Page 19 - Linkline Yearbook 2018

As economic times improve, “Ireland once again has the real potential to develop as a ‘go-to’ place for international shipping business,” explains Helen. Of course, one very large cloud on the horizon for the industry is Brexit. The decision taken by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has major consequences for the transport, logistics and supply chain sector. The issue of what to do with the Irish border has finally started to gather momentum and, as no surprise to all within the sector, it now appears as one of the major sticking points in the Brexit negotiations. Quotes and terms such as “Brexit means Brexit”, “a hard Brexit” and “a soft Brexit” were bandied around in the early days after the UK vote seemingly without any real focus. They were term used to talk about a multiplicity of issues but with immigration issues seemingly at the core. A “hard Brexit” will however have significant repercussions for the island of Ireland. When the United Kingdom leaves the EU, Ireland will become an island within an island and the impact on our transport, logistics and supply chain sector will be huge. An already complex border issue with a difficult history has become even more complicated with the Conservative power sharing alliance with the DUP which has served to introduce a further political dimension to this trade issue.
transport, freight forwarding, logistics and supply chain, operations management, ports, maritime and waterways, rail and transport planning. This level of harmonisation is essential to ensure consistency in high professional and educational standards and an industry that works in a cohesive and seamless manner. She says, “I think it is fair to say that we have reached a point where the outward perception of CILT is that we are too focused on one or two areas of the sector to the exclusion of others.” Helen’s aim is that CILT will actively embrace membership from all areas of the transport, logistics and supply chain sector to ensure CILT is the collective and relevant voice of the sector. Helen adds, “we should be recognised as thought leaders throughout these sectors.”
To this end, Helen is keen to harness the considerable resources at the Institute’s disposal. We have a diverse membership. Some of our members are the key leaders within Ireland’s transport, logistics and supply chain sector. Those that are key leaders in the sector and that are not currently members will be encouraged to join. Over the next two years Helen aims to foster the relationship with those key leaders and to put those key leaders at the very heart of the organisation. This will empower CILT to be the relevant, collective and professional voice of the transport, logistics and supply chain sector, enable access to all members to the different industry areas and provide them with relevant networking opportunities to develop and enhance their careers, and it will ensure that education remains accessible, up to date with industry needs and requirements and at the highest standard possible.
Helen concluded “as an institute we produce some great research and do so much great work, and I would love to use that to promote what our members do and focus on and develop our identity as an organisation. There’s a busy two years ahead, but we have a strong and very skilled Council, we have an innovative Vice President, we have a new forward thinking CEO and we have excellent staff. There is a genuine enthusiasm and renewed vigour within the institute and I look forward to achieving our goals together.”
th Helen is pleased to report that on 24
January 2018 CILT Chapters in the UK and Ireland are holding a joint event on
Brexit to focus on this issue entitled, “The All Island Supply Chain - BREXIT.” In what is becoming an increasingly entrenched political position on the UK and Irish sides, the event will explore the practical issues to an all island supply chain post Brexit. As the sector’s professional membership body this type of event is crucial to ensure the voice of the sector is debated and is heard.
While Helen does acknowledge the threat that British departure from the European Union will present to the viability and sustainability of many companies and operators within Ireland’s the transport, logistics and supply chain sector, she also points to potential opportunities. “Brexit is a huge concern for anyone in the transport or logistics industry, we will face particular challenges due to the border and the massive volume of traffic between the UK and Ireland,” says Helen. “However, it’s very important that we are not passive but also that we look to take advantage of any opportunities Brexit may present for our industry.” British insurers have already this year indicated a number of moves to Ireland to serve customers post Brexit such as LGEN.L. Within two days of each other in the third week of November two of the world’s largest ship protection and indemnity insurers announced they were setting up European union subsidies in Dublin, the Standard P&I Club and North of England P&I Club. “This is a hugely exciting development for the maritime sector in Ireland and certainly is a stride on the aspiration road for a “Maritime Cluster.”
Vision for CILT
In terms of her vision for her two-year term as President, Helen is keen to ensure that CILT is clearly identifiable as the professional membership body for all within the transport, logistics and supply chain sector. This includes those involved in the areas of travel and planning, aviation, bus and coach
Immediate Past President Paddy Doherty awarding Helen with her Fellowship in September 2017
The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT 19
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