The Freight Transport Association's (FTA) Transport Manager conferences are now underway and this year's hot topic is the matter of Brexit and what the UK's decision to leave the EU could mean for the freight sector.

FTA deputy chief executive James Hookham commented: "This year's programme focuses on key issues that transport managers need to be looking at over the coming months.

"Brexit is the burning platform and FTA is holding monthly webinars for members to keep them updated, but, while we're still in the EU, it's business as usual."

The FTA Transport Manager conference series is running until December at venues across the UK and this year's first event took place in Chepstow this week (September 14th).

It saw traffic commissioner for Wales Nick Jones discussing his department's new traffic area responsibilities, as well as upcoming licensing priorities for 2017. In addition, Alan Coombs of the DVSA addressed attendees and explained the concept of Earned Recognition.

At the same time, delegates had the chance to discuss all manner of other issues, ranging from O licensing requirements to best practice in driver safety.

However, the hot topic of the day was, of course, Brexit and how the UK's recent referendum vote will have implications for all freight and logistics operators in the years to come.

The issues of existing EU regulation and what areas should be maintained and scrapped when the UK does leave the bloc was a chief concern for all those in attendance.