3 minute read
Director Focus
focus Mel helps logistics firms in post-Brexit trade
As a highly experienced logistics professional of almost two decades, Mel Bruneau is currently working out the implications of Britain’s eleventh-hour Brexit deal. Even for someone with a demonstrable track record in the sector, that’s not an easy task.
“Logistics firms are having to get their heads around Brexit and work out what it means for them,” she says. “Generally, they are seeing an increase in paperwork required to ship goods in and out of the country and in some cases, this has resulted in increased costs.
“At the moment, companies are trying to move more sea freight by air. Air transport is usually used for low-volume, high-quality goods but the dynamic has changed. Freight through Heathrow Airport has risen dramatically as passenger numbers have fallen due to the coronavirus.
Mel is a qualified health and safety advisor, professional trainer and dangerous goods safety advisor, and an expert in all areas of the transport and warehousing industry. She established her company, Heathrow-based MES Consultancy & Training Services, ten years ago and works closely with airlines, handling agents, freight forwarders, distributors and manufacturers to ensure clients meet all requirements of the relevant legislation when transporting goods from one country to another.
Born in Kent, she spent her early career in admin roles, first as an office manager in Aon’s private medical insurance division and then as a PA to a vice-president at investment giant J.P. Morgan. In 2005 she joined a training provider of specialist courses on the safe transportation of dangerous goods before taking up consultancy roles at two other logistics firms, advising SMEs on logistics and health and safety compliance.
A few years ago I was working with a freight forwarding expert who was involved with the Chamber. I stepped in for him at the last minute to do one of his talks and things just snowballed from there. I was appointed vice-president of the Chamber’s board of directors in 2016 and I’ve been heavily involved with the organisation ever since.
Always mindful of bringing new blood through the ranks, Mel conducts end point assessments on freight forwarding apprentices and people studying for qualifications that will get them into the police force. She also sits on Hounslow Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors – although this may not have happened had it not been for a chance event.
Mel recalls: “A few years ago I was working with a freight forwarding expert who was involved with the Chamber. I stepped in for him at the last minute to do one of his talks and things just snowballed from there. I was appointed vice-president of the Chamber’s board of directors in 2016 and I’ve been heavily involved with the organisation ever since.”
In the COVID outbreak Mel has been doing everything possible to help the Chamber assist the business community. Her work includes managing a team of marshals who visit local businesses to help them comply with COVID regulations.
Mel says: “After the first lockdown last spring, there was little understanding among businesses about what was expected of them. Many of them were confused with the rules and restrictions, especially as they changed on a regular basis.
“I provided health and safety training to the marshals so they could better engage with and support Hounslow businesses. Many of these businesses are small independents with few additional resources to deal with COVID compliance. They needed our guidance.
