BIFAlink is BIFA's monthly magazine covering issues of importance for the logistics and supply chain industry.
The magazine of the British International Freight Association BIFA link March 2025
Ignite today – Accelerate tomorrow Don’t miss BIFA’s fi rst National Conference for 20 years
INSIDE: • Transforming Logistics results • Safety and security requirements • Insurance premium questions? • Sustainability in forwarding • BIFA Awards winners
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Issue: 415
Steve Parker’s Column
As mad as a March Hare
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 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 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, 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.
I remember as a child, an uncle who to me, at my young age, always seemed to be extremely busy and always in a rush from one thing to the next. I recall my parents saying he was as mad as a March Hare. This old saying, which Lewis Carroll used to such good effect in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland , does have a basis in truth. It refers to the extra energy hares display in spring, which according to my internet research includes jumping and running around, along with fighting other hares, which they do for territory and supremacy. It is a definite attempt to stamp their mark on the future. Well, looking at the activities at BIFA, March this year is very like that for us. We have a number of events where we want to ‘stamp' the
views of our industry on the future. I thought it would be a good idea to share some information about these, to provide some insight into what we do that perhaps does not always make the news or BIFAlink TV, but is important, nonetheless. We will be at: • The Houses of Parliament, as guests of the British Association of Removers whose members face all sorts of issues, not the least of which is moving goods over the border, and the proposed 90 in 180 day rules for UK drivers entering the EU (this topic has been covered in BIFAlink and BIFAlink TV); • The Finnish ambassador’s residence to discuss the movement of freight between Finland/ Estonia and the UK; • The Liverpool dinner, where our Members and stakeholders will meet to have a good time and raise funds for charity (this is a sold-out event with almost 300 people); • FIATA HQ meeting, where a small delegation from the UK will put forward our views to be heard on the global stage; • Northern Ireland – we have our regional meeting set for 25 March where HMRC will be in attendance to give an update on the Windsor Framework and its activities. Please note, you do not have to be a member in Northern Ireland to attend, anyone can. I say this as I know trade to and from Northern Ireland is important for a lot of our Members. We are also keeping our focus on the BIFA National Conference on 14-15 May at The Slate, Warwick University. If you have not already done so, I would urge you to secure a place. For just £595 you will have access to the two days of the conference, including an overnight stay and admission to the conference dinner on the Wednesday evening at which Kriss Akabusi is our keynote speaker. See pages 14-15 of this issue for more information on the conference agenda. As you can see March looks like an exciting month, providing BIFA with lots of opportunities to represent our Members and try to work for the best solutions for our industry. Rest assured, BIFA’s busy-ness will be not mad like the March Hare, but measured, efficient and effective.
Director General
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Industry News
Ian Matheson , from Impress Communications, reviews some recent news that might impact on Members’ business. Don’t miss Ian’s weekly news round up on BIFAlink TV, which can be seen on our You Tube channel. Subscribe by scanning the QR code.
Global container market expands 8% in fi ve years
customers and products moved by rail. The RHA has urged the government to prioritise businesses across the road transport sector as critical drivers of growth, in its submission to the Treasury’s spending review. Logistics real estate developer Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has made new submissions to support its Development Consent Order (DCO) application for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange (HNRFI), with Maritime Group already committed to operating a 40-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at the site. IN THE AIR Glasgow Prestwick Airport has welcomed the launch by Hong Kong Air Cargo of flights from Hong Kong using an Airbus A330-200F. It says this is a clear sign that efforts to develop Prestwick as a leading e-commerce hub are delivering results. IATA has released its methodology for accounting and reporting the emissions reduction associated with the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by airlines, which is an essential component of airline plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. IATA says its methodology fulfils the critical need to ensure that the contribution of SAF to aviation’s decarbonisation is accurately, consistently and transparently accounted. IN BUSINESS West Thames College in the logistics heartland of Heathrow has been rated by OFSTED as outstanding for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, education programmes for young people, adult learning programmes, and provision for learners with high needs.
