The UK’s commercial transport sector is facing one of its most urgent challenges: a critical workforce shortage that threatens future growth, efficiency, and innovation.
The spotlight at the Commercial Vehicle Show was firmly on the battle for talent. With hundreds of exhibitors, industry leaders, and key decision-makers gathering at the NEC, this year’s show
highlighted everything from skills development and recruitment to building inclusive workplaces for the future.
One of the biggest issues facing the road transport sector today is the shortage of skilled labour, particularly in engineering, fleet management, and professional driving. At this year’s CV Show, the industry came together to discuss practical solutions.
The Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) took a central role, unveiling its new Maintenance Provision Rating Scheme (MPRS), which is a national benchmarking framework designed to raise standards and improve workforce capabilities across the transport engineering sector.
The scheme, which launched on the first day of the show, will assess the quality of vehicle maintenance provision and provide recognition for high-performing operators, ultimately helping employers map and develop talent more effectively.
Emma Thompson, Executive Director of the Society of Operations Engineers, said: “The launch of the MPRS marks a significant step in tackling the engineering skills shortage. It sets a clear standard and gives both businesses and individuals a roadmap for growth. We’ve been part of the CV Show for 25 years, and it’s always been a powerful platform to connect with our members, support their development, and build new relationships.”
Meanwhile, Jennifer Swain from Road to Logistics led a main stage session exploring what drives workforce decisions, and what businesses can do now to build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
The urgency is backed by new findings from the Road Haulage Association (RHA). Its latest report, Lorry Drivers – The Vital Link, warns that the UK must recruit 40,000 new HGV drivers annually over the next five years to meet demand and avoid a future supply chain crisis.
Sally Gilson, Skills Policy Lead at the RHA, said: “To future-proof the industry, we need to recruit, train, and retain tens of thousands of drivers. That means flexible, funded training, stronger partnerships with schools and colleges, and better use of the Growth and Skills Levy.”
Championing diversity
Alongside addressing the skills shortage, this year’s CV Show also placed a powerful spotlight on diversity and inclusion as essential drivers of progress in the commercial vehicle and logistics industries.
A key highlight was the “Driving Inclusion” session led by Patrick ‘Poggy’ Murray Whitham, Programme Manager at EqualEngineers. With deep experience in engineering and leadership, Poggyunpacked how inclusive cultures don’t just improve employee wellbeing, they boost safety, efficiency, and business performance. The session offered practical strategies to build environments where all talent can thrive, regardless of background.
Complementing this was the “Bridging the Talent Gap” panel, featuring Lawrie Alford, Skills Mentor and STEM Ambassador, and James Cameron, CEO of Mission Community. Together with a Generation Logistics Alumni, the panel explored how attracting diverse talent through apprenticeships, career switchers, and ex-Forces personnel can strengthen workforce pipelines at every career stage.
These sessions reinforced an industry consensus that a sustainable future for commercial transport depends not only on attracting new talent, but on building workplaces that are inclusive, adaptable, and representative of the communities they serve.
