BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network, is probably one of the most important - and unique - developments for young people in our industry. We explore Metro’s Colin Smith’s role in the YFN story.

Colin Smith is Metro’s Training & Career Development Manager and has been developing our young people with the skills and attitudes needed in the world of work for many years.

Beyond filling skills gaps, businesses need to constantly innovate and change to retain a competitive edge in the forwarding market and young people are uniquely placed to address both issues.

The business case for engaging with young people is clear and prompted Colin to join industry association BIFA’s steering group, in developing the original Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship.

Ensuing workshops facilitated by Colin and BIFA colleagues compared what managers and owners of companies wanted, with the need to harness the ambitions and skills of their young forwarders, to future-proof their businesses.

Evolving from the apprenticeship scheme and these workshops the Young Forwarder Network (YFN) is committed to supporting career development, improving young people’s industry knowledge and shaping the future, with regional networking groups. To meet and learn from industry professionals and boost their continuous professional development.

Colin is a governor of the Midlands Group, providing guidance and support to the Chair and Vice Chair and, with Metro’s support, sponsoring events, including the inaugural event “Insights into what customer often really want”.

Despite COVID-19 the midlands YFN group is maintaining a schedule of virtual events, in line with its mission, to boost knowledge, share skills, advice and experience from industry professionals.

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Head of Finance, Laurence Burford, joined Metro directly from academia, graduating in Law and Biomedical sciences from Staffordshire and Durham Universities.

Failure to comply with regulatory requirements can have financial, legal and reputational consequences for businesses.

Laurence joined Metro in 2011, taking responsibility for legal and compliance, implementing effective compliance policies and educating employees on their use.

Staying informed on the different regulations with which Metro must comply Laurence is constantly reviewing potential issues; adapting and implementing procedures to address them.

In 2016 Laurence was recognised as Metro’s employee of the year. In the same year he was promoted to his current role, which encompasses accounts, finance, quality, legal and compliance tasks.

In addition to implementing new operating systems for joint venture partners in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, Laurence has successfully navigated Metro, and joint venture partner Fracht, to critical AEO and ISO quality accreditations.

With lower inspection rates, faster release and preferential treatment by Customs, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accreditation, could be critical, Post-Brexit.

Every day the Metro team face issues and uncertainties that may represent risk or an opportunity for growth and development, depending on how they are tackled.

Laurence’s approach to corporate governance, risk management and compliance protects Metro, improving our ability to create and deliver value.