Jennifer shows the way forward for young people in the UK Freight Industry

Taking a leading role in the launch of two high profile high street brands into the South African market has helped to earn Jenifer Taylor of Santova Logistics the coveted prize of ‘Young Freight Forwarder of the Year’, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Cargo, in the British International Freight Association’s Freight Service Awards.

Jenifer, who has worked with Santova for four and-a-half years, received her prize at the annual BIFA awards ceremony in London, attended by over 500 executives from the British freight industry. She said: “This is the proudest moment of my career so far! It was an honour to stand in front of some of the biggest businesses and most influential people in the industry and be recognised as being the best in my field. I am constantly learning something new, the industry is vibrant and ever changing, and every day brings another exciting challenge. I enjoy the constant need for problem solving and providing effective solutions, and Santova Logistics provides an ideal environment for innovation.” Jenifer was encouraged to enter for the award by Grant Crews, Managing Director of Santova Logistics after rising through the ranks of the company, gaining valuable experience, and, in the past year, using her operational skills to support the launch of two of Santova’s customers in South Africa. “The Freight Industry is a relatively unknown field for school-leavers and recently qualified graduates. It is the lifeblood for global trade and helps shape the economies of the world and the barriers of entry for young people are lower than in many other sectors. This combination creates a fantastic opportunity for young people to build a career in this innovative industry. The BIFA awards puts the high achievers on a pedestal and builds awareness which will ultimately inspire young people to enter the industry,” Grant stated. This is the fourth consecutive year that Virgin Atlantic Cargo has sponsored BIFA’s Young Freight Forwarder of the Year award as part of its support of the UK freight forwarding industry and to promote career paths in the industry to young people. The award category is open to individuals working for a BIFA Member company who are under the age of 32, with, preferably, a minimum of two years’ employment in the freight industry. Maria Sanchez- Grant, Regional Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, at Virgin Atlantic Cargo, said: “We are proud to continue our support of this award and to help encourage more young people to look at the fantastic career opportunities the freight industry has to offer. Jenifer is a great example of the progress a young person can make so early in their career if they are dedicated, motivated and hard working and we wish her every success for the future.”