British International Freight Association Annual Report and Accounts ...

British International 

Freight Association 

Annual Report and 

Accounts 2008

President’s Report 

Contents 

2 President’s Report 

4 Chairman’s Report 

6 Director General’s Report 

8 Year in Review 

14 Report of the Board of 

Directors on the Accounts 

15 Report of the Independent 

Auditors 

16 Financial Statements 

23 Our People 

Since May 

2007, when 

I became BIFA 

President, 

I have been 

able to look back on my 

time in the early 1980s 

when I was Secretary of 

State for Transport. During 

the two years in which I 

had Cabinet responsibility 

for our vital transport sector, 

I inevitably had to keep a 

weather eye on how it was 

performing. 

This hands-on experience of enacting 

legislation that informs, directs and 

controls freight movement in the UK means 

that, as BIFA President, I have taken a 

keen interest in the legislative activities of 

my successors as they have touched this 

sector during 2008. 

Domestic UK politics were quite benign to the 

sector in 2008, compared to forces outside 

the commercial control of any BIFA Member. 

In London, the wider implementation of the 

Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was postponed 

by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, 

while the Chancellor put the industry on 

notice that he intended to replace Air 

Passenger Duty (APD) with a ‘Plane Tax’. 

HM Treasury brought into play new money 

laundering regulations, while the Corporate 

Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 

2007 came into force. 

There was Government tightening of the 

law on illegal working, in response to public 

concern over border security and the growing 

Membership Figures 

At 31 Dec 2008 

Registered 

Members 

1,213 

Associate 

Members 

38 

Probationary 

Members 

153 

Total 

1,404 

2 BIFA Annual Report and Accounts 2008 

1,972 

1,696 

68

BIFA Members came 

through this difficult 

year by working smarter 

and harder. 

numbers of migrant workers arriving in the 

UK. The opt-out on the European Union 

Working Time Directive was won by the UK, 

following a meeting of European employment 

ministers. 

This Annual Report records the events of 

a year, which turned out to be a difficult 

one both for BIFA Members and UK plc. 

BIFA Members came through it by working 

smarter and harder. The purchasers of 

training put their organisation in a stronger 

position to retain, motivate and add value to 

their workforce – all advantages which BIFA 

has long promoted to the membership. 

The report demonstrates, in a nutshell, 

the wide range of projects and tasks 

that BIFA undertook on behalf of the 

membership in 2008. It clearly shows how 

the Board, Council, Policy Groups, and 

officers at the Secretariat have worked 

hard, and united in their efforts, to best 

represent and promote the interests of the 

membership as a whole. 

Finally, I was delighted to accept BIFA’s 

kind invitation for me to remain in office 

for a further year, until May 2010, bringing 

the duration of my term up to three years. 

I therefore look forward to representing the 

Association in my role as President for a 

further 12 months. 

The Rt. Hon. the Lord Fowler 

President 

 

Notice of Annual 

General Meeting 

Notice is hereby given that the twentieth 

Annual General Meeting of the British 

International Freight Association (BIFA) will 

be held at the offices of Clyde & Co., 

51 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1JP on 

Thursday 21 May 2009 at 2.00pm in order to: 

1. Receive the report of the Board of 

Directors. 

2. Receive the accounts for the year ended 

31 December 2008 and the report of the 

auditors thereon. 

3. Appoint auditors and authorise the Board 

to fix their remuneration. 

4.In accordance with the Association’s 

Articles to note and approve the election of 

Officers of the Association. 

5. Transact any other business which may 

properly be transacted at an Annual 

General Meeting. 

Peter Quantrill Director General 

2 April 2009 

Note: Any Member entitled to attend and vote at the 

above meeting may appoint a proxy to attend and vote 

on a poll in his stead. A proxy need not be a Member 

of the Association. A form of proxy is enclosed with 

this notice. 

This report 

demonstrates, in a 

nutshell, the wide 

range of projects 

and tasks that BIFA 

undertook on behalf 

of the membership 

in 2008. 

BIFA Annual Report and Accounts 2008 3

Chairman’s Report 

2008 has been 

a successful year 

for BIFA as the 

financial results 

now confirm. 

Our Association faces the 

current downturn in world 

trade with the benefit of 

strong financial reserves 

supported by healthy 

current trading levels. 

This solid foundation will 

enable us to maintain high 

standards of service to the 

membership during the 

harder times ahead. 

In addition to this, there have been some 

exciting new developments such as the 

online digital library which will come on 

stream during 2009. It will be accessible 

by all trading Members and should come 

to be seen as a unique reference resource. 

In this connection I would like to thank 

not only those in the Secretariat who have 

helped work on this innovative product, 

but also my successor and current 

Vice Chairman, Andrew Melton, who is 

closely associated with the project. As we 

progress through the rest of 2009 and for 

at least the next two years, he will be in 

the best possible position to ensure our 

internet library continues to grow and 

develop. 

Whilst on the theme of networking, the 

Freight Service Awards Lunch was another 

outstanding success, not only in terms of 

the numbers attending but also as a way 

of celebrating the achievements of the 

finalists, and above all, the nine worthy 

winners. The Annual Dinner in Liverpool 

brought together a sizeable gathering of 

Members at the end of a year, which, 

apart from anything else, saw Liverpool 

emerge as an outstanding ‘City of 

European Culture’. 

During 2008, it was again both instructive 

and a real pleasure in my role as Chairman 

to meet members not only in London but 

also throughout the rest of the country. 

Our programme of regional Board Meetings 

will continue, with presentations and 

wider membership participation whenever 

appropriate. These meetings and allied events 

also provide an opportunity for Members to 

get together with other key organisations 

and individuals in our industry, whether from 

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) or relevant 

regional authorities including the ports. 

During 2008 we have held Board Meetings 

followed by lunchtime receptions at Hull 

and Glasgow, which have given my fellow 

Directors and me further opportunities to 

meet and exchange views with Members. 

At the same time, the Chairmanship has 

proved invaluable for me in getting to know 

colleagues in the Secretariat, as well as 

our expert volunteers in the Policy Groups 

and on the Council. BIFA really does come 

across as a strong organisation when taking 

into account all these different elements, 

as well as the underlying goodwill and 

commitment of participants. 

Looking to the future, the 

challenge will be to continue 

our representation of the 

international freight and 

logistics industry, which is 

more essential than ever 

to boosting our country’s 

overall trade performance.

During 2008, BIFA built on these strengths 

and on its track record as a campaigning 

trade association on behalf of its 

membership to further develop co-operative 

links with other bodies of great importance 

to our industry – including HMRC, the 

Department for Transport and now the UK 

Border Agency (UKBA), as well as trade 

associations abroad, such as CLECAT 

and FIATA. The European dimension, with 

access to the Commission and the World 

Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels 

as well as our contacts with HM Treasury, 

have finally enabled us to work towards 

the optimum solution with the Insurance 

Mediation Directive (IMD). 

