The winners of the British International Freight Association's (BIFA) freight forwarding and logistics awards were announced at a recent ceremony hosted by Christine Hamilton, media personality and after-dinner speaker.
The BIFA Annual Lunch and Awards Ceremony was held in London and was attended by more than 400 guests, including finalists, sponsors and industry figures.
All finalists received a framed certificate presented by the Host, Christine Hamilton, and BIFA President, Sir Peter Bottomley MP, who also made the welcoming address.
Three BIFA Members, who entered the Awards for the first time this year: Brunel Shipping, Ligentia Group and Radius Logistics, made the final shortlist of 34 finalists. The awards, now in their 23rd year, also attracted three new sponsors; as well as six returning sponsors.
In addition, Cardinal Maritime sponsored the official Programme and SDV sponsored the event Host.
The overall winners of the BIFA Freight Service Awards 2011 are:
- Air Freight Award, sponsored by British Airways World Cargo: Woodland Group.
- Environment Award, sponsored by Red Recruit: Yusen Logistics (UK).
- European Logistics Award, sponsored by TT Club: Uniserve Group.
- Ocean Freight Award, sponsored by CargoWise: Ideal International.
- Project Forwarding Award, sponsored by Peter Lole & Co: Asco Freight Management.
- Special Services Award, sponsored by Forward Computers: Aramex.
- Staff Development Award, sponsored by Albacore Systems: Schenker.
- Supply Chain Management Award, sponsored by BoxTop Technologies: SBS Worldwide.
- Young Freight Forwarder Award, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo: Izabela Trojanowska from Radius Logistics.
The runner-up finalists in each category were as follows:
- Air Freight Award - NNR Global Logistics UK, Uniserve Group.
- Environment Award - Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics, MacAndrews & Company, Uniserve Group.
- European Logistics Award - Laser Transport International, MacAndrews & Company, UFS.
- Ocean Freight Award - Brunel Shipping & Liner Services, Uniserve Group.
- Project Forwarding Award - Allseas Global Logistics, Peters & May, Premier Showfreight.
- Special Services Award - Delamode, Woodland Group, Worldwide Book Services.
- Staff Development Award - Aramex, Kuehne + Nagel, Worldwide Book Services.
- Supply Chain Management Award - Allport, Damco UK, Laser Transport International.
- Young Freight Forwarder Award - Jeannine Chapman from Ligentia Group; Jonathan Sprigens from Damco; Katie Starkie from Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics.
Peter Quantrill, BIFA Director General, said: "In the years I have been involved in these Awards, I have been convinced that they serve as a benchmark of best practice, both for Members and non-Members.
"As in every year, these entrants show strong interest in the Awards that have come to represent the best of British forwarding. I appreciate that entering the Awards takes time and effort and I applaud the effort put into the entries that were, as ever, of the highest quality.
"Despite a year which was tough for our Members, we had a fantastic response to the competition, with top quality entries, which were judged by a panel of industry experts.
The achievements of the winners included evidence of ongoing efforts to conserve the global environment; the delivery of remarkable global project logistics support following a global disaster; and a development of e-commerce products tailored to an internet-based business in the retail sector.
One winner had implemented a programme of staff empowerment and development; whilst another was rewarded for consolidating the supply chain for a medical publishing client.
A breakthrough year in the development of its airfreight product resulted in another winning performance. The construction and implementation of a cost-effective and flexible logistics solutions helped another entry take the glory, whilst the development of added value in an ocean freight product helped another entrant win.
Added Quantrill: "Izabela Trojanowska from Radius Logistics who won the Young Freight Forwarder Award deserves a special mention. Having moved to the UK from her native Poland six years ago to study; just over a year ago, she established her own company, Radius Logistics.
"The judges were impressed with Izabela's personal drive and commitment to the freight forwarding industry. She considers the freight forwarders' role to be vital in the supply chain and gives full attention to understanding and meeting her customers' needs."
Mr Quantrill summed up another successful Awards competition and ceremony thus: "The entries submitted for this year's Awards once again demonstrated the resilience and innovative nature of the forwarding industry.
"All of the submissions clearly demonstrated the willingness of BIFA Members to develop their products and services to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers."
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