ON THE OCEAN The global container market has grown 8% since 2019, ending at 183.2 million TEU for 2024, according to BIMCO, citing Container Trade Statistics. However, growth has been very uneven and regional imbalances between exports and imports have increased by 33%. Pending tariffs caused US box imports to soar in January, reaching a record high with deliveries from China up for a second month, according to Descartes. Imports for the month were at 2,487,470 TEU, surpassing the previous
record in January 2022 by 21,455 TEU. Most shipping stakeholders expect Suez Canal transits to resume before the end of
2025 and that Trump-related tariffs will escalate, according to a Drewry survey published in mid-February. However, the consultancy also said there is too much noise surrounding events that impact on container shipping to confidently predict its course in the short term. MSC has launched iReefer, an advanced container tracking and monitoring system for reefer cargo, which allows customers to track their temperature-controlled shipments in real time, anytime, and from anywhere in the world, providing information on position, temperature, humidity and more. From this month, the addition of a second ship by P&O Ferries will boost capacity by up to 60% on its Tilbury to Rotterdam route, which will continue to offer 12 sailings per week with daily departures from both Tilbury and Direct Rail Services (DRS) is trialling a rail service from Teesport to Manchester using ultra-low IDA wagons, which allow the carriage of standard high-cube containers, opening up the route to new Europoort. OVERLAND
4 | March 2025
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BIFA News
ITN Business shares results of Transforming Logistics
As reported in the November BIFAlink , BIFA played a prominent role in a news- style programme, ‘Transforming Logistics: Precision and Purpose’, produced by ITN Business. The programme centred on the logistics and supply chain industry, showcasing the sector’s most influential figures and innovators. In this production, which was hosted by presenter and broadcaster Louise Minchin, BIFA’s director general Steve Parker emphasised the resilience of BIFA Members whilst navigating a series of sector challenges. Steve also highlighted BIFA’s role as an active promoter of the industry through its championing of the apprenticeships pathway, the developing Young Forwarder Network community and the growing suite of industry training opportunities. Three months on, ITN Business has shared the
results of the campaign, which has delivered fascinating insights into how the programme has performed. If you missed our recent episode of BIFAlink TV discussing these insights in more detail, then you can catch it here: https://youtu.be/f2dJpOiKO3 U?si=JmVIfmfPaq7iE9fz The programme is still available to watch online, so please scan the QR code to access all elements of the programme, including Steve’s interview. an opportunity that the insurance market is currently missing.” Both agree that the insurance sector needs to simplify the process for clients regarding both placement and claims, so that everyone can win. BIFA is continually trying to help its Members understand the insurance industry and participation in events like Cargo Insurance London is part of this. The subject will also feature as one of the sessions at the BIFA National Conference in May. Cargo Insurance London is a one-day conference taking place at the Mermaid Theatre in London on March 20. Further information can be
A question of insurance
Steve Parker, director general of BIFA, is set to join Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo and logistics at Marsh, to provide the keynote address at the forthcoming Cargo Insurance London conference. In the opening address, Steve and Marcus will examine the current views of brokers and clients regarding cargo insurance. Steve commented: “During the 50 years I have been in this industry, one of the things that has always surprised me is the amount of freight that moves globally without insurance. We will examine the reasons why this happens and
suggest some initiatives about what can be done to remedy this.” Marcus added: “The percentage of freight moving under or uninsured is a point
for debate, but estimates suggest as much as 80%. In our presentation, we will focus on the amount of cargo premium available globally and explore whether there is
found at: https://cargo insurancelondon.com/
6 | March 2025
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BIFA News
OBITUARY : Brian Kelleher – a forwarding pioneer
In late January, BIFA learned of the passing of Brian J Kelleher, a true pioneer and gentleman of the forwarding industry, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on New Year’s Day. Brian’s remarkable career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the forwarding industry and the many lives he touched along the way. Upon leaving the Army in 1955, Brian joined LEP as a management trainee. As part of his progression, he studied for the Institute of Freight Forwarders qualification, attending evening classes at the City of London College near Moorgate twice a week. The curriculum was rigorous, covering eight subjects: geography, commerce, law of contract, finance in international trade, the Sale of Goods Act, insurance, port transport, and Customs procedures. His career was illustrious, holding key roles that shaped the industry. Brian served as national chairman of The Institute of Freight Forwarders (the predecessor to BIFA) in 1982-1983. He reached the pinnacle of his profession as president of the global freight forwarders body, FIATA, from 1995-1997,
Menzies provides a roadmap to success The Transport & Logistics division of BIFA Associate Member Menzies LLP has recently published it latest report entitled ‘What’s your roadmap to success?’. This covers how to assess your business’s current position, set clear goals and map out a strategic route to success. The report also explores implementing your plan, tracking progress, and building a management structure to handle any challenges. Additionally, it highlights how to incorporate technology and continuous planning to keep your business on track for long- term success. You can
Brian Kelleher: FIATA president 1995-1997
becoming one of only two UK forwarders to achieve this honour, the first being Derek Heys (FIATA president 1967- 1971). Brian also held leadership roles as managing director of Alltransport and International Express before establishing his own successful company, Kelleher Forwarding, in 1985. Brian’s career reflected the evolution of the forwarding industry itself. Starting when air freight was in its infancy, his early work revolved around the Pool of London before the industry dispersed with the
advent of hubs like LIFT in Stratford (now the London Stadium) and the expansion of the Tilbury docks. John Stubbings, director at Woodland Group and a member of the BIFA board of directors, said: “Brian was a man of great kindness, integrity and humility. He was not just a leader but a mentor and friend to so many, someone whose wisdom, guidance, and generosity helped others thrive. “His profound contributions to Woodland and the forwarding industry at large will never be forgotten.”