It has also kept BIFA at the forefront of 

the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) 

initiative – which will be of increasing 

benefit with Customs facilitation as well as 

security within the supply chain. 

Whilst actively engaged as BIFA Chairman, 

my day job has continued as Joint Managing 

Director and Chairman of a leading 

independent freight forwarder and logistics 

company. This means there has been 

no danger of losing sight of commercial 

imperatives as the recession bites! 

BIFA is also a company, which has to 

survive and prosper in an increasingly 

difficult business environment, to continue 

giving good value for money to Members 

in return for their subscriptions. I know 

that our Director General and his 

colleagues in the Secretariat are wholly 

focused on this objective and on raising 

the profile of our industry. 

It has been very pleasing during the last 

year to see that training has not only held 

up, but increased in volume and quality 

of take up by Members. Cost savings 

are necessary in the current climate, but 

it is also essential in these increasingly 

regulated times to continue investment in 

training, not just to comply with statutory 

requirements but also through popular 

courses like the ‘BTEC Intermediate 

Award in Multimodal International 

Freight Procedures’. 

Throughout 2008 and the opening months 

of 2009, my role as Chairman has been 

demanding but the work has been 

rewarding, with measurable progress for 

our organisation and useful preparation 

for further advances to come. For instance 

BIFA will continue to lobby both for better 

During 2008, BIFA built 

on its strengths and track 

record as a campaigning 

trade association on 

behalf of its membership. 

transport infrastructure and at the same 

time for sustainability, not least in terms 

of minimising environmental impact. 

Looking to the future, the challenge 

will be to continue our representation 

of the international freight and logistics 

industry, which is more essential than 

ever to boosting our country’s overall 

trade performance. 

Philip Stephenson 

Chairman 

BIFA 2008 

Turnover up 

+7% 

at £1,729,223 

compared to 

£1,614,365 

in 2007 


Director General’s 

Report 

BIFA started 

the year with 

an agenda 

to ensure 

‘Membership 

Value’ throughout 2008 

and I am confident that, 

despite the economic 

winds that threatened to 

blow many off course, 

we have achieved this 

as an Association. 

In addition to our visible 

activities, some of these 

advances have been 

behind the scenes, 

including back office 

activity to improve the 

way in which BIFA works. 

We have achieved a higher public profile, 

including the regular BIFA ‘Forward Looking’ 

column in International Freighting Weekly 

(IFW) that started in 2008. This initiative has 

increased our media presence substantially 

and is one that I have enjoyed working on 

very much. 

BIFA’s modus operandi in 2008 concentrated 

on our four key themes: training, statutory 

and regulatory issues, technical advice and 

support, and promotion. 

Staff retention and development is one of the 

key pay-backs to Members from money spent 

on training, and I am pleased that our Training 

offering went from strength to strength as the 

year progressed, with a significant increase in the 

number of students trained, and courses offered. 

Of course no year is ever completely plain 

sailing. The plummet of the Pound against 

the Euro and US Dollar started off early in the 

year as a roller-coaster of exchange rates that 

seemed to offer a good prospect to boost 

exports for UK plc. Unfortunately, many of 

our overseas markets were themselves in 

economic disarray and the expected positive 

impact was just not there. 

I do not have to remind any Member of the 

volatility we saw in the price of oil in 2008 and 

the cost impact. Whilst oil finished the year 

not a great deal ahead of where it had started, 

its sudden price rise put an incredible strain on 

the supply chain. BIFA Members with road 

services saw the price at the pump soar. BIFA 

reacted by calling for an essential user rebate 

of fuel duty and the postponement of a planned 

duty increase targeted for the end of the year. 

One of the most significant debuts of the year, 

and one in which BIFA had a very important 

helping hand in disseminating information, 

of course, was the introduction in January 

2008 of the Authorised Economic Operator 

(AEO) accreditation. Shortly afterwards, the 

successful transition took place of SAD H, and 

we could say goodbye to messy dual-running in 

the relaying of information to HM Revenue 

& Customs (HMRC). 

In stark contrast there was disappointment 

when, in the Spring, the Government removed 

the empty business property rates relief. That 

was such a short-sighted measure that has 

impacted on the commercial and business 

property interests of our membership and on 

the landscapes of our nation’s business parks 

and commercial property. 

As with all such unsatisfactory measures, 

BIFA maintained its efforts throughout the year 

to persuade the Government to withdraw the 

change. We were also disappointed that the 

invidious measure to backdate business rates 

at UK ports went ahead. 

In 2008, BIFA 

organised 

110 

Policy Group 

and Regional 

meetings 

6 BIFA Annual Report and Accounts 2008

In terms of legislation, we saw a variety of 

developments in 2008 that impacted on the 

work of BIFA Members. In the Summer, the 

Home Office published significant rules for 

a points system for migrant workers from 

outside the European Economic Area, due to 

take effect later in the year. These meant that 

employers had to demonstrate that the roles 

could not have been filled by the resident 

labour market. 

We worked to influence HM Treasury over new 

money laundering regulations implementing 

the EU’s Third Money Laundering Directive, 

agreeing, after much consultation with HM 

Treasury and HMRC, that the core activities of 

our Members were deemed to be outside the 

scope of these regulations. 

In April, the Corporate Manslaughter and 

Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into 

force. This important legislation means that 

companies found culpable can face severe 

penalties. BIFA Members work professionally 

but freight movement does have its dangers, 

and I repeat my belief in the importance of BIFA’s 

contribution to providing a safer workplace. 

The infrastructure of the freight industry is 

always of concern to me, and this year was 

no different. I applauded the news at the end 

of the year that the Thames Gateway terminal 

first phase was given the green light and that 

work on expansion to the port of Felixstowe 

started. BAA’s notice that it had to divest 

two of its London airports and a Scottish 

operation has positive implications for air 

freight operations. 

Promotion and representation takes many 

forms. BIFA had a presence at leading and 

influential conferences and congresses where 

we were able to put forward the concerns 

and thoughts of the UK freight forwarding 

community. We took part as a participant in 

the inaugural Multimodal show, and we are 

already looking forward to our participation 

in 2009. Two further important events saw us 

at the annual FIATA congress and CLECAT 

conference in 2008. 

The year saw a perfect demonstration of how 

events outside the normal working day can 

impact severely on the everyday work of BIFA 

Members. Remember the soggy summer 

With June and July registering the wettest 

UK weather since records began, floods and 

disruptions caused by the bad weather seemed 

to play havoc with transport as much as the 

rocketing oil price did. The failure of the world 

trade talks was a grave disappointment as I am 

only too aware of the significance of the word 

‘International’ in our Association’s title. 

