06 May Vibrant Spring conference 2026
Last week’s Spring conference brought the membership together for a day of insight, discussion and industry updates with over 100 delegates attending.
The highlight from the morning’s Executive meeting was the sound of group discussion with the revised format brought to the market and supply chain review. The aim was to bring more participation and openness and the feedback suggests it worked well.
Jamie Mcleod, senior customs director at Crowe UK, opened the afternoon General meeting with an insight into the latest developments surrounding EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As always, Jamie’s session offered practical guidance on what members should be preparing for, as well as clarity on the evolving regulatory landscape.
With the UK also implementing a CBAM in January 2027, representatives from HM Treasury and HMRC were invited to share updates on current policy and legislative developments. The session included a question and answer, giving attendees the opportunity to raise key concerns and gain direct responses.
It can feel like the industry is bogged down in regulation and it was refreshing to have risk management expert, Tim Bradshaw, deliver a keynote session on how members can stay ahead in increasingly complex and uncertain conditions. Drawing on his experience as a former intelligence officer operating in high-risk environments, he delivered an uplifting and compelling session, sharing strategies to strengthen resilience and respond effectively to change.
Jamie and Tim were joined by Ross McDaid from Cardinal Global Logistics on a panel to field questions on the latest developments affecting members. The conference concluded with an important update on how the association’s Management Committee (MC) is continuing to evolve to better support members.
Connecting and knowledge sharing was much for informal, but just as important, over dinner in the evening. It was fantastic to see so many people engaged and interacting into the wee small hours.
Chairman Gary Henderson said: “I’d like to thank all delegates who participated in the Spring conference. The MC provides this platform but it’s the people who come to actively engage and share that make the event what it is. Everyone should be going home more informed and better prepared.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to event sponsors Cardinal Global Logistics, Apex Stainless Fasteners, Epicor, Brighton Best International and media partners Torque Expo and Fastener + Fixing Magazine.”
The Autumn conference 2026 will take place at the Leonardo Hotel Hinckley Island on Thursday, October 8. Registration and sponsorship packages will be out soon.