The British Ports Association (BPA) is the other ports sector trade association.  Whereas UKMPG members tend to be large commercial ports, the BPA has a wide membership of ports and terminal operators of varying sizes, from larger cargo-handling ports to small leisure ports, and including private, trust and municipal sector ports.  UKMPG works closely with the BPA and the two organisations host a number of joint working groups for members to share best practice across the industry.  These include a joint Environment Policy Group, a Marine Pilotage Group and a Port Infrastructure Group.  For more information about the BPA, see their website at: http://www.britishports.org.uk/

New BPA Director Announced

BPA Press Release: Richard Ballantyne announced as new BPA Director

Richard Ballantyne has taken up his new role as the Director of the British Ports Association following the retirement of David Whitehead.

David had been with the BPA for 24 years overseeing huge change in the industry during this time. Under his leadership the BPA has grown into an extremely effective trade association representing 100 UK port authority members in the municipal, trust and private sectors.

David commented “It has been a huge privilege to the lead the BPA and work with so many professional colleagues who keep the ports open and running efficiently. I very pleased to handing over to Richard to continue the vital work of the Association”

Richard Ballantyne joined the association in 2007 and was previously the BPA’s Senior Policy Adviser leading on a number of policy areas, membership services and external communications.

The BPA Chairman Rodney Lunn welcomed the appointment and said: “We are delighted that Richard is the BPA’s new Director leading the Association. Richard has a great understanding of all the key policy issues facing the UK ports sector and he also has an excellent rapport with the BPA’s membership.”

On his appointment Richard Ballantyne said: “I am excited to take up the new and important role and I would like to thank the BPA’s members for the faith they have shown in me. I look forward to the new challenge and also continuing the excellent work of my colleague David Whitehead, who I wish a long and happy retirement.”

Before joining the BPA Richard spent five years at Westminster political consultancy and also previously worked for an MP in the House of Commons.