When Lehman Brothers came tumbling down 

in late Summer, who could have foreseen 

the consequences of the banking crisis, that 

started across the Atlantic, in both the UK and 

mainland Europe I know that BIFA Members 

are threatened, not only by a reduction in 

trade as global business is impacted, but also 

the imperative of ensuring healthy cash flow in 

this difficult environment. 

It was great to enjoy the 19th BIFA Freight 

Services Awards back in January 2008 and 

enjoy the verve and wit of special guest 

Gyles Brandreth. As well as the winners who 

walked away with trophies, I know that BIFA 

Members who attended the event came away 

with an appreciation of the highest standards 

achievable by their peers. It was impressive, 

as well, to realise that the next such ceremony 

would be the landmark 20th. Quite an 

achievement! Elsewhere, BIFA Members met 

up for more intimate social events, and I tip 

my hat at Members in Liverpool who raised 

significant funds for charity. 

We started the year focusing on core value for 

Members, and as we enter an extraordinarily 

challenging 2009, we do so in the knowledge 

that we have a clear direction and, most 

importantly, the solid financial base from 

which to operate. I am confident that this 

Report demonstrates how BIFA improved 

during the year, not only for the direct benefit 

of our membership, but also for the wider 

benefit of UK plc’s import and export activity. 

Peter Quantrill 

Director General 

We have achieved 

a higher public profile, 

with a regular BIFA 

‘Forward Looking’ 

column in International 

Freighting Weekly. 


Year in Review 

Traditionally, this section 

of the Annual Report is 

dedicated to the work of 

the various Policy Groups 

under the management 

and administration of the 

Trade Services division 

of the Secretariat. These 

include the Air, Surface, 

Customs, Legal & 

Insurance and Training 

& Development Groups 

that direct, influence and 

implement the policies of 

the Association. 

These Groups report to the BIFA Council 

three times a year and their delegate 

Members contribute on a voluntary basis. 

Those who participate do so for the benefit, 

and on behalf of, the wider membership as 

a whole, of the Association. Their names 

are listed at the back of this report. We 

wish to recognise them for their invaluable 

contribution, given freely with the support 

and blessing of their employers. 

Following is a report on various events and 

developments in 2008 which provides a snapshot 

of the activities of the Association, its 

Members and the business context in which 

much of our work and lobbying takes place. 

January - March 2008 

2008 proved to be a year where significant 

elements of the freight industry arena and 

the work of BIFA were influenced by key 

decisions and new regulations made 

by the European Commission (EC) and 

implemented in the UK by HM Revenue 

& Customs (HMRC). 

A good example of this was when on the 

stroke of midnight 2007/08 the EC invited 

applications from traders in all EU member 

states for the status of Authorised Economic 

Operator (AEO). This programme invites 

businesses that are actively involved in 

Customs operations and international trade to 

gain certification and become internationally 

recognised as a compliant, safe and secure 

trader. BIFA’s Customs Policy Group 

supported this initiative and encouraged 

Members to undergo the voluntary 

certification process. Indeed, we had 

contributed significantly to HMRC’s thinking 

regarding the preparations required for the 

implementation of the AEO accreditation in 

the UK by assisting with the design of the 

application process and providing guidance 

on content for the supporting documentation. 

On a more local basis, the Surface Division 

informed Members, who make road 

deliveries or collections in connection 

with London addresses, including goods 

travelling to and from London Heathrow, 

that the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) 

was to start in February and would apply 

24/7. Initially it would cover all ‘older’ diesel 

lorries over 12 tonnes operating within 

the LEZ. By 2012, the regulations would 

extend the scope of vehicles covered. Since 

then, however, the Mayor of London, Boris 

Johnson, has announced his intention to 

suspend the third phase of the LEZ, which 

was due to affect vans and minibuses from 

October 2010. 

In order to meet EC Regulations, enhanced 

import and export electronic Customs Entry 

filing requirements were introduced in January. 

Our Training offering went 

from strength to strength 

as the year progressed, with 

a significant increase in the 

number of students trained, 

and courses offered. 

BIFA Training 

increases 

+16% 

in number of 

delegates 

attending 

courses 


Known as SAD Harmonisation (SAD H) the 

changes were designed to align the rules for 

the provision of Customs entries throughout 

the EU and to pave the way for the upcoming 

EC requirement to pre-report export and 

import cargo from 2009/10. Once again, the 

smooth manner in which the switch was 

made was down to the efforts of the BIFA 

Secretariat, the Customs Policy Group, the 

Air Cargo Agents Executive (ACAE) and 

Agency Sector Management (ASM). 

Members were invited to visit the training 

pages on the BIFA website to see some 

changes. Those who did, found the list of 

courses had been changed to display the 

whole range for ease of use. At the click of 

a mouse, when a course is selected a list of 

dates and venues is displayed which allows 

a booking email to be sent directly to BIFA 

Training Services. 

The great and the good of the British freight 

forwarding industry gathered at the end of 

The Air Division represented its sector at January at a glittering lunch in London to 

a number of consultative meetings hosted celebrate excellence of the industry at the 19th 

by HM Treasury to highlight concerns 

BIFA Freight Service Awards ceremony. Some 

about the Government’s plans to impose a 400 members and their guests attended. 

so-called ‘Plane Tax’ on aircraft movements The winners were revealed by guest speaker, 

rather than tax the individual passenger broadcaster and former MP, Gyles Brandreth. 

under the Air Passenger Duty regime. 

The winners had been selected from 25 

Importantly, the Treasury’s proposals 

companies who had made the shortlists in 

included, for the first time, an implied threat nine categories. Schenker, Uniserve Group, 

to include air cargo in the scope of this new Ital Logistics, Premier Showfreight, Wincanton, 

tax revenue-raising initiative. The change APL Logistics and JF Hillebrand all picked up 

was due to come into effect in November service awards, while Eve Gogarty became 

2009, but after industry submissions, 

the Young Freight Forwarder of the Year, and 

including that from BIFA, the programme Derek W Johnson MBE was presented with 

was subsequently abandoned as being the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

unworkable, much to our delight, as this 

would have been a further obstacle At 31 Dec to traders 2008 In 2008, BIFA Members were warned At 31 Dec of 2007 

and Members offering air freight services. Registered some of the latest scams targeted Registered at freight 

Members forwarders. The scammers use a Members range of 

The Training & Development Policy 1,213 Group false communications and forgeries 1,231 in an 

started the new year with a new online Associate look: attempt to steal money from BIFA Associate Members 

Members 

Members 

38 

39 

Probationary 

Members 

153 

Probationary 

Members 

132 

The British freight forwarding 

industry celebrated excellence 

at the 19th BIFA Freight 

Service Awards ceremony. 

who were told to look out for the directory 

invoice scam, the car shipping scam, the 

website domain scam and the forged letter 

requesting transfer of funds overseas. 