download the report by scanning the QR code.
The Limits of Liability for Carriers
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By sea – Hague Visby rules (2 SDR): £2.08 per kg £693.50 per package
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March 2025 | 7
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Policy & Compliance
Most traders cope well with new safety and security requirements
While the new safety and security declaration requirements have generally been implemented smoothly, a few isolated hitches emphasise the importance of compliance “ BIFA has been made aware of isolated
declarations on to the contracting party without informing them, resulting in confusion and costly delays. For accompanied traffic, hauliers are responsible for lodging an ENS and are advised to liaise in advance with other parties to ensure a smooth border crossing. Monitoring submissions As the S&S declaration submission is the carrier’s responsibility, Members are advised to monitor the declaration submissions to address any gaps. BIFA is planning to organise a follow-up joint webinar with Border Force representatives to reflect on the implementation and address any outstanding questions. The date will be announced in due course.
T he UK’s Safety & Security (S&S) declaration requirement for goods moving into Great Britain from the EU has been in effect since 31 January 2025. This marked a key step in aligning the UK’s Customs procedures with international safety and security standards. No major issues Since the introduction of the requirement, no major issues have been reported by Members to the Secretariat. Most traders seem to have adapted well, ensuring timely submission of Entry Summary Declarations (ENS); the feedback we have received indicates that
the majority of Members were generally prepared for the change. However, BIFA has been made aware of isolated incidents involving unaccompanied trailers held at ro-ro ports due to the absence of an ENS declaration. These incidents highlight the importance of compliance in order to avoid delays and additional costs. They also highlight the need to coordinate data exchange between carriers (who are legally responsible to lodge an ENS) and other parties if they are involved in the process of submitting safety and security information. Similarly, we have also heard of cases where carriers shifted the responsibility of submitting the ENS
incidents involving unaccom - panied trailers held at ro-ro ports due to the absence of an ENS declaration
8 | March 2025
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Legal
Can a freight forwarder increase an insurance premium?
