These include ensuring UK port interests feature in the Brexit negotiations and encouraging increased Government investment in port road and rail connections. The BPA has also recently launched a lobbying campaign on ‘port zones’ which encourages policy makers to ensure port activity and development are not negatively impacted by marine protection designations. Also for 2017 the BPA aims to develop a network of port communication managers to look at opportunities for collective promotion of the sector.
Following the retirements of the BPA’s longstanding figures David Whitehead and Monica Williams towards the end of 2016 the BPA has a new team to drive the agenda forward in the coming year.
Richard Ballantyne said: “This is an exciting time for the BPA and this energetic and ambitious new team comprised of Sara Walsh, Mark Simmonds and Stuart Wealands will help drive and enhance the BPA’s work with government. We enjoy an excellent working relationship with Ministers and officials in the various parts of government around the UK and we will continue to provide a key interface and focal point for the ports sector. In 2017 the BPA will be working to support our members in a number of ways and build on the excellent platform and network that we have. From Brexit to regional and national devolution there are a number of opportunities for the ports sector in the coming year.”
BPA Chairman Rodney Lunn echoed Richard’s comments and said: “We are delighted that Richard Ballantyne is leading the new BPA team into 2017. There are a variety of challenges we face and this will be a key year for the association. We are an independent sector, which uses its own resources to invest, develop and grow but we rely on government to provide a stable and competitive policy environment. The ports industry depends on the right national policies being passed and we are confident that the BPA’s new team is in a strong position to promote these to the various tiers of government around the UK. Ports are at the heart of the economy and we are continually looking for ways in which the BPA can work with government to help improve the growth opportunities for the industry. We are also very much looking forward to this year’s Annual BPA Conference, which will be hosted by the Port of Poole on 18th & 19th October, and provides a focal point where the industry can come together.”