The air membership were duly advised of 

the amended International Air Transport 

Association (IATA) air waybill Conditions 

of Contract that came into effect in March 

2008. BIFA’s Trade Services delegate to 

the IATA/FIATA Consultative Committee 

ensured that this and other relevant air 

industry issues were communicated back to 

the wider membership throughout the year. 

The sociable side of BIFA membership was 

put on show to good effect in two different 

parts of the UK. The Scottish Regional 

BIFA Training 

Total 

1,404 

Total 

1,427 

Number of delegates 

attending courses 

Number of 

training days 

1,972 

1,696 

681 

535 

2008 2007 

2008 2007 



Committee held a successful Burns Night 

Supper at the Glasgow Hutchesons’ and 

Aloysians RFC while the annual Liverpool 

dinner at The Liner, Liverpool was attended 

by 180 guests from the shipping and 

forwarding fraternity. The Liverpool event 

raised £1,500 for the local baby hospice 

charity, Zöe’s Place. 

BIFA Members were alerted to another 

scam targeted at freight forwarders involving 

‘Washed’ cheques. This is when a genuine 

cheque has been intercepted in the post, its 

payee, cheque number and signatures and 

account details are removed and replaced 

so cleverly that the cheque appears 

completely legitimate. When it is apparently 

cleared the goods are despatched to the 

fraudsters before the cheque is then refused 

by the third party. 

In terms of security in the supply chain, 

Members involved in air freight were 

heartened with the news that the Airfreight 

Industry Minimum Security Standards 

(AIMSS) programme would be rolled out 

to more UK airports. Introduced in 2004, 

the scheme had attracted more than 150 

operators around the London Heathrow 

area that have gained AIMSS certification. 

It was hoped that the scheme could 

be expanded to Manchester, Glasgow, 

Stansted and Gatwick airports. 

In March the Training & Development Policy 

Group launched a new course: ‘Sea Freight – 

the Basics’ - a one-day course aimed at sea 

freight beginners, or those working with other 

modes who wish to migrate to sea freight. 

This course has proved to be a great success 

and covers subjects such as bills of lading, 

use of Lloyd’s Loading List and sea freight 

terminology. 

There was good news for Members At 31 Dec of the 2008 At 31 Dec 2007 

BIFA Surface and Air Divisions that are 

Registered 

Registered 

involved in transatlantic supply chain Members activity 

Members 

as US-EU supply chain security reciprocal 1,213 

1,231 

Members were invited to 

recognition seemed to move a step Associate closer. 

Associate 

However, this positive news was balanced Members visit the new look training Members 

38 

39 

by reports that the Chancellor had revived pages on the BIFA website, 

prospects of national road pricing 

Probationary 

with his 

Probationary 

Members allowing a much more Members 

Budget announcement to fund developments 153 

132 

in road pricing technology. 

user-friendly experience. 

Total 

Total 

IATA unilaterally announced that some 1,404 400 without any justification and considered 1,427by 

CASS (Cargo Agents Settlement System) many to disguise what was little more than a 

Associates, that included a high number of revenue-raising opportunity. 

BIFA Members, would have to provide bank 

guarantees and be subject to an annual April - June 2008 

fee 1,972 from June 2008. This imposition, given The 681 Customs Policy Group highlighted 

that compliance in the UK to the CASS concerns that the Money Laundering 

payments terms 

1,696 

has historically been near Regulations, which had come into effect 

535 

100%, was rejected out of hand by BIFA’s in December 2007, could result in BIFA 

Air Policy Group and a number of UK-based Members coming under the scope of the 

airline representatives. Subsequently, IATA legislation. Following extensive consultation 

was forced to abandon its plans which were with HM Treasury and HMRC, Trade 

2008 2007 

BIFA Website : www.bifa.org 

Average no. of visitors 

per day 

575 1,600 

520 

2008 2007 

Average no. of page 

views per day 

1,200 

2008 2007 2008 2007 


Services were able to secure an agreement 

that the core activities of both Forwarders 

and Customs Brokers fell outside of the 

scope of this Regulation. 

In April 2008, the Corporate Manslaughter 

and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came 

into force. BIFA highlighted the importance 

of recognising the significance of this 

legislation and its potential impact. 

There is no maximum fine for this offence. 

Another sanction is a publicity order 

alongside the fine that could impose a 

duty to place announcements in the trade 

press and letters to all shareholders, 

customers and suppliers. 

The dates of a presentation of the 

‘Multimodal Freight Training Level 2’ 

course, to be held at Feltham, were 

announced. This course is an addon 

to the ‘BTEC Intermediate Award 

in Multimodal International Freight 

Procedures’. The course was set for 

4 September and 2 October. 

The Training & Development Policy 

Group was pleased to announce that, 

due to the popularity of its one-day 

‘Sea Freight – the Basics’ course, three 

additional dates were arranged in 

May in Leeds, Hull and Feltham. 

A series of courses were arranged by BIFA 

Training Services to evaluate and accredit 

candidates under the Department for 

Transport’s aviation security National X-Ray 

Competency Testing (NXCT) programme. 

BIFA, representing FIATA, in conjunction 

with IATA began a series of meetings 

with representatives from the European 

Commission relative to the planned 

implementation of the Import and Export 

Control programmes in the aviation sector 

in July 2009. 

As the Government tightened the law 

on illegal working in response to public 

concern over border security, and 

increasing numbers of migrant workers 

arriving in the UK, BIFA sought to appraise 

how the changes could affect employers 

in the transport supply chain. 

The AEO programme implementation got 

underway, and some BIFA Members were 

among the first to be AEO-accredited. 

Criteria include HMRC looking at an 

applicant’s record of tax and Customs 

activity over the previous three years and 

whether serious or repeated infringements 

of Customs rules have been committed, 

as well as a comprehensive business 

process audit. 

In June the BIFA Freight Service Awards 

2008 were launched – but this was no 

ordinary occasion as these Awards are 

truly a milestone in recording achievements 

in the UK freight industry. We noted that 

these will be the 20th BIFA Freight Service 

Awards and have judged and recorded the 

best practice and highest levels of service 

in the UK supply chain industry since 

1989 – two decades that have seen some 

of the greatest changes in UK logistics 

and transportation, and some of the most 

exciting times to be involved in freight. 

As oil threatened to go north of 

US Dollar 150 a barrel, BIFA’s Air 

Division spelt out to Members what 

it was doing concerning escalating 

airline surcharges. The 

Association was keen that 

Members should know how 

to make sure customers 

understood and agreed 

to the fact that they are 

subject to the terms and 

requirements of the carrier. 

The Training & Development 

Policy Group noted the 30 June 

deadline for all existing X-Ray 

screeners to have completed 

the NXCT regime. 

Average daily page 

views increased by 

+33% 

in 2008 compared 

to 2007 

2008 proved to be a year 

where significant elements 

of the freight industry arena, 

and the work of BIFA, were 

influenced by key decisions 

and new regulations created 

by both the EU & HMRC. 



