He replaces Nigel Peall, who is retiring, and becomes one of five consultants appointed by BIFA to engage with members and other stakeholders at a local level to provide support and information as required.

Newman celebrates a 45-year career in the freight industry this year having started back in 1970 when he joined Lufthansa’s import department.

His career has included roles within freight forwarding companies, as well as port organisations.

He has also launched his own forwarding agency and customs brokerage, which traded successfully before being sold.

In the 1980s, Newman was instrumental in the beginnings of the Felixstowe Cargo Processing system (FCP80), which is now Destin 8 managed by MCP Plc.

Prior to moving into a consultancy role with BIFA he was general manager for sea and airfreight at Alpi UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Italy’s Albini & Pitigliani SpA.

BIFA Director General, Robert Keen, says: “We are lucky to have a first class team of consultants that hold regular meetings all over the UK, providing assistance and advice at a local level.  These consultants also manage, maintain and develop BIFA Regional Committees and BIFA Member meetings in their respective regions and also organise events, seminars and support training activity.  They also report to the appropriate BIFA Policy Group, Advisory Body, Council and the BIFA Secretariat on all issues, activities and events in the regions that are considered important to the business of the trade association.  Nigel has put in a tremendous effort in our London East and South East region over the last 10 years and will be a tough act to follow.  The region is certainly rich when it comes to diversity, ports and BIFA members and has three thriving local BIFA committees in Anglia, London East and Dover, which Paul will be responsible for managing.”