Steve Parker’s Column
The start of a busy campaigning season
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 & External Affairs Director Pawel Jarza p.jarza@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 Senior Policy Advisor – Ocean & Legal matters Robert Windsor r.windsor@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Customs Igor Popovics i.popovics@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Sustainable Logistics Jamie McKean j.mckean@bifa.org Head of Digital Communications & Events Dawn White d.white@bifa.org Communications Manager Natalie Pitts n.pitts@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, Spencer Stevenson, Carl Hobbis, Sharon Hammond, Igor Popovics, Denise Hill, 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.
I n the ancient Roman calendar, March was the fi rst month of the year. For them it signalled the end of winter and the start of preparing for a summer of military campaigns. For us, I am not sure it will signal the end of the constant rain, and some forecasts tell us a cold blast is yet to come, but it does signal a lot of activity for BIFA in the coming months. OOMI Maybe not of immense interest to you, as our Member, but we have extended our contract with OOMI. It provides us with our CRM system. This is going to have a major upgrade during the summer. Once complete, this will give BIFA statistics on interaction between us and our Members. That
in turn will help us focus on the key issues you face. All this is part of the reason we have been contacting you to make sure we have the right contact for your company. I know you are busy folks, but would just ask you to take a few minutes to ensure our contacts are correct. Let’s be honest, you wont get BIFA TV if you are not on the list. Government engagement Previously, I have shared the news that we are doing our best to raise the profile of our industry with government. We want MPs of all parties, and their advisors, to think about BIFA when they consider the movement of freight and/or the border. This took a significant step forward in February when Pawel Jarza, BIFA’s policy, compliance and external affairs director, was able to attend a meeting with Right Hon Rachel Reeves, alongside Rachel Taylor MP, to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the UK freight forwarding and logistics sector. He was able to share some of BIFA’s thoughts directly with the chancellor on skills and training, financial support and the future of the border. BIFA’s points were positively received by all participants. The Chancellor acknowledged the significant contribution the freight forwarding and logistics sector makes to national economic growth, recognising its essential role in keeping UK trade moving. Of course, none of these things change quickly, but the opportunity to talk about our industry at such a senior level in government is important. BLF I cannot finish this month’s DG Column without a quick update on our Business Leaders Forum. First of all, if you haven’t signed up yet, please do so. Approximately 100 people have registered, and the room has limited capacity for more, so act now to avoid missing out. It is on 12 May at etc. Venues, Monument in London and runs in the morning, finishing with some lunch. We have some knowledgeable speakers lined up to share their thoughts on the future of air freight, container shipping, road freight, AI, new employment legislation and even Donald Trump! More details can be found here: https://bifa.org/event/business-leaders-forum-6/ Hopefully, it will have stopped raining by 12 May!
Director General
March 2026 | 3
www.bifa.org
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