Steve Parker’s Column
BIFA membership – the gift that keeps on giving
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 Advisor – Customs Igor Popovics i.popovics@bifa.org Policy & Compliance Adviser – Sustainable Logistics Mike Jones m.jones@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 Web site: www.bifa.org E-mail: bifa@bifa.org Published by Park Lane Publishing peter@parklanepublishingltd.com Contributors Steve Parker, Robert Windsor, David Stroud, Spencer Stevenson, Carl Hobbis, Sharon Hammond, Igor Popovics, Robert Keen, Denise Hill, Mike Jones 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.
A s we come to Christmas and the end of the year, I thought it would be good to re fl ect on what BIFA has achieved in 2023. So, whether we celebrate the 400th edition of BIFAlink , the new Business Leaders Forums or other activities, let me say what a pleasure it has been to lead BIFA through the past 12 months and thank you for your warm welcome and keen engagement with BIFA.
As touched on above, and illustrated on the cover of this issue, we are celebrating the 400th edition of BIFAlink , which by the way, was so named in 1990 as the result of a competition won by Roy Baker who today is a Vice President at BIFA and remains involved in association affairs. You can read more about the topics covered in the most recent 100 issues of BIFAlink on pages 14-15. Two successful Business Leaders Forums were held during the year and this innovation will continue into 2024. Watch for the dates and sign up early to secure your spot. The BIFA policy and compliance team continues to move forward, having added sustainability and environment to its remit and created a new policy group on the subject. So, at the end of 2023 we now have five policy groups, who not only help to set policy for our industry, but also share good advice on the topics of the day, the biggest of which has been the difficult subject of direct versus indirect representation and establishment. Our Member engagement presence has grown too and as announced in this issue, we now have representation in Scotland completing our team of regional representatives covering the UK. Earlier in the year we held our 100th Young Forwarder Network event and, as the year ends, I have written 11 DG columns. With this in mind, I have created a little something which I hope you enjoy! The 12 days of Christmas (BIFA style). Sing along if you like! On the first day of Christmas BIFA gave to me, 12. Twelve Months of service
11. Eleven DG Columns 10. Ten Regional areas 9. Nine Virtual YFNs 8. Eight Are you direct? 7. Seven brand new staff
6. Six Training courses 5. Five Regional Reps 4. Four Policy groups 3. Three (free) support and advice
2. Two Leaders Forums 1. A copy of BIFAlink free
As ever, I welcome feedback and ideas from Members and encourage you to contact me by email at s.parker@bifa.org with your comments. All that remains now is for me to wish you and your teams a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year and I look forward to seeing some of you at the BIFA Freight Service Awards ceremony in January.
Director General
December 2023 | 3
www.bifa.org
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