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It’s not a sentence that can often be written, but the UK’s royal family recognised the logistics industry in last weekend’s Birthday Honours List.

The recognition goes to Chris Welsh, director of global and European policy at the Freight Transport Association and secretary general of the Global Shippers’ Forum. He has become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

It is a well-deserved award, as anyone who has seen Mr Welsh in action at a multimodal conference will know. Equally at home talking maritime emissions, container weighing or air freight policy, he has been instrumental in ensuring that key issues in logistics are publicised and debated.

As general secretary of the European Shippers’ Council, he was instrumental in supporting the deregulation of the  EU shipping and air cargo markets, spearheading a series of successful maritime legal cases culminating in the repeal of antitrust immunity for liner shipping conferences in trades to and from Europe in 2006.

He also set up the FTA’s Brussels operation as well as launching FTA Ireland.

Glyn Hughes, head of IATA Cargo, said: “Chris has dedicated much energy to developing and promoting the need for efficient logistical solutions to support a robust national economic environment.  He was a strong voice in the UK debate on the need for airport development demonstrating his strong belief in the value of air cargo.  This MBE is a fitting recognition of his passion and tireless work.”

Mr Welsh is now entitled to adorn his outfits with “the gong” – a silver medal on a red ribbon, labelled “For Meritorious Service” and carrying King George V’s Imperial and Royal Cypher.

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