UK businesses have had some answers to their concerns over Brexit, but there is still some uncertainty.

Last week, the Government published its Brexit White Paper, outlining some of the objectives ahead.

One aim is a "new relationship with the EU (which should be) broader in scope than any other that exists between the EU and a third country". To that end, the Government will seek "a broad and deep economic relationship with the EU that maximises future prosperity ... and minimises disruption to trade between the UK and the EU, protecting jobs and livelihoods - at the same time making the most of trading opportunities around the world".

Customs arrangements are another area of concern, and the White Paper promises to "seek to minimise border friction while keeping the UK outside the EU's single market".

Some of the plans for a facilitated customs arrangement (FCA) have been welcomed by the UKWA, which believes the approach "responds to the call from business for minimal disruption to the free flow of goods between the UK and EU member states".

"It is pleasing that, unlike some other members of her party, Prime Minister May appears to be living in the real world and has listened to the needs of the business community," says UKWA CEO Peter Ward. "Since the referendum result was announced more than two years ago, UKWA has stressed the need to retain 'frictionless trade' with the EU and it appears from today's document that the Government is attempting to avert any major upheaval in the way goods are traded between the EU and the UK.

"It remains to be seen, however, whether this White Paper is a fanciful wish list aimed primarily at uniting a divided government, that will gain firstly the wider support of parliament, the country, and ultimately Brussels, or whether indeed it is purely a starting point for negotiation.

"Representing an industry that relies heavily on the contribution of European workers, and already facing an acute labour shortage, it is disappointing for UKWA that the White Paper appears somewhat vague on the UK's post-Brexit immigration policy," he adds. "Whilst emphasising repeatedly that the free movement of people will come to an end, the White Paper says the detail of a new immigration policy will be published in a separate paper later this year."

According to Ward, the UKWA will continue to drive the essential, practical and consultative dialogue between the logistics industry and those influencing the policies that will affect the country for many years to come.