Some parties believe that it is illegal to increase an insurance premium, whilst others argue that forwarders can do what they like. While there is little legal clarity about the situation, there are some key points to bear in mind
S ome Members bene fi t from having an Open Marine Policy with an insurer and then provide a value-added service to their customers by offering to insure their cargo. This can be a valuable tool for relationship by providing insurance cover that might otherwise not be in place. BIFA is quite often asked whether it is permissible to increase the original premium charged by the insurer to the freight forwarder. Opinions on this subject diverge sharply; some believe that “it is illegal” whilst others argue that Members “can pretty much do what they like”. Subsequent conversations and investigations indicate that neither view is entirely correct. Little clarity both the forwarder and the customer, enhancing and protecting the commercial Legally, it appears that there is little clarity around this point. However, the following key factors did become clear during discussions. While there is no law covering how much a premium may or may not be uplifted by, it was advised that: The traditional viewpoint is that the BIFA Member should not uplift the insurance premium charged by the insurer when selling to its customer. It is argued that the freight forwarder should rely on any commission paid to it by the insurer and/or charge an administration fee to its customer. However, information received by BIFA highlighted that the Member should be aware that alongside
this traditional approach, the forwarder can use an alternative approach of uplifting; we have touched on both approaches below: 1. The first approach is for the forwarder to provide the insurance facility to its customer at cost. To cover its own costs in providing the facility, the forwarder can transparently charge a separate administration fee. This charge should be shown as a separate item on the forwarder’s invoice to its client. 2. BIFA guidance for the second scenario is that where the forwarder decides to uplift the premium charged to its client, this should only be done with the consent and knowledge of the insurer or broker. It is important for the BIFA Member to establish that the wording of the Open Marine Cover policy permits such an uplift and also to fix some parameters regarding by how much. It would be wise, from both parties’ perspective, to
document any such agreement. Members should remember that whilst freight forwarders work in a largely unregulated business environment, the financial sector is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Expert guidance It is strongly recommended that forwarders offering or wishing to offer such a facility engage with their insurance broker who will be able to provide expert guidance. In reviewing this topic, it became apparent that there are different approaches being taken across the industry. If Members have further queries about their current or proposed approach to providing such a facility, then it is recommended that they seek
“ Members should remember that whilst freight forwarders work in a largely unregulated business environment, the fi nancial sector is regulated by the Financial
expert guidance from their insurance broker or solicitor.
Conduct Authority
BIFA would like to thank Salvus Law Solicitors and the TT Club for their assistance in preparing this article.
10 | March 2025
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Policy & Compliance
Sustainability in forwarding – 10 steps from industry experts
BIFA’s Sustainable Logistics Policy Group has produced a simple step-by-step guide to assist Members who want to introduce more sustainable practices and are looking for guidance
commit to change you will need to understand the two core ways to achieve this. 7. Commit to change – Once you have measured your emissions and understand the options and how to get there, you can then build a pathway/strategy. 8. Look into ESG accreditations – You will need to complete most or all the above points if you want to achieve an ESG accreditation score. 9. Build a stakeholder engagement programme – With all the work that you have completed, you will be ready to start presenting this to customers and demonstrating the positive changes you have made. 10.Join working body groups – Although not essential, this step is helpful and enables engagement in peer-to-peer learning and contributes to the wider industry’s progress. The document that contains these steps in more detail can be found in the Sustainable Logistics section of the BIFA website, via the following link: https://bifa.org/information- guidance/technical-information/ sustainable-logistics/ (Please note that this content is only available to BIFA members).
I t is widely acknowledged that approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions are produced by freight and logistics, with this fi gure rising to 11% when warehousing and port operations are included. If this continues, freight will become the highest emitting sector by 2050. During late 2023, BIFA established a Sustainable Logistics Policy Group to focus on this important subject and since then the group has held several face-to-face meetings that have all been well attended and have helped to identify and address some of the key challenges that BIFA Members are facing. Working group A small working group was also set up by the policy group to work on some of the most important topics and projects in a timely manner. One of the projects was to produce a simple step-by-step guide to assist Members who want to introduce more sustainable practices and are looking for guidance. The resulting document provides 10 steps for organisations to
consider when embarking on their sustainability journey and provides information under the following headings: 1. Utilise a GLEC reporting tool – The largest and most immediate demand coming from customers is carbon reporting for their shipments. 2. Understand relevant regulations – What regulations will impact your business, and in turn, your customers? 3. Understand and measure Scope 1 & 2 emissions – Most regulations/audits will require Scope 1 and 2 reporting. 4. Understand and measure Scope 3 emissions – In addition to Scope 3 emissions for shipments that can be calculated via the GLEC reporting tool, it is also important to understand other Scope 3 emissions. 5. The difference between net zero and carbon neutral – Once you have measured your emissions you need to know what to do next and what commitment to make. 6. Alternative fuels and transport modes – If you choose to
“ The Sustainable Logistics Policy Group has helped to identify and address some of the key challenges
that BIFA Members are facing
March 2025 | 11
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Policy & Compliance
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BIFAlink TV has now broadcast 150 episodes since its launch
B IFA’s YouTube channel BIFAlink TV recently broadcast its 150th episode, so to remind you of the variety of topics we cover, we wanted to share our most popular videos in case you missed them. Every weekday morning you can expect our latest edition to be delivered straight to your mailbox, so if you are not currently receiving BIFAlink TV, please log into your Member Portal on BIFA.org to update your contact preferences. How to watch To watch the episodes listed here, simply scan the relevant QR code. If you prefer watching BIFAlink TV on your smartphone, you can search for BIFAlink_TV on YouTube and hit subscribe. YouTube app users can then receive notifications when the latest edition is live. Other ways to watch Don’t forget! You can also catch up on BIFAlink TV via LinkedIn. Simply search for ‘British International Freight Association’ then give us a follow to receive your daily dose of industry information.
