.