Member Engagement
A busy month in the regions
Throughout March, BIFA regional representatives have been holding meetings at many locations, discussing a wide range of topics with Members
Commerce gave an overview of the new Digital ATA Carnet system presently in its final test phase, which is expected to be live Q3 this year for movements between the UK, EU, Norway and Switzerland. Midlands BIFA hosted the Midlands meetings on 11 and 12 March at the regional airports (EMA & BHX). Attendance at both was understandably down on normal expectations as Members dealt with the fallout from the US action in the Middle East. At both meetings Andrew Melton introduced Members to Steve Murray who recently joined BIFA and is taking over the Central England region, leaving Andrew to concentrate on the North of England. Solent Region The meeting was held at the iconic Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. Kelly Scott, principal port health officer for Southampton, reported on current activities and developments at the port, including hints and tips to ensure speedy clearance of containers and cargo. Steve Freeman, co-founder and chairman of RailX, discussed how
I f you work for a BIFA Member, you are welcome to attend regional Member meetings and hear directly from BIFA personnel on issues likely to impact your business. In addition to local news, there will be updates from each of the policy groups covering air freight, ocean freight, sustainable logistics, customs and legal and insurance matters. These meetings also present a great opportunity to network with other Members and to raise questions with BIFA. A topic of considerable interest at the meetings in March was the events in the Middle East and how the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (STC) might apply, depending on the specific circumstances of each situation. Members were advised to refer to the guidance on BIFA TV and the BIFA website from BIFA’s Robert Windsor. Anglia Paul Newman chaired the Anglia regional meeting, welcoming 60
Members. The Port of Felixstowe gave an update on the past 12 months and anticipated increases in traffic, in spite of the loss of the Gemini Service to London Gateway. Suffolk New College announced its liaison with BIFA and intention to design new courses to train young people in logistics to meet future staffing requirements. Manchester The first Manchester regional meeting of the year took place at the Nest in Wythenshawe, led by regional representative Andrew Melton. Around 30 Members and guests attended. Border Force gave a quick update on the public counter operation now established in Terminal 2 at Manchester airport. Guest speaker Lawrence Cockburn from dnata presented Members with the developments and benefits of the new CCS-UK Advanced Information System (AIS) platform in operation at dnata facilities throughout the UK. Kathryn Hoggitt from the Greater Manchester Chamber of
“ A topic of considerable interest at the meetings in March was the events in the Middle East and how the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (STC) might apply
32 | April 2026
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