The trade association that represents UK freight forwarding and logistics companies established this policy group in 2023 to help identify and report on environmental-related issues which are already impacting members’ business operations, as well as those that may do so in the future.

Sam is a graduate of Goldsmiths, University of London, and prior to working for Woodland Group, one of the UK’s largest independent logistics businesses, was environmental and sustainability officer for Chelmsford City Council.

He was elected at the policy group’s meeting held in March, which discussed wider sustainable goals with a strong emphasis on developing pragmatic policies to benefit members.

​​​At the meeting, consideration was given to two EU measures, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which are both impacting the UK. The former indirectly, as members are being requested to provide carbon emissions data for moving goods into the EU.

The ETS, which is in its infancy, is impacting shipping lines, which are incurring additional taxes for emissions generated for maritime movements into the EU from outside the bloc.

Commenting on Sam’s election, BIFA Director General, Steve Parker,  said that all BIFA members are at different stages of their journey in regards to the development of policy that addresses environmental and sustainability issues within supply chains they manage.

“Sam will be chairing a recently-formed group that is designed to help shape best practice guidance; and influence how BIFA’s policy and compliance staff can represent members' interests on this subject in our interaction with Government and other stakeholders that are developing legislation on the matter.”

Sam added: “Environmental and sustainability issues are not new. Over time, the environmental agenda within freight and logistics has developed. Whilst the focus is often about carbon emissions, there are other wide-ranging generic issues. I am delighted to have been elected as the first chair of what will certainly be a very important policy group.”