Steve Parker’s Column
Signs of the changing times D o you like cricket? I am a fan and enjoy all the forms of the game from the 100 to Tests. I have been fascinated by the change in approach; the desire to ‘go for it’ in every game (win or lose), to both enjoy and thrive, whatever happens. Our industry has seen, and continues to see, much change, and as
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 Manager Robert Keen r.keen@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Customs Igor Popovics i.popovics@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Air David Stroud d.stroud@bifa.org Editorial Co-ordinator Sharon Hammond s.hammond@bifa.org Communications Manager Natalie Pitts bifacomms@bifa.org Membership Supervisor Sarah Milton s.milton@bifa.org Published by Park Lane Publishing peter@parklanepublishingltd.com Contributors Steve Parker, Robert Windsor, David Stroud, Spencer Stevenson, Carl Hobbis, Web site: www.bifa.org E-mail: bifa@bifa.org Sharon Hammond, Natalie Pitts, Igor Popovics, Brooke Neilson, Nezda Leigh, Robert Keen, Denise Hill 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.
always there is a lot happening. This is reflected in the workload at BIFA, so for this month’s DG column I want to highlight a number of interesting articles in this edition that show a direction of travel for the association and our business. So, whether or not you are a 100 fan, enjoying the excitement of limited overs, or an advocate of Test cricket, a test of stamina, take a read.
Did you notice? It is said ‘a picture paints a thousand words’. Did you notice the subtle change in my portrait picture? Gone is the suit and tie to something more casual, which is not only in line with today’s business attire, but also reflects what we wear to the office at BIFA. “Does this matter?” I hear you cry. May be not much, but like the move away from the all- white kit in cricket, it does reflect the efforts we make to be up to date. BIFA: CCS-UK & AIS For those who love test cricket the new Advanced Information System (AIS) innovation in air cargo collections and deliveries is going to take some time to get used to, so take a read of the article on page 24 explaining the process and benefits for users. CCS-UK has been working with stakeholders to enhance AIS to support electronic delivery and collection notes in the near future with the objective of removing paper and improving security. BIFA has been alongside this development and updating the best practice guide issued years ago by the trade association and the AOCC (Airline Operators Committee, Cargo). If you move your freight via air, and particularly at Heathrow (although national roll-out is planned), then this is of great interest to you. Board You should also read the article on page 7, which reports on a recent ‘away game’ for the BIFA Board. We held one of our meetings in Liverpool and took the opportunity to meet with local stakeholders, and some BIFA members. Awards submission For us, the annual awards ceremony is like painting the Forth bridge, we barely finish one year and we start on the next. Here is gentle reminder that submissions to all 11 categories of the 2023 awards are due now. Business Leaders Forum If you are a business leader, by the time you read this you should have received your invite (if not, please contact Sharon on s.hammond@bifa.org). I have mentioned this before, but this, the second forum in the series, will take place on 19 October in central London. Howzat? As ever, if you have any queries on any item covered in BIFAlink or wish to bring an issue to our attention, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of my colleagues. Our details are listed in the panel to the left or at https://bifa.org/contact/company-staff/
Director General
October 2023 | 3
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