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12 | March 2025
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Policy & Compliance
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March 2025 | 13
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Events
Ignite today – Accelerate tomorrow In just two months’ time, BIFA Members will gather for the fi rst BIFA National Conference in almost 20 years. Will you be amongst them?
U nder the strapline Ignite today – Accelerate tomorrow , BIFA director general Steve Parker will introduce two days of speakers and panel discussions at the BIFA National Conference that will give Members the information they need to spark internal strategic conversations and give them a head start in their planning for tomorrow. Can you afford to miss out? Conference agenda (provisional running order, subject to change) Day 1 – Wednesday 14 May Following a welcome from Steve Parker, day 1 will kick- off with a keynote speaker who promises to inspire our thinking over the next two days, as we lift the lid on key government topics and industry challenges. With the future in mind, the day will continue by addressing the five key policy areas for BIFA, beginning with Air freight . Pawel Jarza, BIFA policy advisor – air, will be joined by James Golding, Heathrow Airport Limited, to update delegates on the redevelopment plans for the cargo terminal. In addition, the progress of the Advanced Information System (AIS) for managing vehicle movements will be discussed. To close the air freight session, the ongoing development and availability of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will also be considered. Moderated by Robert Windsor, BIFA member policy and compliance director, the next session will focus on Ocean freight, for which we will be joined by key guest speaker Jens Roemer from Hartrodt who will provide an overview of the current maritime market. Jens is the current chair of FIATA’s working group SEA. It promises to be an interesting and informative discussion for those present. We also plan to examine the issue of alternative fuels in the maritime sector during this session. Sustainability and the environment are a hot topic amongst Members and the wider industry. BIFA’s Jamie McKean will be sharing our ongoing focus on the environment underpinned by BIFA’s Sustainability Policy Group, with the support of James Shorey of Planetmark who will outline the measurement and reporting of emissions, and Alan Lewis, a consultant to the Smartfreight Centre, who will provide a detailed insight
“ Day 1 will kick-off with a keynote speaker who promises to inspire our days, as we lift the lid on key government topics and industry challenges thinking over the next two
Kriss Akabusi, after-dinner speaker
into the GLEC Framework. In the Customs arena CDS is now in place, but is this the end or just the beginning of the future of Customs compliance? Igor Popovics, BIFA policy advisor – Customs, will welcome guest speakers from key stakeholders including HMRC, ASM (UK) and RM Boulanger to discuss the use of IT systems in managing Customs processes and the view from the EU regarding post-Brexit practices. Day one will wrap up with a session on Legal issues led by Robert Windsor and supported by specialist solicitor Bruce Hailey of Salvus Law, including some important information on the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions. Day 2 – Thursday 15 May The headline sponsor of the conference, CNS, will open day 2 with its view of the Future of Technology and its
place within the international forwarding industry. Global technology company Descartes Systems will join the discussion. A constant concern for business in the
14 | March 2025
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Events
