BIFAlink August 2022

BIFA Awards

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The go-to guy on Brexit Jamie Halliday joined Tudor International Freight through its links with Leeds Trinity

YOUNG FREIGHT FORWARDER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR

quicker that way,” he said. Jamie took a proactive approach in response to the UK’s exit from Europe and has become Tudor’s ‘go-to guy’ for all things Brexit. He believes youth has been on his side through the various changes, saying: “When you are younger it is easier to adapt, because you are not as set in your ways as someone who has been clearing goods the same way for 15 or 20 years.” Evidently quick to learn, Jamie has also been passing on his skills. For instance, he mastered the Destin8 Customs software and then trained his colleagues. He pointed out: “As we are only a relatively small team, it is really important that all members have an understanding of how everything works across the board.” Virgin Atlantic Cargo is proud to sponsor BIFA’s ‘Young Freight Forwarder Award’ to recognise and encourage the 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 our industry.

University. He has never regretted applying for a graduate position in logistics and was proud to reach the finals of BIFA’s Young Freight

Forwarder of the Year Award in 2021

Jamie Halliday observed: “I knew nothing about the freight industry – probably like most young people straight out of university. I undertook some brief external training in respect of Customs processes and procedures during my first few weeks at Tudor; however, the most beneficial training came from my colleagues, who trained me on live jobs from day one.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, though, Jamie had limited assistance and he is certain that this helped accelerate his development. “I was thrown in at the deep end, but you learn

Calm and confident

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR

Seetec Outsource Training & Skills is a

One of the finalists in the BIFA Apprentice of the Year Award category for 2021 was Thomas Low, who has made rapid progress along his chosen path at OIA Global

quickly – and it is the same with cargo. The challenges of everything coming together at the right time, under very time-critical circumstances, are similar.” Thomas started his career in logistics as a purchasing assistant. Furloughed and then made redundant during the pandemic, he found his way to an apprenticeship through his links with the BIFA Young Forwarder Network. “I really enjoyed the process of going through the BIFA Apprentice of the Year Awards,” he said. “I would definitely advise other apprentices to go for it. Confidence is important in making the most of opportunities.” leading provider of innovative training, education and recruitment. Established in 2009, Seetec Outsource has delivered thousands of successful programmes to a range of small and large organisations nationwide and helped many people into employment. Seetec Outsource provides apprenticeships and traineeships on a range of subjects at various levels.

The combination of Thomas Low’s ‘all hands on deck’ approach, willingness to take on challenges and the support of his colleagues led to him taking his final apprenticeship exam three months earlier than scheduled, because he had progressed so quickly. He believes learning on the job was an important factor in that achievement. His biggest learning curve to date was taking on one of OIA Global’s top 25 accounts when a colleague handed in their notice. “I have always been ready to take on tasks and help people when needed, and I also realised it would be amazing for my progression,” he said. Thomas previously worked as a chef and pointed out: “Catering is a tough industry to be in; the kitchen is a very pressurised zone. That is something you have to learn to deal with very

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