www.bifa.org
YFF Profile
Louis Perrin accepts his BIFA Award from host Levi Roots
(right). Left is Steve Buckerfield of
sponsor Virgin Atlantic Cargo
BIFAlink
in the world, yet we need it every day.” To this end, he is keen to highlight
Hemisphere’s efforts. Members of the team are currently undertaking various training courses which include hazardous goods, advanced customs clearance, logistics leaders of the future, and freight forwarding training courses, Louis confirmed. Furthermore, BIFA is working with the
government on an apprenticeship scheme and once this is in place, Hemisphere will participate. “We want people to see the whole logistics process from start to finish and get hands-on experience,” Louis stressed. “Behind a computer you do not learn half as much as if you are out there in the field.” Louis feels he had the best of both worlds.
Studying for his FDA Logistics & Transport part- time, he applied the methodologies of his university course on the job – and he continues to push himself. Lately, for instance, project cargo has been a particular focus for him. “It is very interesting – it is challenging, and it keeps you on your toes.”
Forward thinking
The winner of BIFA’s Young Freight Forwarder Award for 2017, Louis Perrin of Hemisphere Freight Services, is certainly not resting on his laurels
There are several striking things about this year’s BIFA Young Freight Forwarder. Hemisphere Freight Services director Louis Perrin is mature, level-headed, dynamic and passionate – and he has very clear ideas for taking not only his own career and company forward, but the whole logistics industry, too. “Before I started working in this industry I had
no idea just how great it is,” he said. Louis started his career working for Hemisphere in the company’s warehouse; moving over to the sales side of the operation, he thrived on trips to China and South America, among other locations.
Love of travel That love of travel – part of his outward-looking character – was nurtured during his childhood, in which shipping and logistics played “a huge part”, he reflected. “I was fascinated by visiting ports and seeing container vessels as well as meeting new people when accompanying my father on business trips overseas.” Now: “I get to work with people from all over
the world – as well as dealing with different industries, markets and products. It is such a
April 2018
Further development What is next for this year’s BIFA Young Freight Forwarder? Directly as a result of his win, he has been invited to write a 6,000-word dissertation for the FIATA congress in Delhi; if successful, he will be presenting it there. YFF Award sponsor Virgin Atlantic Cargo, meanwhile, has also been in touch. “The Young Freight Forwarder Award has led
to more opportunities to meet different people, to grow our company and the industry. “While I may have come a long way, there is a
lot more I want to do. I plan to continue developing our in-house systems to provide our clients and team with a more transparent, informative and live view of their shipments and supply chain. “I also want to further develop our global trade
networks to enhance information exchange, logistics products and ultimately client experience. “However, most of all, I want to provide
variety of projects so you develop a broad skill and knowledge base.” But ‘logistics’ as a career was never
mentioned in school or at college, Louis pointed out. “I think we need to promote it more to the younger generation. It is a pivotal industry all over the world; students are not shown its place
education and opportunity to both our existing team members and young people in schools and colleges. Via graduate schemes and further training, I hope to enhance the professional development and fulfilment of both newcomers as well as our existing team, and also help to promote the industry to the next generation. “It is a competitive industry but I feel that there
are opportunities to work closely with industry peers for the mutual benefit of strengthening our industry and the valuable services that we all provide,” Louis concluded.
15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20