Steve Parker’s Column
Beware the Ides of March
BIFAlink is the official magazine of the British International Freight Association Redfern House, Browells Lane, Feltham TW13 7EP Tel: 020 8844 2266 (A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England: 00391973. VAT Registration: 216476363) Director General Steve Parker s.parker@bifa.org Member Policy & Compliance Director Robert Windsor r.windsor@bifa.org Member Support Director Spencer Stevenson s.stevenson@bifa.org Member Services Director Carl Hobbis c.hobbis@bifa.org Member Engagement Director Denise Hill d.hill@bifa.org International Relations Advisor Robert Keen r.keen@bifa.org Frontier Policy Manager Pawel Jarza p.jarza@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Customs Igor Popovics i.popovics@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Adviser – Sustainable Logistics Mike Jones m.jones@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Air David Stroud d.stroud@bifa.org Editorial Co-ordinator Sharon Hammond s.hammond@bifa.org Membership Supervisor Sarah Milton s.milton@bifa.org Web site: www.bifa.org E-mail: bifa@bifa.org Published by Park Lane Publishing peter@parklanepublishingltd.com Contributors Steve Parker, Robert Windsor, David Stroud, Spencer Stevenson, Carl Hobbis, Sharon Hammond, Igor Popovics, Robert Keen, Denise Hill, Mike Jones, Pawel Jarza Note to media: If you wish to use items in this magazine that are older than one month, please contact the editor to ensure that the item in question still reflects the current circumstances. Please be advised that BIFA DOES NOT OFFER LEGAL ADVICE. BIFA is not a law firm and the authors of this publication are not legally qualified and do not have any legal training. The guidance and assistance set out herein are based on BIFA’s own experience with the issues concerned and should not be in any circumstances regarded or relied upon as legal advice. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering further action based on the information contained in this publication should seek the advice of a qualified professional.
I suspect you didn’t expect a quote made familiar by Shakespeare to feature as the headline for my latest BIFAlink column. Today this quote from Julius Caesar is often associated with negative connotations, but in the ancient Roman calendar, the Ides of March was not to be feared. It was an important point in time, marking the mid-point of the month. I wrote this column a few days after that mid-point in March, which marks a return to regular meetings for our Regional Member and Policy Groups, after a couple of months when such meetings are rare. For me, it is an excellent opportunity to get back out and meet you, our Members. Not only to bring everyone up to date on what is happening in our industry but also to talk about the future. What will excite us, what will challenge us, and what brings opportunity for business and industry growth.
The United Kingdom This period means some travel, I have attended several regional meetings from Dover to Aberdeen and Belfast, and whilst a number of the topics are nationwide issues, there are always also local ones. I enjoy all of it. The chance to meet and talk about those items that either are or will be important to you, and of course share updates on what is happening on the ground. The good and encouraging news is that attendance at these meetings is growing, with more Members joining in every time. If you are reading this and no one from your company is currently attending our regional meetings, then why not make 2024 the year to change that? The dates of all our meetings are listed at https://bifa.org/events/. Policy Groups In this area, 2023 was important for us. For the first time that anyone can remember we started a new policy group – Sustainable Logistics – which held its second meeting last month with over 30 attendees. Sam Warren from the Woodland Group was elected as its first chair and the fledgling group is already working on what environmental changes are coming and where we can expect legislation to impact us; there are some exciting times ahead. Of course, BIFA’s four other policy groups covering Maritime; Road and Rail; Air; Customs; and Legal & Insurance also found time in March to come together and discuss the topics of the day. I attend as many of these meetings as possible, simply because it is great to watch these teams in action, helping BIFA to formulate policy on issues on which we need to engage with stakeholders. As with the regional groups, if you feel drawn to one of our policy groups then why not contact us; we are always looking for new members to help us shape the future. Business Leaders Forum This will take place on 16 May and, having secured a larger room, we do have a few spaces remaining. However, it is filling up fast so make sure to register as soon as possible. We have some interesting speakers already lined up and they will present on topics that any business leader will need to understand in preparing their businesses for the future. If you are a business leader and want to join us, then please register at https://bifa.org/event/business-leaders-forum-2/. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Representation In March, BIFA joined 11 of the UK’s leading logistics trade associations by co-signing a letter to the leaders of the UK’s and devolved nations’ main political parties, highlighting the role logistics can play in boosting growth and productivity, if backed by the right policies, a dedicated minister and a Cabinet Office structure to support delivery across Whitehall.
Director General
April 2024 | 3
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