The Air Forwarding Policy Group won the 

annual golf challenge played against the 

Air Services Policy Group at the Drift Golf 

Club, East Horsley in Surrey. 

July - September 2008 

July got off to a rocky start as global 

demonstrations against the escalating 

oil price and political resistance to port 

privatisation in many parts of the world, 

interrupted global supply chains. 

These concerns were echoed in the UK 

as BIFA lobbied for an ‘essential user’ 

rebate of fuel duty and the postponement 

of a planned 2p a litre duty increase 

targeted for October 2008. 

BIFA Regional Chairman, Bernard 

Fairclough, gave such an excellent 

presentation at the Liverpool regional 

committee that he was re-elected into 

the post for another term! The highlight of 

the meeting was the presentation of two 

cheques to charity Zöe’s Place: one for 

£1,500, raised in January, and the second, 

the proceeds of the auction of a football 

shirt donated by player Fernando Torres. 

The UK retained opt-out on the EU 

Working Time Directive following a meeting 

of European employment ministers. 

This allows employees to work longer than 

48 hours a week. Lawmakers in Brussels, 

however, indicated this was not a permanent 

exclusion and would be reviewed in 2016. 

In the domestic labour market, the TUC 

and CBI agreed on the rights of agency 

workers, also approved in Brussels. Key is 

the recognition that agency workers will now 

enjoy full workers’ rights after 12 weeks. 

The Training & Development Policy 

Group saw the launch of the five-day 

‘BTEC Intermediate Award in Customs 

Export and Import Procedures’ in 

Glasgow, in response to Members’ 

requests. The course, over five days in 

July and August, was for staff who had 

a basic understanding and knowledge of 

Customs procedures but wished to 

expand their skills. 

In August, the Incoterms drafting group met 

with a view to circulating an initial draft of 

the revised Incoterms in Q1 2009. A second 

meeting was slated for October. 

BIFA Solent Members with a keen interest 

in modern-day ocean transport enjoyed a 

tour of DP World at Southampton to update 

themselves on the workings of this modern 

container port. 

The Department for Transport (DfT) 

published a series of case studies intended 

to raise awareness of freight transport, 

especially the viability of alternative 

BIFA was successful in 

securing an agreement that 

the core activities of both 

Forwarders and Customs 

Brokers fell outside of the 

scope of the new Money 

Laundering Regulation. 

transport modes such as water. The six 

studies were produced as part of the 

DfT’s sustainable transport initiative. 

In September, BIFA Members breathed a 

sigh of relief as oil fell back to under 

US Dollar 100 a barrel and began a retreat 

that would last for the remainder of the year. 

The Association welcomed a BBC initiative 

to brand and track a 40’ container as 

The Association 

welcomed a BBC 

initiative to brand and 

track a 40’ container 

as it travels the world 

to demonstrate the 

interconnectivity of 

world trade. 


it travels the world to demonstrate the 

interconnectivity of world trade. The project 

was branded ‘The Box’ and set off with its 

first cargo, Scottish whisky, to Shanghai. 

The Surface Policy Group became 

concerned when a massive fire in the 

Channel Tunnel threatened to disrupt 

freight shuttle services between the UK and 

mainland Europe for months. The fire, which 

raged for 17 hours, started on a freight 

vehicle on a Shuttle heading for France. 

The Solent Region golf day, organised by 

Carey House of MOL Europe, took place 

at Hamptworth Golf and Country Club, 

Landford. It was the sixth occasion the 

event had been held and was judged a 

success, despite the bad weather. 

October - December 2008 

The Surface Policy Group saw one door 

open only to have another one closed in 

terms of ocean shipping. A historic change 

in the traditional world of shipping came as 

the door was finally closed on shipping line 

cartels operating out of Europe when EU 

Conferences were outlawed at midnight on 

17 October 2008. These cartels had worked 

largely in the interest of the shipping lines 

that, free from the rigours of competition, 

stifled real choice for BIFA Members and 

their customers. 

However, just two days before, on 15 

October 2008, a US Customs and Border 

Protection law came into effect requiring all 

laden containers entering the US by ocean 

to have seals to meet the ISO/PAS 17712 

standard. While itself no bar to trade, it was 

yet another cost imposition and measure 

that required compliance to serve the 

world’s most important ocean container 

destinations. 

On a happier note, the distinguished guest at 

next year’s 20th BIFA Freight Service Awards 

2009 was announced: the Rt. Hon. Michael 

Portillo, former Transport Minister, journalist 

and business consultant. 

Oil continued its plunge to below US Dollar 

70 a barrel and a major development 

affecting air freight made the news headlines 

when BAA was told to sell two of its London 

airports and a further one in Scotland. In the 

longer term, real competition in landing fees 

between these airports can only benefit the 

wide number of BIFA Members who send 

bellyhold cargo out of the UK. 

The Directors and management from the 

Secretariat hosted the annual Customs 

lunch at the Baltic Exchange. This important 

annual event enables both the Association 

and senior representatives from Customs to 

meet informally in an atmosphere of mutual 

confidence, and discuss a number of the 

wider customs issues affecting our industry. 

BIFA Members were reminded that, when 

necessary, in order to fall back on BIFA 

Standard Trading Conditions (STC) for liability 

protection and limitation, it was important 

to make sure that the STC were formally 

engaged between Members and their 

customer base. It is potentially dangerous 

to assume that your contracted customers 

will know of the existence of the STC. These 

should be brought to the attention of every 

customer to prevent argument and possible 

costly court action further down the line. 

Members were advised that Trade 

Subscriptions for 2009 remained unchanged. 

As the midnight hour chimed on 2008/09, 

we could only hold our breath on what 

the New Year would bring. Much of the 

industry was battening down the hatches 

in preparation for rough weather ahead yet 

there remain many positives about the sector. 

BIFA hopes the anticipated downturn 

in 2009 is short-lived and replaced quickly 

by a period of recovery. 

BIFA successfully lobbied 

against proposed 

+2p 

per litre increase in 

fuel duty planned 

for October 2008 


Report of the Board of 

Directors on the Accounts 

for the year ended 31 December 2008 

The Directors present their report and 

financial statements for the year ended 

31 December 2008. 

1. Constitution 

The British International Freight Association 

is a company limited by guarantee. The 

liability of the Members is limited in the event 

of the Association being wound up to an 

amount not exceeding £1. 

2. Principal Activities and Review 

of the Year 

The Association is the primary 

representational body of the international 

freight services industry and its objects, 

amongst others, are to promote the interest 

and welfare of its Members within the freight 

services industry. 

The results for the year are set out on page 

16 of the accounts. 

3. Board Composition 

The composition of the Board at 

31 December 2008 is set out on page 23. 

All Board Members are Directors of the 

Association. 

