Steve Parker’s Column
Mind the gap
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 Policy & Compliance 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, Natalie Pitts Note to media: If you wish to use items in this magazine that are older than one month, please contact the editorial co- ordinator 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.
A n unusual headline for this month’s column this may be and my research tells me that this phrase came into being on the London underground in 1968, making it a very British saying. Gaps can be important as I have learned from feedback on the BIFAlink TV episode released on Tuesday 9 July. Having just released BIFAlink TV, I took the opportunity following the general election to record an episode on the result and what this meant for BIFA. I explained during the
recording that BIFA is “an apolitical organisation” but, when you listen to the release it sounds like I said “BIFA is a political organisation”. The gap between the “a” and “political” makes a massive difference and changes the whole focus. Fortunately, I think on the recording the rest of the sentence made it clear what I meant. This ‘error’, brought about by my brain knowing what it wants to say but my mouth not keeping up, reminded me how important a gap can be. With BIFAlink TV we try to give you, our Member, a little bit of knowledge every day; hence we say this is your daily dose of industry information. We deliberately keep the accompanying videos short (just two or three minutes) with email titles that are clear and precise, so you know what the message for that day is about. Our point of doing this is to try to help fill small gaps of information and knowledge. I want you, as our Member, to be totally up to date with the latest regulations and to take advantage of all the benefits that being a BIFA Member can bring. For us at the association, it is not just about the protection of the BIFA STC, but also so much more – like training, representation, industry promotion and the provision of information that now is being met with the launch of BIFAlink TV, providing that daily nugget of knowledge that can help you with your business. Many of you are listening every day and we have started to see stable daily numbers. However, I am concerned that as our database is not what it should be, many of you are probably not seeing the notifications; if that is you, please ensure your contact details on our website are up to date. I don’t want to sound arrogant (and those that know me will know I am not), it is just that I really think you are missing out if you are not getting this and checking in with it daily. We want to help you, and this is our latest way of communicating. Holiday reading I appreciate we are in the middle of the holiday season and wondered if you wanted some reading material while you are away? Could I recommend our Know your Trading Conditions booklet? Scan the QR code below to access the guide. Just so you know I practice what I preach, there is a picture (somewhere on the dark web, I suspect) of me on holiday in Malta, by the pool, on a sun lounger with sun hat reading exactly this publication. It is neither exciting nor romantic, but it might help fill a knowledge gap. The BIFA STC, if applied correctly in your business, could save you thousands of pounds in the event of a claim, which in turn may pay the costs of the holiday you are on! Happy reading.
Director General
BIFA STC Guide
August 2024 | 3
www.bifa.org
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