BIFA Young Forwarder Network launches events for members

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) Young Forwarder Network (YFN) will host a free professional development event for its members near Heathrow, London.

A highlight of the event is the involvement of professional speaker and coach Rudee Bertie, who will provide insight into how members can increase their confidence and personal brand through better professional networking.

Bertie has previously worked in the fields of freight forwarding, air cargo and customs brokerage. Having started his career as an apprentice, he has acquired 30 years of extensive knowledge about the complex business of customs clearance. In addition, he has set up his own company.

At the BIFA YFN professional event in August, Bertie will give presentations on confidence-boosting tips, based on his own experiences in the industry.

Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s training development manager said: “The four initial launch events have been very successful. During each of the initial launch events, participants were given an opportunity to discuss how they would like their regional groups to operate going forwards.

“Less formal events, easily accessible venues, engaging speakers, later start times were the common feedback themes.

“The upcoming event in August is one immediate response, but each YFN group is also organising behind-the-scenes tours.

“All the regional groups are planning careers events to take place in Spring 2020 and it has also been agreed that all apprentices (that are members of the YFN) can benefit from a 20% reduction in the cost of any BIFA training course.

“What we now need is for BIFA members to actively encourage and support attendance of their staff at YFN events, as well as support in the form of patronage, connecting the YFN with engaging speakers, sponsorship, as well as providing facilities for meetings.

“I appreciate that companies want a return on their investment of time, but I am convinced that they will get this by supporting BIFA’s YFN initiative and its activities.”