The British International Freight Association (BIFA) today hosted a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, aiming to drive policy towards a more secure and efficient UK trading border.

Led by BIFA Director General Steve Parker, the hour-long discussion focused on creating a secure and efficient border for trade against a backdrop of challenges.Held at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre, the session brought together policymakers and industry representatives including, 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.

Discussions focused on what is needed to deliver a modern UK border that both secures and facilitates trade, as well as exploring 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 and ensuring 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, and the importance of ensuring that future policy reflects the realities experienced by freight forwarders and their customers.

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.