The British International Freight Association (BIFA), the trade association that represents UK freight forwarders, advised customs intermediaries to apply for the £50 million worth of fresh funding from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to extend, train or take in staff, including furloughed ones, confirmed a press release. HMRC, which runs the customs grant scheme, urges BIFA’s members to take advantage of the funding now to increase their capacity to make declarations ahead of … [Read more...] about UK freight association tells members to apply for customs training funding
Robert Keen
Border Operating Model recognises the value of freight forwarders
Commenting on the announcement by the UK government of the Border Operating Model that will take effect from the end of the Transition Period, the trade association for UK freight forwarders said it is keeping its fingers crossed that its members, the companies that manage cross-border trade between the UK and EU, will have enough time to make the necessary preparations to facilitate the revised arrangements. Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association … [Read more...] about Border Operating Model recognises the value of freight forwarders
Freight forwarders’ body – BIFA – joins calls for softer Brexit
With Brexit talks due to get underway in Brussels soon, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) is calling for the UK negotiators to push for a deal that keeps the UK in the European customs union. BIFA Director General, Robert Keen says: “Over the weekend, we heard the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond dismiss speculation that the UK could pursue a soft Brexit and remain part of the EU’s customs union and the single market. “Like many, BIFA … [Read more...] about Freight forwarders’ body – BIFA – joins calls for softer Brexit
FIATA bestowed on Mrs Eva Molnar the title of “FIATA FELLOW”
At the recent FIATA Headquarter Session, during the Meeting of the Multimodal Transport Institute, Mrs Eva Molnar of UNECE was rewarded by FIATA, when Mr Robert Keen UK submitted the fellow’s certificate. Molnar pointed out in her presentation that transportation is going through a fundamental change to make people’s and freight’s mobility safe, clean, secure and efficient. There are three main drivers for this extensive transformation: The big political … [Read more...] about FIATA bestowed on Mrs Eva Molnar the title of “FIATA FELLOW”
BIFA welcomes entry into force of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
The trade association for UK freight forwarding and logistics companies notes that the ratifications by Chad, Jordan, Oman and Rwanda means the deal has reached the pre-determined threshold of 110 WTO members required for its immediate entry into force. Robert Keen, director general of BIFA says, “This agreement aims to simplify and clarify international import and export procedures, customs formalities and transit requirements. It should make trade-related administration easier and … [Read more...] about BIFA welcomes entry into force of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement
BIFA Names Osborn New Chairman
Fred Osborn succeeds Carson McMullan as the national chairman of the trade association for UK freight forwarders, with Mark Bromley becoming vice chairman. Since 2000, Osborn has been the co-owner of X-Pand International Freight Ltd. He has been BIFA's vice chairman for the past two years and was previously chair of BIFA's Air Policy Group. He joined the trade association's Board in 2011. New vice chairman, Bromley is sales and development manager at Allways International Forwarding. … [Read more...] about BIFA Names Osborn New Chairman
