An expert panel discussed the new reports at a launch event on Tower Pier at the start of
London International Shipping Week. Panel members were (pictured above l-r): Adrian
Evans, Thames Festival director; PLA chief executive Robin Mortimer; Lucy Haynes, CBI
London Director; and Perry Glading, chief operating officer of Forth Ports group.

Perry Glading, chief operating
officer of Forth Ports group includes the
Port of Tilbury, the biggest single port
operation on the river said:

“It’s all about connections,” “The Thames
gets you to the doorstep of the largest
consumer market in the UK. We’re making
continued significant investment in facilities
for our customers, keeping Tilbury at the
forefront of access to London and the South
East. Our new distribution centre for Travis
Perkins, where building materials can be
distributed within hours of coming off a ship,
shows that port-centred logistics is the way
to go. That’s what attracted NFT
Distribution to develop their new
temperature-controlled distribution centre at
Tilbury, with more than 300,000 sq ft of new
warehouse space and over 800 new jobs.”

Thames Festival director,
Adrian Evans said:

“This research underlines the
importance of the Thames as a
magnet for both Londoners and
visitors to the capital. Riverside
attractions are now welcoming
23.4 million visits a year,
generating jobs for almost
100,000 people in riverside wards.
Totally Thames, our month-long
season of river and riverfront sport
and cultural events attracts over 2
million people to the Thames,
both adding significantly to local
riverside economies and allowing
the river to delight and inspire,
enhancing quality of life.”

Lucy Haynes, CBI London
Director, said:

“With over 10 million people
expected to be living in the
capital by 2030, it’s vital we
see a boost in river transport
for both passengers and
freight to keep the capital
moving. The River Thames is
London’s lifeblood, and has
a key role to play in enabling
the city to grow and compete
globally.”