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In March 2017, the annual Road Haulage Association's (RHA) Spring Conference is set to follow on from the popular events of previous years by focusing on topical and pertinent industry issues. Attended by representatives from many of the UK's most successful haulage companies, the conference is an important event on the transport and logistics industry calendar. Innovating, Inspiring and Thought Provoking This year the conference's two-day agenda will cover training (in the form of the Trailblazer apprenticeship initiative); Brexit - how it will affect haulage companies; and improving the image of the industry in order to attract a youthful generation of workers. As well as a line-up of high profile speakers, the conference will also include allocated time for facilitated discussion and multiple opportunities for delegates to provide feedback on the issued covered. Issues to be Covered in 2017 Training: The UK government has committed to support and promote training within the transport industry with the launch of the Trailblazer apprenticeship scheme. The scheme is not just for drivers, but also covers those working in administrative support and warehouses. The scheme does not discriminate between larger haulage companies and individual owner-drivers and is designed to benefit not just employees and employers, but also the overarching economy of the country. The conference will delve into the details of the scheme and how it will improve the industry. Brexit: The RHA has an important role in advising the government on relevant topics in terms of how Brexit negotiations will affect its members. Transitional issues, road trade (in which haulage companies play a vital role), risks and future prospects will all be covered, as well as keynote speakers updating members on the results of the most recent discussions between the RHA and HMRC and DfT. Industry Image: The logistics and road haulage sectors are long overdue for an image overhaul in order to remain relevant to a youthful demographic of potential workers. The RHA has instigated a number of proactive initiatives, including National Lorry Week, in order to facilitate the rebranding process and promote a more positive image of the industry to appeal to youth. The conference will spend time focusing on opportunities every member of the sector can grasp to improve its image, as well as the challenges faced when doing so. Programme Day one will include specific talks on issues affecting the food and agricultural industries (including milk and livestock) at Agricon. There is also a business session and the International Group AGM. The day will end with a drinks reception and an informal dinner with a speaker. Day two will cover a broader range of issues and will include a number of excellent keynote speakers. The conference will wrap with a drinks reception and a black tie gala dinner including a charity auction. Attend the RHA Spring Conference Where: The conference will be held at Macdonald Old England Hotel, 23 Church Street, Cumbria LA23 3DF. When: Friday 31 March to Saturday 1 April, 2017 Cost: Tickets to the conference are £204.75 (inc VAT) per twin, double or single room, per night, which includes dinner, bed and breakfast, pre-conference refreshments, pre-diner drinks, two bottles of wine per table and a post-conference lunch on the Saturday. Bookings: Email k.mesina@rha.uk.net for a booking form. Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage companies with jobs in road transport and haulage work. Over 4,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.
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