Get involved Throughout both days, Members will have the opportunity to interact with and question speakers to fully examine the impact of developments on the industry and day-to-day activity. Sponsors and exhibitors BIFA is delighted that the event is being supported by a number of sponsors and exhibitors who will be on hand to showcase their products and support Member businesses. • Headline sponsor: CNS – Providing digital trade solutions for port and logistics communities. https://www.cnsonline.co.uk/cargoes/#/ • Gold sponsor: ASM (UK) – freight software supplier and industry champion. https://www.asm.org.uk/en/home/ • Silver sponsor: RM Boulanger – specialised tax and Customs solutions tailored to non-EU companies. https://www.rmboulanger.com/ • Exhibitors: – Conex Systems – your Customs partner. https://www.conex-systems.uk/ – IMS Marine Insurance – making the complicated, uncomplicated. https://imsmarine.co.uk/ – BGI UK – Insurance & risk management. https://bgi.uk/ Limited sponsorship opportunities are available; please contact events executive Sharon Hammond (s.hammond@bifa.org) for information. Gala dinner & networking Your fully inclusive ticket to the BIFA National Conference includes the evening networking drinks reception and gala dinner with guest speaker Kriss Akabusi MBE pictured on previous page). Kriss rose to fame on the athletics track, having begun his international athletics career in 1983 as a member of the 4 x 400 metre relay squad. He will always be remembered for helping Great Britain clinch gold from the mighty Americans at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo and also amassed three Olympic medals, as well as European and Commonwealth titles. Book now The BIFA National Conference at The Slate, Warwick Conferences, Coventry, is shaping up to be an unmissable event covering business areas important to all BIFA members. Book your ticket now at https://conference.bifa.org/request-tickets/ to join us for two days of stimulating discussion and networking. The all-inclusive package (£595 for BIFA Members – £695 for non-members) includes: • Access to both days of the seminar sessions,
digital day-and-age is the issue of Cybersecurity . In this session, we will be joined by David Benford from BlackStage Forensics who will share practical steps on how Members can enhance their digital security and protect their businesses from cybercrime. Next, Steve Parker will ask To Insure or Not to Insure? This million-dollar question continues to be an important concern across the industry with Members frequently seeking the support of the BIFA secretariat when issues arise. To help settle this debate we will be welcoming experts from the insurance sector to share their advice and expertise.
In the final session of the conference, we examine the importance of Widening the workforce and look at how this could be achieved through improved staff training, encouraging a more diverse workforce and retention of staff.
• Evening drinks reception, • Ticket to the gala dinner, • Overnight accommodation & breakfast, • Car parking for both days.
March 2025 | 15
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BIFA Awards
plan from 2025. For military shipments, suitable packing materials are prescribed by Defence Standards. However, said Kennedy: “We often apply military thinking to commercial packaging, too. JPI has been around for over 60 years so we have plenty of experience, and we have case patterns for different applications that we can use when designing packaging.” Plus, of course, there is sustainability to think about. “We use wood from sustainable forests and plain recycled paper. Plastic is expensive – and hard to get rid of. Customers are asking about sustainability more and more, but we have been pretty green for years already,” Kennedy said. At the time of writing, JPI was expecting to gain ISO 14001 accreditation. Stormy weather Sometimes packaging is subject to challenges of a different sort – namely the British weather. A Norfolk-based manufacturer required a large 7-tonne machine to be packed and transported to Southampton Docks for shipment to Canada, with an agreed seven-day turnaround time. But the approach of Storm Ciarán shortened that window to just four days. It was imperative that moisture be kept away from the electronics within the cabinets of the machine, but the size of the case meant packing had to take place outdoors – and the storm could have blown any packaging materials away, leaving the machine unprotected, Kennedy outlined. A team of just three worked across three different technician and engineering teams, and two different sites, to complete the build on time despite difficult weather conditions as Storm Ciarán gathered momentum. At the time of writing, JPI was busy packaging several 10-tonne ship propellers. Other unusual shipments the company has packed up and shipped include a very damaged fibreglass car bonnet for a classic car enthusiast and a 15-tonne cheese machine. “You just never know what you are going to get,” Kennedy remarked.
