With inflation sitting in the region of 10%, it would be true to say that many people across the UK are feeling the pinch financially. However, according to a new YouGov (in partnership with logistics technology firm Stuart UK) survey of 2,000 business people and 2,100 other adults, there’s been a growing demand for delivery services in the United Kingdom in 2023.

This increase defies the ongoing cost of living crisis, and it’s coupled with a growing expectation for improved service levels and greener transportation methods. During the last three months of 2022, the survey revealed that 63% of businesses experienced increased demand for delivery services. 

Quicker Deliveries, Time Slots & Advanced Tracking

Looking closer at the survey’s findings, 2 out of every 5 respondents (38%) stated that they wanted quicker deliveries, with around a third (30%) saying that would look for more precise time slots for their deliveries. 1 in 4, however, expected advanced tracking to be offered by their delivery service provider.

When asked about the question of sustainability, almost ⅓ of business representatives stated that they believed their customers were keen to enjoy more sustainable delivery options. 

“Robust Demand From Retailers Set to Grow”

Speaking on the matter, John Gillian, Stuart UK’s general manager had this to say:

“2022 saw robust demand from retailers for delivery services, and that only looks set to grow in 2023. The challenge, however, is that businesses will have to step up to the plate to offer fast, sustainable and data-driven services, all against a backdrop of rising expectations of customer service.

As such, Stuart is proudly at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation in this space, working with businesses to provide customised and entirely sustainable delivery solutions to meet their customers’ needs.”

When you look at the 18-24 age group, you see that this demographic uses delivery services more than any other. What’s more, 24% of those asked in this group expressed an intention to order more products than they did during 2022. 

Moving forward through 2023 and beyond, it’s expected that these trends with continue. Should that come to pass, it will result in an even higher demand for fast, efficient delivery solutions than exists today. 

Meeting the Needs of the UK’s Buying Public

While customer spending trends are constantly fluctuating, it’s the job of the UK’s haulage industry to meet the needs of the buying public. If customers demand improved services during austere times like these, faster deliveries and order tracking, it’s down to the delivery companies to provide it. Those that don’t could easily end up being left behind. 

Whatever happens, however, the HGVC team will carry on offering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs via our vast national training centre network. Our services can be scaled to any size of need, allowing businesses to find efficient solutions to combat the ongoing driver shortage in the UK. 

If you’d like to find out more about us and how we do things, take a look around our website or to get in touch, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click on ‘contact us’ today.