SEAHORSE FREIGHT ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES MENTORING PROGRAM AND REWARDS EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM

The not-for-profit, which champions excellence in supply chain reporting, announced plans for new training and mentoring programmes at its annual awards ceremony

Seahorse Freight Association celebrated journalistic excellence in the transport and logistics sector at its annual awards ceremony on Monday, and announced plans for a new mentoring scheme, as well as a training partnership with the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

Over 150 guests gathered in central London to applaud winners in 11 categories rewarding excellence in journalism across the supply chain industry.

At the event in central London, Seahorse launched a new Mentoring Scheme offering young and aspiring journalists pastoral support to help them fulfil their career ambitions, guide them through a difficult patch, or assist them to resolve a problem at work.

The scheme is self-service, allowing mentees to enter and leave as they wish, providing some simple guidelines are followed. The mentors will be volunteers.

“As well as recognising excellence in journalism in our sector, a key focus for Seahorse is the support and career development of young media professionals entering into our industry,” said Emma Murray, Chair of Seahorse and Chief Executive Officer, Meantime Communications.

“We want to help the industry to attract the very best, and ensure career ambitions are fulfilled and talented professionals stay with the industry.

“With this in mind, we have been working to launch initiatives to support and mentor newcomers joining us.”

As well as the mentorship scheme, Seahorse is announcing a partnership with the British International Freight Association to launch a new educational initiative designed specifically for journalists and other staff working with the media that are newcomers to the freight and logistics sector.

The course, titled “Freight & Customs Fundamentals for Media Executives,” aims to bridge the knowledge gap and provide incoming staff with an understanding of the complexities of international trade, freight management and customs procedures.

This year’s Seahorse Journalism Awards received entries from across the globe for categories, including; Multimedia, Maritime, Air Cargo, Overland, Technology, Supply Chain, and new category Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Journalist of the Year.

There were also awards for Journalist of the Year, News Journalist of the Year, Feature Journalist of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year.

The Personality of the Year Award was handed to Gavin Allwright, Secretary General of the International Windship Association for his dedication to renewable energy innovation in the maritime sector.

Peter Edwards, co-founder of Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding  International Magazine, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award recognising a varied career in the industry stretching back to 1959.

Portcare’s Maria Udy, who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer was recognised with a special award for her dedication to Seahorse and to working with the freight community.

“The Seahorse Awards, not only acknowledge talent and creativity, but also to pay tribute to the vital role that journalism plays in the freight and logistics sector,” said Murray.

“They are more than a recognition of individual achievement; they symbolize the collective effort of all those who strive to improve communication.”

The Seahorse Awards, were, once again, judged by a gender-balanced panel comprised of 24 industry professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The Seahorse Awards are supported by headline sponsor AAL Shipping, with categories sponsored by the TT Club, Lloyd’s Register, DNV, The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), Davies Turner, PSA International, Global K9 Protection Group, Meantime Communications, Port of London Authority, and Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

The Seahorse Freight Association is a not-for-profit organisation, which was founded in 1962 to bring companies in the supply chain, logistics, and transport industry together with the media who report on them and the Public Relations and marketing professionals who work in the sector.

For more information about the Seahorse Mentoring program and new training scheme, please visit www.seahorseclub.co.uk