4. Auditors 

The auditors, Alliotts, are deemed to be 

reappointed under Section 487(2) of the 

Companies Act 2006. 

5. Directors’ Responsibilities 

The Directors are responsible for preparing 

the financial statements in accordance with 

applicable law and regulations. 

Company Law requires the Directors to 

prepare financial statements for each 

financial year. Under the law the Directors 

have elected to prepare the financial 

statements in accordance with United 

Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 

Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 

Standards and applicable law). The financial 

statements are required by law to give a 

true and fair view of the state of affairs of 

the company and of the profit or loss of 

the company for that period. In preparing 

those financial statements, the Directors are 

required to : 

- select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently; 

- make judgements and estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent; 

- prepare the financial statements on 

the going concern basis unless it is 

inappropriate to presume that the company 

will continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping 

proper accounting records which disclose 

with reasonable accuracy at any time the 

financial position of the company and to 

enable them to ensure that the financial 

statements comply with the Companies 

Act 1985. They are also responsible for 

safeguarding the assets of the company and 

hence for taking reasonable steps for the 

prevention and detection of fraud and other 

irregularities. 

6. Statement of Disclosure to Auditors 

(a) So far as the Directors are aware, there 

is no relevant audit information of which the 

company’s auditors are unaware, and 

(b) they have taken all the steps that they 

ought to have taken as Directors in order 

to make themselves aware of any relevant 

audit information and to establish that 

the company’s auditors are aware of that 

information. 

This report has been prepared in accordance 

with the special provisions of Part VII of 

the Companies Act 1985 relating to small 

companies. 

Signed on behalf of the Board 


Director General and Secretary 

2 April 2009 

Company Number: 391973 


Report of the 

Independent Auditors 

to the Members of the British International Freight Association 

We have audited the financial statements of 

the British International Freight Association 

for the year ended 31 December 2008 which 

comprise the Income and Expenditure 

account, the Balance Sheet and the related 

notes. These financial statements have been 

prepared under the accounting policies 

set out therein and the requirements of the 

Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller 

Entities (effective January 2007). 

This report is made solely to the company’s 

Members, as a body, in accordance with 

Section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. 

Our audit work has been undertaken so that 

we might state to the company’s Members 

those matters we are required to state to 

them in an auditor’s report and for no other 

purpose. To the fullest extent permitted 

by law, we do not accept or assume 

responsibility to anyone other than the 

company and the company’s Members as 

a body, for our audit work, for this report, or 

for the opinions we have formed. 

Respective Responsibilities of the 

Directors and Auditors 

The Directors’ responsibilities for the 

Annual Report and the financial statements 

in accordance with applicable law and 

United Kingdom Accounting Standards 

(United Kingdom Generally Accepted 

Accounting Practice) are set out in the 

statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

in the Directors’ Report. 

Our responsibility is to audit the financial 

statements in accordance with relevant legal 

and regulatory requirements and International 

Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We 

report to you our opinion as to whether the 

financial statements give a true and fair view 

and are properly prepared in accordance with 

the Companies Act 1985. We also report to 

you whether in our opinion the information 

given in the Directors’ Report is consistent 

with the financial statements. 

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, 

the company has not kept proper accounting 

records, or if we have not received all the 

information and explanations we require 

for our audit, or if information specified 

by law regarding Directors’ remuneration 

and transactions with the company is not 

disclosed. 

We read other information contained in 

the Annual Report and consider whether 

it is consistent with the audited financial 

statements. This other information 

comprises only the Directors’ Report, 

President’s Report, Chairman’s Report and 

Director General’s Report. We consider the 

implications for our report if we become 

aware of any apparent misstatements or 

material inconsistencies with the financial 

statements. Our responsibilities do not 

extend to any other information beyond that 

referred to in this paragraph. 

Basis of Audit Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with 

International Standards on Auditing (UK and 

Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices 

Board. An audit includes examination, on 

a test basis, of evidence relevant to the 

amounts and disclosures in the financial 

statements. It also includes an assessment 

of the significant estimates and judgements 

made by the Directors in the preparation 

of the financial statements, and of whether 

the accounting policies are appropriate to 

the company’s circumstances, consistently 

applied and adequately disclosed. 

We planned and performed our audit so as 

to obtain all the information and explanations 

which we considered necessary in order 

to provide us with sufficient evidence 

to give reasonable assurance that the 

financial statements are free from material 

misstatement, whether caused by fraud 

or other irregularity or error. In forming 

our opinion we also evaluated the overall 

adequacy of the presentation of information 

in the financial statements. 

Opinion 

In our opinion: 

• the financial statements give a true and fair 

view, in accordance with United Kingdom 

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice 

applicable to Smaller Entities, of the state 

of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 

2008 and of its result for the year then 

ended; and 

• the financial statements have been 

properly prepared in accordance with the 

Companies Act 1985. 

• the information given in the Directors’ 

Report is consistent with the financial 

statements. 

Alliotts 

Chartered Accountants 

& Registered Auditors 

Friary Court 

13-21 High Street 

Guildford 

Surrey GU1 3DL 

2 April 2009 


Income and 

Expenditure Account 


Note 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Turnover 1 1,729,223 1,614,365 

Cost of sales (359,622) (330,478) 

Gross surplus 1,369,601 1,283,887 

Administrative expenses (1,283,200) (1,322,523) 

Operating surplus/(deficit) 86,401 (38,636) 

Impairment losses 5 (31,976) - 

Surplus/(deficit) on ordinary activities before interest 54,425 (38,636) 

Interest receivable 3 40,609 44,929 

Surplus on ordinary activities before taxation 2 95,034 6,293 

Taxation on surplus on ordinary activities 4 (26,026) (5,241) 

Surplus for the year 69,008 1,052 

All recognised gains and losses in the year and the previous year have been included in the Income and Expenditure Account. 

The results for the year and the previous year as set out above have been derived entirely from continuing operations. 


Balance 

Sheet 

as at 31 December 2008 

Note 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Fixed assets 

Tangible Assets 5 295,583 326,845 

Unlisted Assets 6 510 510 

296,093 327,355 

Current assets 

Debtors 7 99,425 68,016 

Cash at bank and in hand 801,855 759,932 

901,280 827,948 

Creditors 

Amounts falling due within one year 8 (519,043) (545,981) 

Net current assets 382,237 281,967 

Net assets 678,330 609,322 

Capital and reserves 

Accumulated Fund 

- Property Reserves 11 265,000 306,976 

- Other Reserves 11 413,330 302,346 

678,330 609,322 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to 

small companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2007). 

Approved on behalf of the Board 

2 April 2009 


Chairman 




Notes to 

the Accounts 


1. Accounting Policies 

1.1 Accounting convention 

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for 

Smaller Entities (effective January 2007). 

