Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are investigating the emergence of pan-European logistics strategies as these continue to evolve to service the Single European Market. It is important that planners and developers can gain a full understanding of the locational implications of such strategies, so that suitable sites with development potential can be identified. It is also important that the suitability of existing transport networks, and the development needs for such networks, are fully understood. There has however been little research into the nature of logistics locations used by exporting manufacturers in a pan-European context, despite the considerable effort expended on other expended on other logistics fields such as domestic retail distribution. This paper discusses the background to the present research programme and the data requirements for this type of logistics research, and describes the data obtained for the present study from a diverse range of sources. Locations identified as containing agglomerations of exporters of manufactured goods and also third party logistics specialists will be highlighted at the level of postcode district. In light of the stated aims and objectives, methodology to this point will be outlined and some specific results will be presented. (A)
Abstract