Steve Parker’s Column
Help BIFA to create certainty from uncertainty
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 Advisor – Sustainable Logistics Mike Jones m.jones@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Advisor – Sustainable Logistics Jamie McKean j.mckean@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, 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.
T he early days of President Donald Trump’s second term have brought new challenges and a lot of uncertainty for anyone involved in managing global supply chains — perhaps none greater than trying to plan a global business at a time when his administration shifts its trade policies by the hour. Hopefully, by the time you read this column, some of the uncertainty will have been clarified. From a BIFA perspective, one thing that is certain is that there is a great deal going on within your trade association, as well as the sector our Members serve, and I am asking for your input with some of those topics.
BIFA regional meetings In terms of the number of Members attending, these are a success story. If you are not attending one, then I urge you or some of your staff to do so. They are a great means of obtaining updates on the topical issues facing our sector. Full details of those that are forthcoming can be seen on page 22 of this issue, or on the BIFA website events page. BIFAlink TV If you are not receiving this daily dose of industry information, then please sign up via the member portal on the BIFA website. It is our way of getting pertinent information to you on a daily basis and each episode only takes just a few minutes of your time to watch. New advisory body You may have seen some information on this already. If not, BIFA is setting up an advisory body to work with Heathrow Airport and CCSUK to support our industry through the massive changes planned for the airport’s cargo terminal. This eight-to-ten-year project is going to take some effort and BIFA is at the heart of the change. You can learn more by watching the BIFAlink TV episode that can be seen in the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvifUkMH1ZE. If you wish to be a member of this group, then our inaugural meeting is at the BT Tower in London on 29 April. To register your interest, go to the Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1295638913869?aff=oddtdtcreator. Please note, places are limited BIFA national conference If you have not signed up for this event, which is taking place 14-15 May, please do so. We have a great line up of top industry professionals who will be delivering some really useful advice on many issues that are having an effect on your business. More information can be seen on pages 10-11 of this issue, as well as on our website. Multimodal 2025 A month after the National Conference, BIFA staff will once again be present at the heart of the BIFA Forwarder Village, which is returning to the Multimodal Exhibition and Conference at the NEC. Come and pay us a visit to find out more information about the latest policy and compliance issues; the opportunities for member engagement; the ever-expanding options in our training and development department; as well as any membership enquiries, and much, much more. As you can see, whatever the uncertainties being seen on the macroeconomic level, BIFA is very active in trying to provide information and guidance that can help Members navigate these uncertain times. But it takes two to tango, and we would welcome any input that you are prepared to offer. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Director General
April 2025 | 3
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