The British International Freight Association (BIFA) today hosted a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. The aim was to drive policy towards a more secure and efficient UK trading border.
Improving UK border processes
Led by BIFA Director General Steve Parker, the hour-long discussion focused on creating a secure and efficient border for trade. Held at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre, the session brought together policymakers and industry representatives. This included Anna Jerzewska, PhD, Customs rapporteur for EuroCommerce and Trade and customs policy expert on the new TSS consortium and Mike Reader, Chair of the International Trade and Investment All-Party Parliamentary Group.
The conversation explored how to create a modern UK border that strengthens security while facilitating trade. The conference also discussed domestic and international policy levers to help reduce costs for firms trading overseas.
Steve Parker commented, “For freight forwarders, getting the balance right between border processes and customs requirements is critical. The systems that support them have a direct impact on the movement of goods, supply chain resilience and the ability of UK businesses to trade internationally.
“Engaging directly with policymakers is an important part of representing our members. We want to ensure the practical experience of freight forwarders is heard as the UK develops its future trade and border policy.”
Conversations at the event also explored the practical challenges facing businesses moving goods across the UK border. There were also discussions on the importance of ensuring that future policy reflects the realities experienced by freight forwarders.
The event forms part of BIFA’s ongoing engagement with policymakers to ensure the freight forwarding sector has a voice about the future of UK and international trade and border policy.
