In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Sebastian Sanders and Stephen Hards to discuss the next generation and the future workforce of the road transport and logistics industry.

The conversation explores how we attract, develop and retain new talent in a sector that is critical to the UK economy, looking at the different routes into the industry and the experiences that shape careers in transport and logistics.

Richard, Sebastian and Stephen also discuss what more the industry can do to attract young people, including the importance of engaging with schools and colleges and showcasing the wide range of career opportunities available across the sector.

The episode looks at the role of apprenticeships and hands-on experience in developing future talent, as well as how employers can create clear career pathways and support the next generation of industry leaders.

The discussion also focuses on challenging outdated misconceptions about careers in transport and logistics, highlighting the diverse roles available beyond driving and how technology, innovation and decarbonisation are changing the industry.

Looking to the future, Richard, Sebastian and Stephen discuss the ongoing challenges around driver recruitment and retention, the barriers facing new entrants, and the opportunities for long-term career progression across the sector.

This episode provides valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation and highlights why attracting, developing and investing in people is essential to building a stronger and more sustainable future for road transport and logistics.

Key Themes

• Attracting the next generation • Careers in road transport and logistics • Apprenticeships and skills development • Breaking industry misconceptions • Driver recruitment and retention • Technology, innovation and decarbonisation • Career progression and the future workforce

Road Haulage Association (RHA)

Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

The conversation explores what the Benevolent Fund is, why it was established and who it is designed to support, highlighting the importance of looking after the people who keep our industry moving during times of hardship and unexpected challenges.

Richard, Jim and Kelly also discuss who can access support from the Fund, the types of circumstances it can help with and some of the common misconceptions around eligibility and applying for assistance.

The episode looks at how the Benevolent Fund works in practice, from the application process through to providing support to individuals and families, as well as the governance and oversight that ensures decisions are made fairly and transparently.

The discussion also focuses on the impact of the Fund and its key initiatives, including the Tooling Kit project, exploring how practical support can make a real difference to people working across the sector.

Looking to the future, Richard, Jim and Kelly discuss how RHA members and the wider industry can support the Benevolent Fund through fundraising, raising awareness and partnership, and why continued industry backing is so important to the Fund's future.

This episode provides valuable insight into the work of the RHA Benevolent Fund and highlights the importance of coming together as an industry to support people when they need it most.

Key Themes

- The RHA Benevolent Fund - Supporting people across the industry - Accessing support and eligibility - The application process - Governance and transparency - Key initiatives and industry impact - Fundraising, awareness and partnership

Road Haulage Association (RHA)

Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Peter Squire and James Ashford from Brigade Electronics to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming vehicle safety and helping operators move from reacting to incidents to preventing them before they happen.

The conversation examines how vehicle safety technology has evolved, from traditional recording systems to intelligent AI-powered solutions that can identify risks in real time, improve driver awareness and protect vulnerable road users. Richard, Peter and James discuss how innovations such as AI-enabled radar systems and smart cameras are changing the way fleets approach road safety.

The episode also explores the impact of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and how AI is supporting compliance through predictive technologies that reduce false alerts, detect cyclists and pedestrians, and provide drivers with timely warnings to help prevent collisions.

Richard and his guests discuss the next generation of AI-powered safety systems, including driver monitoring, fatigue detection, distraction and mobile phone recognition, and how these technologies are helping operators improve both driver behaviour and overall fleet safety. The conversation also considers what the future holds for AI, regulation and the increasing use of connected technologies across the transport sector.

This episode provides valuable insight into how artificial intelligence is reshaping road safety and why proactive technology will play an increasingly important role in protecting drivers, operators and vulnerable road users alike.

• Artificial intelligence in vehicle safety
• Proactive vs reactive safety systems
• Direct Vision Standard (DVS)
• AI cameras and intelligent radar technology
• Driver monitoring and fatigue detection
• The future of fleet safety and regulation

Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net