Building the UK’s Competitive Edge Through Trade

For all the uncertainty shaping the global economy, trade will not stop. Businesses continue to move goods, expand markets and invest for the long term, and those who plan ahead are best placed to benefit.

Across the UK, that forward-looking approach is already paying off. Record volumes at our London Gateway and Southampton terminals underline a simple truth: demand for efficient, reliable trade routes is not slowing. London Gateway alone handled 3 million TEU in 2025, a 50% year-on-year increase. These are not incremental gains; they reflect a step change in how the UK is positioning itself within global trade flows.

This growth has not come without challenges. Geopolitical tensions, shifting trade patterns and supply chain disruptions have all tested resilience. Yet the ability to absorb those shocks and continue operating at scale is the result of sustained, long-term investment across an entire network of end-to-end services.

Building Capacity Before It’s Needed

Growth in trade does not happen by accident. It requires infrastructure that is ready before demand arrives, a philosophy easily visible across our UK operations.

A £1 billion investment at London Gateway will introduce two new all-electric berths and a second rail terminal, significantly increasing capacity while supporting the UK’s transition to more sustainable operations. At Southampton, a £60 million investment in new quay cranes is already reinforcing the port’s role as a critical gateway for UK trade.

These are deliberate choices. Rather than waiting for certainty, we are investing with conviction, creating the conditions for growth and enabling existing partners to scale, and the results are clear. Record volumes, an expanding Logistics Park and continued interest from major global brands all point to a market that is not only resilient, but growing.

Creating a Competitive Environment for UK Trade

For the UK to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, it must be easy to trade, invest and move goods. That means reducing friction and giving businesses the confidence to make long-term decisions.

A key part of that is enabling companies to operate closer to their end markets. As supply chains evolve, we are seeing a growing shift towards nearshoring and regionalisation, with businesses seeking to reduce risk, shorten lead times and improve resilience. The UK is well placed to benefit from this trend but the right infrastructure has to be in place.

We are supporting that shift through the continued expansion of London Gateway Logistics Park, one of Europe’s largest and most advanced logistics hubs. Located directly alongside our deep-water port at London Gateway, it allows businesses to bring goods into the UK and move them into storage, distribution or fulfilment within minutes, not miles.

The appeal is clear. Major global brands, including Tesco, are choosing to base operations at the park, attracted by the ability to simplify supply chains, respond faster to customer demand and reduce exposure to disruption further afield. For many, this is not just an operational decision, it’s a strategic move towards greater supply chain resilience.

The Thames Freeport is helping to unlock this potential even further, providing the certainty and speed businesses need to invest and scale quickly. It demonstrates how targeted collaboration can accelerate growth and make the UK a more attractive destination for globally mobile investment.

Ultimately, competitiveness is shaped by how easily businesses can adapt and operate. By combining port-centric logistics with the growing demand for nearshoring, we are helping create shorter, faster and more resilient supply chains, giving UK businesses a stronger platform to compete at home and internationally.

Supply Chains at the Heart of Growth

Supply chains are no longer a supporting function, they are at the heart of business.

Everything we do is focused on improving the flow of goods, whether that is through our ports, logistics hubs, warehousing network or freight forwarding services. Our growth is directly linked to the success of our customers, from large multinationals to SMEs looking to expand into new markets.

By offering integrated, end-to-end solutions, we help businesses navigate complexity and unlock opportunities. Faster transit times, simplified customs processes and greater visibility across the supply chain all contribute to better outcomes.

This is particularly important for smaller businesses. Access to reliable, scalable logistics networks allows them to compete on a global stage, reaching customers and markets that would otherwise be out of reach.

As trade agreements such as CPTPP and new bilateral deals come into force, the ability to connect quickly and efficiently to international markets will become even more important. Our role is to ensure that infrastructure and services are in place so UK businesses can take immediate advantage.

Partnerships That Enable Progress

Large-scale investment does not happen in isolation. It depends on strong, aligned partnerships, across government, industry and the communities we serve. In the UK, our growth has been underpinned by close and constructive engagement with policymakers, as well as organisations such as the British Chambers of Commerce. These relationships matter. They provide a direct line into the needs of businesses on the ground, ensuring that infrastructure, policy and investment decisions are shaped by real-world challenges and opportunities.

There is a shared understanding that trade is a central driver of economic growth. That alignment has helped create an environment where long-term investment can move forward with confidence, and where businesses can plan for the future, not just respond to the present.

Partnerships, for us, extend far beyond institutional relationships. Our customers are not simply users of our services, they are integral to how we design and evolve our services. Whether that’s a global retailer establishing a presence at London Gateway Logistics Park or an SME expanding into new markets, their growth shapes our priorities. When they succeed, we succeed.

That same principle applies across our wider network. Through businesses such as Community Network Services (CNS), a DP World company, we are working closely with freight forwarders, customs agents and logistics providers to simplify processes and improve visibility across supply chains. These connections ensure that goods move more efficiently, not just through our ports but across the entire logistics ecosystem.

We also recognise the role partnerships play beyond trade. Our involvement in community and sports initiatives reflects a broader commitment to the regions where we operate, helping to build local connections, support talent and create opportunities that extend beyond the supply chain.

This is not about short-term outcomes. It is about building long-term capabilities through collaboration, shared ambition and a clear focus on what it takes to keep trade moving. By strengthening these partnerships, we are helping ensure the UK remains a globally competitive trading nation, with the resilience and connectivity needed for the years ahead.

Skilled People, Smarter Technology

Productivity comes from the combination of people and capability. We are investing in both.

Across our UK operations, we are developing the next generation of logistics and engineering talent through apprenticeships and training programmes. From quay crane operators to software technicians, these roles are evolving rapidly as technology becomes more central to operations.

At the same time, we are deploying advanced systems that improve efficiency and performance. Automation, data-driven insights and digital customs solutions are transforming how goods move through our network. At London Gateway, major investments in automated technologies are increasing capacity while optimising space and speed.

The result is a more agile, responsive supply chain. A supply chain that can handle greater volumes with greater precision.

Connecting the UK to Global Opportunity

The UK’s strength has always been its global outlook and that remains one of its greatest advantages. Today, that outward-facing perspective is more important than ever, as businesses look to access new markets, diversify supply chains and respond to shifting demand patterns.

Our role is to make those connections tangible. Our network links UK businesses to customers across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond, combining physical infrastructure with integrated services that simplify the movement of goods at every stage. This is not just about moving containers; it is about creating seamless, end-to-end supply chains that allow businesses to operate with confidence on a global stage. Because ports alone do not drive growth. It is the combination of ports, inland logistics, digital platforms and international reach that gives businesses the ability to scale efficiently and reliably.

Looking ahead, the direction of travel is clear. The global landscape will continue to evolve, shaped by new trade routes, technologies and economic realities. But one constant will remain: growth will favour those who act decisively.

That is why we continue to invest ahead of demand: strengthening supply chains, expanding capacity and building the infrastructure needed for the future. In doing so, we are not only supporting the UK economy, but actively shaping its role within global trade.