Winners 2020

Judges’ comments: the quality of entries in this category was very high and choosing a winner was a difficult task. The demonstration of new and innovative ways in which businesses are engaging with their customers, and developing their products and services, is very impressive. It is great to see pioneering work taking place across the sector in the UK.

Working with a healthcare products supplier, Simarco Worldwide Logistics reacted to a significant change in their customer’s requirements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Simarco were tasked by their customer to handle increased quantities and reduce lead times for shipments from manufacture in Portugal and China to distribution centres in the USA. By the end of September 2020 close to 500 tonnes of cargo had been shipped by air under DDP terms.

Judges’ comments: the judges felt that Atlantic Pacific’s entry demonstrated in-depth ocean freight knowledge, along with excellent planning and coordination skills, to deliver a complete ocean freight service on time and on budget. From the coordination of multiple vendors overseas, to working around the on-site restrictions for deliveries, Atlantic Pacific showcased the skill set needs for a modern-day ocean freight forwarder.

The green credentials of the entry were also much appreciated by the judges.

Judges’ comments: DB Schenker provided a great demonstration of strategic project forwarding skills in aiding Hitachi Rail to review their import process for transit of 135 railcars and panels being shipped from Japan to their manufacturing site in the UK for the UK West Coast Main Line. DB Schenker’s out of the box thinking and critical examination of the existing methodology found a new route for this large scale cargo resulting in improved customs clearance, shorter delivery times, cost savings and a greener footprint.

Judges’ comments: for NNR, the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19, meant that ‘doing the day job’, had become an impossible task, and therefore required ‘out of the box’ thinking to be adopted as the norm. To face this challenge, whilst adding value and enhancing services needs to be commended and shows a true Specialist Service. Extensive use of IT solutions, customised to the client’s requirements, is proving pivotal to increasing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Judges’ comments: B&H Worldwide successfully implemented a complex global supply chain for one of their Airline customers. This involved all aspects of the supply chain, from meeting time critical deadlines to shipping oversized cargo. By integrating their partners and vendors worldwide, B&H delivered in a number of areas, not least in terms of efficiency and cost savings.

Judges' comments: developing a bespoke cool supply chain solution with a UK partner Gist were able to meet customer demands. The challenge to push the boundaries of the possible was met, resulting in an innovative, durable design boasting environmental attributes through reuse and ability to be recycled.

Judges' comments: during a challenging year that included restricted travel arrangements, United Worldwide Logistics worked closely with their customer to build a relationship and go that extra mile to help restore and grow their customer’s business whilst at the same time securing future business for themselves. Their approach to working with customers and supporting their challenges was echoed in the testimonials received.

Kuehne + Nagel Judges' Comments: in spite of the interruption to his apprenticeship caused by the UK national lockdown Ryan returned from furlough with enthusiasm. His submission to the Apprentice of the Year was supported by a glowing manager's report. Ryan impressed the judges with his interview and presentation which was an impressive and well written piece.

Ryan is on the BIFA Young Forwarder Network Local Organising Committee in the North West and also the Virtual Organising Committee, and has hosted events both face-to-face and virtual. Congratulations Ryan, it looks like you have a great career ahead of you.

Kuehne + Nagel Judges' Comments: this has been a turbulent year and Katy is someone who has acted on the front line of a freight forwarder during arguably the most challenging year on record. Katy’s initial ambition had been to join the Royal Navy but a change of tack saw her studying Maritime Business and Management at Liverpool John Moore’s University. On graduation Katy joined the graduate scheme at Kuehne + Nagel and has now been with the company for five years.

True to her love of all things maritime, Katy has specialised in sea freight and now leads a busy team and continues to expand her knowledge of the industry. Congratulations Katy and good luck in the international competition!

Judges' Comments: Morrison Freight specialise in the transport of goods to and from Europe, a business that has seen numerous challenges in the past year including problems at Channel ports, Brexit and of course the issues associated with COVID-19. Throughout this Morrison Freight has continued to grow and invest in employees recognising that happy staff equals happy customers.

Although approximately 25% of personnel were initially furloughed, the directors organised training courses to ensure the individuals remained engaged and returned to the company confident and ready to provide excellent customer service.