JPI offers bespoke packaging, including sustainable timber packing, aluminium foil wrapping and cartons
John Pipe has military contracts wrapped up
Offering bespoke packaging of anything from tiny screws to giant cheese machines, freight forwarder John Pipe International walked away with this year’s BIFA Specialist Services Award
O ne particular area of expertise at John Pipe International (JPI) is military packaging – which requires a unique skillset, acquired through rigorous training. “There are three stages,” explained Nathan Kennedy, JPI managing director. “First, you have to demonstrate awareness of the military packaging scheme. Second, there are 10 or so online modules to complete in order to become a competent packer. “You must then spend two years working in a military packaging environment before you can do the third ‘expert’ stage: five days of exams. You are assessed by a panel and have to defend all your decisions. It’s the most intense thing I’ve ever done,” he recalled. Military packaging has been likened to medical packaging: it has to work first time, every time, because items are often opened for the first time under critical conditions on the battlefield. As a member of the Military Packager Accreditation Scheme (MPAS), and holder of ISO 9001 2015 accreditation, JPI is an
approved company certified in defence and aerospace packing. For one defence client needing to ship sensitive equipment, JPI built secure cases to MPAS standard. Each component was wrapped and hermetically sealed in Defence Standard aluminium foil and charged with desiccant, and components were secured into plywood and timber batten cases. The success of this project led to repeat orders and ongoing business as part of a five-year
Nathan Kennedy, managing director, John Pipe International
Specialist Service Award
Thyme-IT provides easy-to-use web- based Customs and Excise solutions that are competitively priced and address all HMRC requirements. It connects to all CSPs and Direct-to-HMRC for CDS and
CHIEF. It provides imports, exports, CFSP, Transit, S&S GB, EU ICS, EMCS, EXS and GVMS. The Thyme-IT solutions allow for data entry via our secure web-based environment, data upload using its simple Excel upload options and two-way data exchange via its XML APIs. It has an experienced team of C&E experts, available via phone and email, to provide support services based on your business needs.
16 | March 2025
www.bifa.org
Policy & Compliance
What new UK recycling and waste regulations mean for businesses
The UK government’s Simpler Recycling scheme comes into effect on 31 March 2025. The scheme is part of the government’s wider zero waste/circular economy strategy
F igures published by the UK government in February show that the waste sector accounts for around 5% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. When non-recyclable waste is incinerated or sent to landfill it emits greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. Currently, the UK recycles only 44%-45% of its household waste (figures for commercial and industrial waste recycling are not currently available). As previously mentioned in the October 2024 edition of BIFAlink (page 14), the UK government’s Simpler Recycling scheme will take effect on 31 March 2025. The scheme is part of the government’s wider zero waste/circular economy strategy and aims to reduce the negative environmental impacts of waste by both: 1. Increasing the quantity of materials collected for recycling; 2. Improving the quality of recycled materials by reducing contamination. Separating waste From 31 March 2025, businesses with 10 employees or more will be required to separate dry recyclables, food waste and residual waste. Since the October article, DEFRA has received feedback from stakeholders with evidence demonstrating that paper and card are vulnerable to cross- contamination with food and liquids, thereby significantly reducing the quality of collected material. Therefore, DEFRA has stated that paper and card should be separated from other dry recyclables, unless it is “technically
or economically impracticable, or provides no significant environmental benefit”. Members should, therefore, be guided by their registered waste collector as to whether card and paper is separated from other dry recyclables or co-collected. The waste collector is responsible for completing an assessment explaining its decision if it chooses to co-collect paper and card with dry recyclables. Considering the new guidance, the default requirement for BIFA Members on waste streams will be: 1. Dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass) as instructed by the registered waste collector, 2. Paper and card (unless co- collected with dry recyclables), 3. Food waste, 4. Residual (non-recyclable) waste. We advise that Members speak to their waste collector before the deadline of 31 March to ensure that the required bins can be ordered in
time. Members should also consider relevant staff training of the new waste streams to avoid contamination. Micro businesses Micro businesses (those with less than 10 full-time employees) do not need to comply with the new requirements until 31 March 2027. However, they may choose to implement them earlier to improve their sustainability credentials, which are becoming an integral part of the business ecosystem. As waste is a devolved matter, these new requirements are only applicable to businesses in England. Further information on the Simpler Recycling reforms can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/publica tions/simpler-recycling-in- england-policy-update/simpler- recycling-in-england-policy- update.
