UK’s young forwarders rise to the challenge with virtual bake off

Carl Hobbis

The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) Young Forwarder Network (YFN) will be relaunched online later this month, with members asked to prove themselves with a virtual ‘Bake Off’.

BIFA said that “The virtual ‘Bake Off’ will be the first of various online events that will be held including web-based quizzes, guest interviews, training masterclasses and Q&A sessions as it looks to get things back underway.

The BIFA Bake Off can’t be about taste, so will be about the look of the baked item. Three judges have been appointed and participants will also be able to vote – the dreaded public vote.

BIFA director general, Robert Keen said: “Lockdown caused a halt to the networking activities of our YFN shortly after it had celebrated a very successful first year of operation in March. The question for BIFA, was how could we keep the momentum going?

“We know that young people see the value in the YFN, so worked with YFN committee members and developed a plan to keep the network going – but online through video conferencing.”

Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s training development manager added: “Initially, we were obviously mindful that businesses have had many new challenges due to Covid-19, and more pressing priorities.

“But the development of BIFA’s YFN continues to be of great importance, and via the use of video conferencing online, members of the regional groups will be able to interact with one another.

“The virtual ‘Bake Off’ will be the first of various online events that will be held including web-based quizzes, guest interviews, training masterclasses, Q&A sessions and so forth.”

BIFA launched the YFN in March 2019 to create several regional networking groups, operated by young forwarders and intended to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.

Its success over the past 14 months has not gone unnoticed, with six regional groups established and over 20 networking events held, attended by hundreds of young individuals.

Share this story

Related Topics

Latest freight forwarder news

Korean Air connects with DHL through APIs

DHL Global Forwarding is continuing to add direct connections to its airline partner’s booking systems, this time integrating with Korean…

Read More

Share this story

More than 20 parties interested in buying DB Schenker

Deutsche Bahn (DB) yesterday provided an update on its plan to sell DB Schenker during the announcement of its full-year…

Read More

Share this story

Kerry launches Europe-Oceania air-sea operation

Kerry Logistics has launched an air-sea operation from Europe to Australia and New Zealand as it looks to combat extended…

Read More

Share this story

Damian Brett

Damian Brett
I have been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007 when I joined International Freighting Weekly to cover the shipping sector.After a stint in PR, I have gone on to work for Containerisation International and Lloyds List - where I was editor of container shipping - before joining Air Cargo News in 2015.Contact me on [email protected]