Freight Forwarders Look to BIFA Awards to Start the New Year in Style

UK – Excitement is building up for the highlight of many a freight forwarder’s year with the annual British International Freight Association (BIFA) Awards ceremony just a couple of months away, and doubtless the twenty nine finalists shortlisted for the nine categories available will have an even greater sense of anticipation. Many industry awards are seen as little more than an incestuous opportunity for the thanking of close friends in business by vested interests, but that is never the case with the BIFA’s.

Four companies have reached the finals in multiple categories, including Uniserve which has managed a very creditable four chances of taking the top prize in assorted categories, from Air Freight to Supply Chain Management and Special Services to the Environmental Award. Another multiple nominee is Schenker, whose apprenticeship scheme has brought some notice and Carl Hobbis, Marketing & Communications Manager, DB Schenker Logistics, commented:

"We are really pleased to be short-listed in the Special Services Award and the Staff Development categories at the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2014. Just to be a finalist at such an established event for the work we have done is a tremendous accolade, we will be keeping our fingers crossed."

The BIFA Awards however provide credibility to more than just the finalists, and of course particularly the ultimate winners. Sponsors get a chance to network with customers at the event and to present themselves to potential clients whilst at the same time evidencing that by putting something back they are credible suppliers to the industry. For example experienced freight insurance broker Peter Lole & Co are extremely proud of their continued reputation and association with BIFA. They have emphasised in the past that the Project Forwarding category is particularly befitting, bearing in mind the unique nature of each shipment. Managing Director Simon Lole commented:

“We are very proud of our ongoing support of the BIFA Awards, sponsoring a category which requires such an individual approach and which often tests the professionalism of both forwarder and insurer more than any other field. Project shipments are the high profile end of shipping and never fail to catch the imagination requiring more attention to details when it comes to assessing both modal and insurance requirements. Whoever picks up this particular Award will have earned it in the face of some very tough competition.”

Although still two months away before the gathering at The Brewery in London’s Chiswell Street, EC1 this is a busy time for those involved with cargo with the Christmas period and all its associated demands, both in shifting the freight and thanking loyal supporters, and the BIFA’s are often the first work related social occasion after the holiday break for many of those attending. With the event normally alive with guests, those considering making an appearance, and who have not yet booked table space for what is usually an excellent meal, should do so quickly using this link.

Photo: Last year’s 25th Anniversary of the Awards proved very special for the Young Freight Forwarder of the Year, Phoebe Rockwood from Damco UK.