Member Engagement
Another very busy month for the member engagement team with meetings taking place around the country, from Humberside to Heathrow, and Felixstowe to Avonmouth to name a few! Around the regions
THE SOUTH-EAST Denise Hill, BIFA member
of particular importance locally. Dan O’Sullivan from CNS updated the group on progress with the Compass system replacement and Steve Higgon from London Port Health Authority (PHA) provided a very interesting presentation outlining typical activity along the 94 miles from Teddington lock to the Thames estuary. He discussed team experiences since the implementation of the BTOM, as well as sampling and BCP controls. Kent & East Sussex Andrew Kidd from National Highways provided an update on the Lower Thames Crossing project and Igor Popovics from the BIFA secretariat team provided a Customs update which sparked lively debate around Customs liability. Doug Bannister, CEO, Port of Dover, joined the meeting to discuss the preparations made for the European Entry/Exit System (EES), including plans for coach and car traffic that should ensure that freight continues to flow with minimal delay. Presentations were also provided by both Dover and Ashford port health teams. SOUTHERN ENGLAND Paul Cunningham, BIFA regional representative for the south, reports on the meetings held in Heathrow, Avonmouth and Gatwick The BIFA team gave Members updates on Customs, airfreight, ocean, road, rail, legal and training topics at all the meetings in the region. Topics specific to each region follow below. Heathrow The turnout for the Heathrow area continues to grow with over 60 Members in attendance. A senior manager from Heathrow Airport presented the finalised governance structure for the Heathrow Cargo Community. BIFA has a seat on the steering group to
engagement director, reports on the meetings held in the south- east and says: “It is always refreshing to meet Members and discuss the latest developments in the ever-changing landscape in which we operate as an industry. During this last month delays were announced to the Windsor Framework safety and security declarations and the European Entry/Exit System, and we also dealt with the US longshoremen’s strike action which was, thankfully, short-lived. All were topics of conversation at our meetings.” Anglia Having outgrown The Fludyers Hotel, the Anglia regional meeting was held at the Uniserve Mega Distribution Centre. Our thanks go to Ellena Wright of Seafast Logistics for kindly hosting, and the wider team for welcoming all Members. Stephen Taylor from National Highways provided an update on the Lower Thames Crossing project, Clare Davies and Phil Reed from responsibilities and how they fit into the national picture, while Keiran Rodwell from MCP informed the group that the latest update with CDS had gone smoothly. Dale Weeding from Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority spoke about how the team is working within the BTOM framework and plans for resourcing, and Jason Flower from the Felixstowe Port Users’ Association discussed the latest news with regards to the container booking system. London East This meeting, also held at a new venue the Holiday Inn Basildon, was well attended. National Highways provided an update on the Lower Thames Crossing project, which is Suffolk Trading Standards reminded Members of their
represent freight forwarders and will be communicating information to Members on how they can engage and influence the programme of work to redevelop the cargo areas. A representative from HMRC gave a detailed update on Windsor Agreement Northern Ireland border controls. During the meeting, an instant poll of the top challenges facing our Members revealed that “Continuing changes to HMRC/Border Control systems and procedures” is the main challenge, followed by “Recruiting/training staff to the required levels of skills”. No surprise that the HMRC/Border changes came out top, while the fact that skills and recruitment was the second biggest challenge reinforces BIFA focus and activities in this area. South-west The Member community in Avonmouth continues to develop and was joined by Business West, the largest business membership organisation in the region, who explained how their services could support freight forwarders. Gatwick This meeting was held online was and well attended. The Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Gatwick Northern Runway Project has been submitted. BIFA is supporting this proposal in a joint letter from the Gatwick business community to the Secretary of State for Transport. If approved and implemented, it is forecast that cargo would increase from 150,000 tonnes in 2018/19 to around 305,000 tonnes by 2032.
“ It is always refreshing to meet Members and discuss the latest develop - ments in the ever- changing landscape in which we operate as an industry. – Denise Hillill
24 | November 2024
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