‘Simply the Best’ Are Recognised by the UK International Forwarders’ Association

The most prestigious awards in the UK logistics and supply chain industry were handed to the cream of the British freight forwarding sector at a landmark awards ceremony hosted by The Rt. Hon. Michael Portillo.

London, United Kingdom, January 28, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Winning companies and individuals attended the glittering ceremony, held in London on 22 January, to celebrate the 20th Annual Lunch and Awards Ceremony of the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

The BIFA Freight Service Awards 2008 Winners are as follows:

- Air Freight Award sponsored by British Airways World Cargo: Uniserve (Airfreight) Ltd.
- Environment Award sponsored by CargoWise edi: Aramex.
- European Logistics Award sponsored by Kewill: International Forwarding Ltd.
- Ocean Freight Award sponsored by DP World Southampton: Uniserve Ltd.
- Project Forwarding Award sponsored by Ruslan International: Seafast Logistics Plc.
- Special Services Award sponsored by BoxTop Technologies: The PSL Group Ltd.
- Staff Development Award sponsored by Maersk Line: Chaucer Freight Ltd.
- Supply Chain Management Award sponsored by TT Club: Dachser Ltd.
- Young Freight Forwarder Award sponsored by Johnson Stevens Agencies: Steve de Croos from Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.

Peter Quantrill, Director General of BIFA, said: “The awards are rightly acknowledged as the most prestigious within the freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain industry as they encourage and recognise high professional standards and special achievements. I am gratified that this award competition celebrated its 20th anniversary and continues to highlight the best efforts of managers and staff at all levels of this vital industry.

“As a mark of how the competition has evolved to reflect the enormous changes that have been seen in the supply chain since 1989, this year marked the debut of the Environment Award, which will go forward to mark the continuing interest and commitment of freight forwarders in this area.

“This year, 34 finalists vied for the nine category trophies and the standard of the entrants was again extremely high. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners and those who reached the final stage of the competition. Thank you to all the sponsors who continue to support the awards and enable us to produce a worthy celebration of the winners’ efforts.”

One of the highlights of the lunch was the Special Award presented to Peter Collins, founder of PFE Express Limited, who has been serving the industry for over 50 years.

Robert Keen, Executive Director of BIFA, said: “Peter was a deserved winner of a Special Award. Nobody better suits the term ‘industry stalwart’ and I take my hat off to a man who has worked to raise standards and provide first-class service all his working life.”

Summing up this most successful Awards competition and ceremony Mr Quantrill said: "These awards are an antidote to the news that is gathering daily of economic troubles and downturn. These are tough times for BIFA members and I do not want to downplay industry fears of the recession. However, when I see the talent and experience that vied for the Awards, it serves to reinforce the resilience of the industry and its ability to deliver creative solutions to face the challenges of these difficult times.”

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Notes For Editors

About the Awards:

The BIFA Freight Service Awards have been running for 20 years, and the ceremony has been held at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, London, since their inception in 1989. A carefully selected judging panel consisting of sponsors and independent industry specialists ultimately determines the winners.

About BIFA:

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) represents UK companies engaged in the international movement of freight by all modes of transport. A not-for-profit organisation, BIFA is funded by subscription and run by its members for members. It operates with a full-time Secretariat, which administers and manages the Association’s affairs. BIFA provides an effective and proactive organisation dedicated to improving standards of professionalism within the logistics and supply chain industry.
Contact
British International Freight Association
Ian Matheson
+44 (0)1689 860660
www.bifa.org
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