1.2 Compliance with accounting standards 

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice), which have been applied consistently (except as otherwise stated). 

1.3 Turnover 

Turnover represents amounts excluding VAT. 

1.4 Depreciation 

As a matter of prudence a report and valuation of the freehold property was obtained in October 2001 from an independent firm of Chartered 

Surveyors. They reported that they considered the open market value at that time to be £345,000. At the time of a previous valuation in 1992 

it was determined to adopt a policy of writing off the approximate rebuilding cost of the property of £350,000 over a period of thirty five years 

from the date of acquisition and the Directors consider it reasonable to continue this policy. As a result the income and expenditure account 

has been charged with £10,000 depreciation in the year. 

The fixed assets are included at cost less aggregate depreciation. The rates of depreciation are as follows: 

Freehold property - Land 

Nil 

- Buildings Over 35 years 

Office furniture and equipment 25%-33% on cost 

1.5 Leasing 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

1.6 Investments 

Fixed asset investments are stated at cost less provision for diminution in value. 

2. Operating Profit/(Loss) 

Operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging: 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Depreciation of tangible assets 32,999 33,659 

Auditors’ remuneration 11,000 10,500 

The number of Directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under money purchase pension schemes amounted to 2 (2007: 2). 

3. Investment Income 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Bank interest 40,609 44,929 

40,609 44,929 

4. Taxation 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

UK corporation tax 26,559 5,241 

Adjustment for prior years (533) - 

Current tax charge 26,026 5,241 


5. Tangible Fixed Assets 

Land and 

buildings 

£ 

Plant and 

machinery 

£ 

Total 

£ 

Costs 

At 1 January 2008 506,976 192,623 699,599 

Additions - 33,713 33,713 

At 31 December 2008 506,976 226,336 733,312 

Depreciation: 

At 1 January 2008 200,000 172,754 372,754 

Impairment losses 31,976 - 31,976 

Charge for the year 10,000 22,999 32,999 

At 31 December 2008 241,976 195,753 437,729 

Net Book Value: 

At 31 December 2008 265,000 30,583 295,583 

At 31 December 2007 306,976 19,869 326,845 

The Directors reviewed the carrying value of the freehold land during the year and following discussions with local land agents it was found that 

the value of the land had fallen in value from £156,976 to £125,000. The accounts reflect this impairment in value. The land is not depreciated in 

line with FRS15. 

6. Fixed Assets - Investments 

Cost 

£ 

Unlisted Investment 

BIFA Mutual Insurance Co Ltd 

50 1p Participating Redeemable Preference shares 508 

Subsidiary 

Country of 

Registration Holding 

Institute of Freight Forwarders Ltd: England 100% 2 

The subsidiary company has not traded in the year. Group accounts have not been prepared as in the opinion of the Directors they would be of 

no value to the Members. 

510 

7. Debtors 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Trade debtors 30,346 11,433 

Prepayments and accrued income 69,079 56,583 

99,425 68,016 


Notes to 

the Accounts 


8. Creditors 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Amounts falling due within one year: 

Trade creditors 136,087 111,616 

Taxation and social security 51,648 48,115 

Accruals and deferred income 331,308 386,250 

519,043 545,981 

9. Pension Costs 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Defined contribution 

Contributions payable by the company for the year 35,018 39,698 

10. Share Capital 

The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. In the event of any winding up each member’s liability is limited to 

the sum of £1. 

11. Statement Of Movement On Profit And Loss Account 

Property 

Reserves 

£ 

Other 

Reserves 

£ 

Total 

Reserves 

£ 

Balance at 1 January 2008 306,976 302,346 609,322 

Surplus/(deficit) for the year before impairment losses (10,000) 110,984 100,984 

Impairment losses (31,976) - (31,976) 

Balance at 31 December 2008 265,000 413,330 678,330 

The property reserve represents Net Assets tied up in the property at Redfern House, Feltham, Middlesex. 

12. Financial Commitments 

At 31 December 2008 the company was committed to making the following 

payments under non-cancellable operating leases in the year to 31 December 2009: 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Operating leases which expire between two and five years 7,448 7,448 

13. Capital Commitments 

There were no capital commitments at the year end. 


Detailed Income and 

Expenditure Account 


2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Income (see below) 1,729,223 1,614,365 

Less: Related Expenditure (see below) (359,622) (330,478) 

Gross surplus 1,369,601 1,283,887 

Less: Administrative Expenses (see page 22) (1,283,200) (1,322,523) 

Operating surplus/(deficit) 86,401 (38,636) 

Impairment losses on land (31,976) - 

Surplus/(deficit) on ordinary activities before interest 54,425 (38,636) 

Interest receivable 40,609 44,929 

Surplus on ordinary activities before taxation 95,034 6,293 

Taxation (26,026) (5,241) 

Surplus for the year 69,008 1,052 

Detailed Analysis of Income 

and Related Expenditure 

As at 31 December 2008 

2008 

Income 

£ 

2008 

Expenditure 

£ 

2007 

Income 

£ 

2007 

Expenditure 

£ 

Membership 

Subscriptions 1,232,076 1,152,347 

Application fees 12,307 10,551 

1,244,383 1,162,898 

Commercial Activities 

Education and Training 392,820 291,566 338,266 251,437 

Publications 3,162 3,455 3,490 3,710 

Events 62,726 60,922 85,124 73,009 

FIATA and sundry sales 26,132 3,679 24,587 2,322 

484,840 359,662 451,467 330,478 

Total 1,729,223 359,622 1,614,365 330,478 

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements of the Association 


Detailed Analysis 

of Expenditure 


Administrative Expenses 

2008 

£ 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

2007 

£ 

Staff Costs 

Wages and Salaries 412,434 431,783 

National Insurance 39,634 41,915 

Pension costs 35,018 39,698 

487,086 513,396 

DG Designate costs - 23,049 

Permanent Health Insurance 7,776 8,859 

Private Health Insurance 6,323 9,181 

500,984 551,627 

Professional Services 56,175 41,614 

Office Costs: 

Insurances 6,866 7,586 

Audit fees 11,000 10,500 

Accountancy 7,405 7,650 

Legal and professional costs 9,217 63,556 

Annual report costs 8,002 5,566 

Rates 19,201 16,236 

Light and heat 2,088 3,826 

Postage and stationery 51,316 30,743 

Subscriptions 5,460 5,255 

Sundry office expenses 23,543 25,876 

Bank charges 3,315 3,370 

147,413 180,164 

Advertising 45,336 31,597 

Establishment costs 

Telecommunications 8,524 6,948 

Computer support/website 47,888 42,024 

Repairs and maintenance 54,244 38,426 

110,656 87,398 

Magazine costs 

BIFAlink 42,652 42,728 

Central Secretariat costs 23,980 26,228 

Board expenses 8,558 12,089 

Depreciation 32,999 33,659 

Policy Groups 22,381 21,387 

International representations 119,845 113,113 

Regional and Branch Committee costs 172,221 180,919 

1,283,200 1,322,523 

Regional and Branch Committee Costs 

2008 

£ 

2007 

£ 

North East England 32,447 31,879 

North West England and Northern Ireland 37,882 46,053 

Scotland 25,593 24,736 

South of England 39,552 41,394 

South East 36,747 36,857 

172,221 180,919 

22 BIFA Annual Report and Accounts 2008 

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements of the Association

Our People 

Policy Group Key 

l 

Chairman 

n 

Vice-Chairman 

s 

Co-opted 

Designed and produced by Intereurope Communications Group www.icgonline.co.uk 

Board of Directors 

The Board meets six times per year and has 

responsibility for the financial and strategic 

management of the Association. The Board 

takes account of all matters affecting the 

members and ensures that the Association 

maintains effective relationships with such 

bodies and organisations necessary for the 

conduct and development of the Association. 