“ We advise that Members speak to their waste collector before the deadline of 31 March to ensure that the required bins can be ordered in time
March 2025 | 17
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BIFA Awards
water, however. During the grad scheme phase of his career with DHL, he worked on a project to minimise loss-making fi les (LMFs), creating a nationwide SOP and leading workshops to educate resounding success, with stations achieving signi fi cant reductions in LMFs – in 2023, combined LMFs for the fi ve stations visited decreased 63% over a six-month period,” he said. Tom has also helped conduct employees on the topic. “The workshops were a DHL’s Engagement Roadshows – a series of 40 events that take place at 15 different sites around the UK each year and are aimed at DHL employees. In 2023, his role involved presenting and coordinating. In 2024, he was responsible for planning and managing the roadshow in its entirety, as well as presenting at all the events. YFN chair Currently, he is chair of the Heathrow region of BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network, making good use of his inter-personal skills and interest in both gaining and sharing knowledge. He added: “I’m a facilitator at DGF. I did the internal training course for it in Poland last year. Leading training sessions, facilitating, coaching and teaching are things I love to do. Training people is separate from the day job but the skills will help me when I have direct reports of my own.” Also likely to come in useful in the future is his lifelong experience as a passionate sportsman (he enjoys football, tennis and paddle tennis), which has taught him teamwork and leadership. For now, Tom is very happy in his role as a project coordinator in DHL’s motorsports division. “I did an apprenticeship in project management through DHL and then I looked for roles that would use the skills I had learnt,” he explained. “Motorsports aligned well, and it’s a really interesting area to work in. It’s de fi nitely niche, and a bit manic; it’s a fast-paced, dynamic environment. “You do still think about price in motorsports but more importantly it’s very time critical. The consequences of any delay are massive for a Formula 1 event,” he concluded.
Thomas fi nds top gear in motorsports logistics Tom on board a Virgin Atlantic aircraft during a tour of Heathrow Airport
There are many paths into the freight industry. Having switched from sports science to waste management to motorsports logistics, Young Freight Forwarder of the Year Thomas Bedöcs has taken an unusual route – but he is here to stay
T om Bedöcs completed a degree in sports science. Unable at that time to fi nd a suitable graduate scheme, he took a job with a waste management start-up. It was then that he fi rst became curious about logistics and successfully applied to the graduate scheme at DHL Global Forwarding (UK). “The grad scheme was amazing because it situated me in placements in different areas of the business,” he said. “Experiencing different areas can help you be open to things, and I met a good network of people.” It was certainly a change from his
“ I’m a fairly extroverted person but having the courage to ask people for help can be daunting, especially in a big company. Networking
previous role. “Going from a small start-up to one of the biggest companies in the world, I’ve had to get used to all the hierarchies, processes, procedures and compliance requirements. Also, I’m a fairly extroverted person but having the courage to ask people for help can be daunting, especially in a big company. Networking is a big thing to learn.” Tom appears to have taken to the new environment like a duck to
Virgin Atlantic Cargo is proud to sponsor BIFA’s Young Freight Forwarder Award to recognise and encourage the Young Freight Forwarder Award
is a big thing to learn. – Thomas Bedöcs
next generation of industry leaders. As well as rewarding the progress of the best young people, this award helps to highlight the vital role freight forwarders play in the growth and development of the industry. VAC recognises the importance of developing and retaining talented young people and is confident this award will help to attract more recruits that want to build a future career in a sector that is so important to the economy and international trade.
18 | March 2025
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Policy & Compliance
“ Most of the new obligations will fall on importers and exporters rather than freight forwarders
The Windsor Framework is the last piece of the puzzle that will ensure continued unfettered movement of goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain Framework: The time has come Implementation of the Windsor
List of Useful Resources: Customs Declaration Completion Requirements for The Northern Ireland Protocol
Communications resources to help you move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Internal Market Movement Information – a simplified dataset to use when moving goods
Simplified Process for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM) and UK Carrier (UKC) Scheme: CDS Declaration and Customs Clearance Request Instructions Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme: how to register and seal consignments
F ollowing the successful rollout of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), Safety & Security (S&S) declarations, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls, the fi nal major implementation in the UK’s Customs landscape is the introduction of the Windsor Framework, which comes into effect on 31 March 2025. This implementation is the last piece of the puzzle that will ensure the continued unfettered movement of goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Current information To assist Members in preparing for these changes, we have compiled all currently available supporting information sources. However, it is important to highlight two key elements: • Most of the new obligations will fall on importers and exporters rather than freight forwarders. • The Windsor Framework offers simplified processes that require multiple applications and registrations. However, it is worth
Communications resources to help you move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
Moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK
“ Businesses that do not wish to use the new easements can continue to complete full CDS declarations instead
Trader Goods Profile — service availability and login link
Goods Vehicle Movements System (GVMS) EIDR process to move goods into Northern Ireland
noting, using these simplifications is not mandatory. Businesses that do not wish to use the new easements can continue to complete full CDS declarations instead.
March 2025 | 19
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