 |
  In May this year Gavin Roser and his co-host Garth Thorne were delighted
to host the prestigious European Freight & Logistics Leaders Forum
conference in Glasgow.
The theme was "Trends in UK Logistics and Their Impact on the
Other Member States in the EU".
The event was deemed a superb success by all. |
| |
 The
Scottish Minister for Transport, Nicol Stephen MSP (pictured right),
talked about the major changes in the Scottish Transport sector with
particular
reference to their impact on the freight and logistics industry.
Garth
Thorne chaired the Conference on Friday in the Trades Hall, where
F&L members heard a number of high-calibre Speakers. Chris
Green, Chairman of Virgin Rail gave a fascinating presentation on the lessons
rail freight
can learn from the highly successful long distance passenger sector.
Derrick Potter, Chief Executive of the Potter Group, one of the most
successful
UK intermodal companies, outlined the impact of transportation on the
supply chain and showed how his company distributes traffic throughout
the UK
by combining the best aspects of road and rail.
Above: The Minister (second from left) chats with F&L Members during
the Conference
|
| |
 Lord
Tony Berkeley, Chairman of the Railfreight Group, focused on the UK initiatives
that have Continental applications and stated that rail must be brought
into contention for freight flows currently carried by road.
David Ross, President of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, passed on
a positive message about the state of Scottish business and the potential
to expand exports to the European Single Market.
Dr Harold Mills, Chairman of Caledonian MacBrayne, explained the lifeline
service his company provides to those who live on the remote islands
of Scotland and illustrated his presentation with some charming pictures
of his ferries carrying freight many years ago.
Garth Thorne (second from right) welcomes the Speakers and chairs the
Presentations in the Trades Hall, Glasgow
|
| |
 Stephen
Fitzgerald, CEO of Infratil Airport Holdings and newly in Scotland
from Australia, talked in particular about Glasgow Prestwick Airport and
the importance of air freight in the global economy.
In addition, Bill Burns, Managing Director of the proposed Hunterston
Container Terminal on the Clyde, discuss the role of Scotland in the
context of international container shipping.
Gavin Roser is delighted to welcome the F&L Management Committee,
in the Clydeport Building of Glasgow.
|
| |
After a Civic Dinner generously hosted by the Lord Provost, F&L
members were entertained by Gavin Roser's account of the many , many
products invented
in Scotland by the Scottish people - aside, of course, from Scotch whisky!
See below left.
Above: Gavin speaking in the Glasgow City Chambers
|
Mary McLaughlin, Director of Transport at Scottish Enterprise welcomed
the Conference to Glasgow and sponsored a dinner on the Tall Ship
in Glasgow. After the dinner Garth Thorne spoke eloquently and humorously,
and thanked the Sponsors for their contribution to the event.
 Members were further treated to a superb presentation by Mr Richard
Paterson, Master Blender at Whyte & Mackay, who educated us
in the fine art of Scotch whisky tasting (see below).
Richard
Paterson (left) and Wout Pronk (right) of Geest North Sea Line B.V). |
|
| |
Garth and Gavin thank once again the Sponsors of the Conference
|
|
|
|