National Chairman 


Vice-Chairman 

Andrew Melton 

Immediate Past 

Chairman 

Doug Overett 

Advisory Group 

Dangerous Goods 

Manager: John O’Connell 

Bob Cross (Chairman) 

Christine D’Arcy 

Andy Dearn 

Dave Green 

Clive Savigar 

Ray Stephens 

Dick Masters 



Executive Director 

Robert Keen 

Elected 

Roy Baker 

Clive Broadley 

Steve Parker 

Tommy Rodgers 

Auditors 

Alliotts. Friary Court, 13-21 High Street 

Guildford, Surrey GU1 3DL 

Bankers 

National Westminster Bank Plc 

136 The Centre, Feltham, 

Middlesex TW13 4BS 

Council Members 

The Council meets three times a year with 

responsibility to ensure that the interests 

of the members are protected at all times. 

It takes account of all matters affecting the 

industry and offers advice to the Board on 

any matters which the Board may bring 

before it. 

President 

The Rt. Hon. the 

Lord Fowler 

National Chairman 


Vice-Chairman 

Andrew Melton 

Policy Group Chairmen 

Air 

Mark Wardman 

Air Services 

Martyn Ratcliffe 

Customs Division 

Steve Parker 

Regional Committees 

Area Committee Chairmen 

Anglia 

TBA 

Humber 

TBA 

Kent and East 

Sussex 

Stephen Bishopp 

Liverpool 

Bernard Fairclough 

London East 

Geoff Hogg 

Manchester 

Brian Drakely 

Immediate 

Past Chairman 

Doug Overett 

Legal & Insurance 

Ron Willis 

Surface Division 

Mark Bromley 

Training & 

Development 

Iain Liddell 

Northern Ireland 

Carson McMullan 

Scotland 

Jim Cochrane 

Solent 

Mark Edwards 

South-West 

England & 

South Wales 

Georgina Bryant 

Yorkshire 

Joe Hemmingway 

Local Airport Committee Chairman 

Air Cargo Agents Executive (ACAE), 

Colin Young. Heathrow/Gatwick/Stansted 

in conjunction with ASM (UK) Ltd 

Vice-Presidents 

Angus Armstrong, Roy Baker, Ian Moran, 

Tommy Rodgers, Ron Willis 

BIFA Secretariat 

Peter Quantrill, Robert Keen 

Regional Representatives (attending) 

Alph Forrest, Nigel Peall, Geoff Stark, 

Colin Young, Paul Young 

Policy Group 

Air Policy Group 


Mark Wardman l 

Fred Osborn n 

Emily Ali 

Dave Boddington 

Steve Buckerfield 

Gerry Burgin s 

Graham Deane 

Brian Drakeley 

Ray Johnson 

Kevin Jones 

Air Services Policy Group 


Martyn Ratcliffe l 

Mick Baker 

Mick Ladd 

Peter May 

Richard McClean 

Customs Policy Group 

Manager: Christopher Starns 

Steve Parker l 

Dave Merritt n s 

Lorraine Badlan 

Roger Blacklock 

Phil Croucher 

Phil Evans 

Dewi Evans 

Simon Finch 

Ken Gower s 

Mervyn Griffiths 

Mark Hone 

Dave Howe 

Colin Joyce s 

Legal & Insurance Policy Group 

Manager: Robert Keen 

Ron Willis l 

Roy Baker 

Barry Circus 

Christine D’Arcy 

Christopher Dunn 

David Frugtniet 

Sajiv Gupta 

David Irving 

Peter Lole 

Surface Policy Group 

Manager: Christopher Starns 

Mark Bromley l 

Michel Mignot n 

Lorraine Badlan 

Nigel Barnet 

Paul Black 

Alan Burnet 

Simon Canning 

Richard Choroszewski 

Noel Collins 

Ray Elmes 

John Foorde 

John Goodman 

Geoff Hogg 

Richard McCarthy 

Kevin McLean 

David Lara 

Linda Pearson 

Steve Rudge 

Mick Scholefield 

Keith Smaggersgale 

Eddie Stroud 

Maurice Webb 

Tony Rawlings 

Jeremy Westbrooke 

Paul Williams 

David Woodward 

Roger Kagan 

Peter MacSwiney s 

Andrew Melton 

Alan Moore 

Lynne Wilkinson 

Mark Payton 

Vicky Petrova 

Glenn Skinner 

Darren Southwell s 

Alan Stones 

Joe Toscano 

Maurice Webb 

Brian Winter 

David Martin-Clark 

Andrew Melton 

Craig Neame 

Derek O’Brien 

Michael Parker 

Julian Pidgeon 

Kay Pysden 

Edward Stroud 

Derek Johnson MBE 

Julian Keet 

Tracey-Anne Lane 

Iain Liddell 

John Lyon 

Mick Micallef 

Jeffrey Moore 

Dennis Morris 

Dawn Rivers 

Bob Shreeve 

Joe Toscano 

Vaughan Woolfitt 

Training & Development Policy Group 

Manager: Sharon Hammond 

Iain Liddell l 

Stephanie Amazias 

Julie Curran 

Faye Deeming 

Sally Gale 

Tracy Gregory 

Tracey Harvey 

Geoff Hogg 

Colin Joyce 

Robert Keen 

Margaret Mackintosh 

Susan Maloney 

Gill McBride 

Ashley Nichols 

Nigel Peall 


Geoff Stark 

Fotios Tyris 

Rebecca Wood 

Elizabeth Youngs 


British International 

Freight Association 

Redfern House 

Browells Lane 

Feltham 

Middlesex 

TW13 7EP 

United Kingdom 

T: +44 (0)20 8844 2266 

F: +44 (0)20 8890 5546 

E: bifa@bifa.org 

W: www.bifa.org 

75% 

Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX 

April 2009

British International Freight Association Annual Report and Accounts ...

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