Pictured above: Parliamentary Secretary Dr José Herrera, HSBC Bank Malta CEO Mark Watkinson, and HSBC Bank Malta Head of Commercial Banking Michel Cordina with  winners of the TransLog Awards 2014. Also in picture are Alex Borg, Director SSM Group, and David Brockdorff, Managing Director BPC International

Key transport, logistics and supply chain stakeholders operating in Malta were, for the first time, recognised with awards in twelve different categories at the TransLog Awards presentation ceremony. Organised by Support and Supply Management Group (SSM) and marketing communications agency BPC International Limited, and supported by HSBC Bank Malta, the TransLog Awards presentation ceremony and dinner was held at the InterContinental Hotel in St Julians.

SSM Group Director Alexander Borg said that the first edition of TransLog Awards showcased companies and individuals who made remarkable efforts and commitments in the transport, logistics or supply chain industry during 2013. “The first edition attracted nominations from both Maltese and regional businesses operating in Malta. We congratulate all finalists and winners and we are confident that the TransLog Awards will contribute towards the further raising of Malta’s reputation for excellence in this important industry.”

Noel Ellul, regarded as a knowledgeable expert in transport and logistics in Malta with a long professional career spanning over 40 years, was awarded the ‘Outstanding Achievement of the Year’ honour.

Award winners in other categories were: VJ Salomone Marketing –  ‘Logistics and Supply Chain Manager of the Year’; Falcotrans – ‘Transport Manager of the Year’; Aurobindo –  ‘Best Importer/Exporter with Emerging Markets’; Sullivan Maritime – ‘Best Shipping Agent of the Year’; MaltaPost – ‘Best Express Courier of the Year’; Emirates SkyCargo – ‘Best Cargo Operator of the Year’ as well as ‘Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year’; Express Trailers -‘Best Freight Forwarder of the Year’ and ‘Best Warehouse Facilities of the Year’. HandsOn snagged the award for the ‘Best Technology Solution Provider of the Year’.

Caroline Chircop won the ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ award. In addition to the twelve categories, the organising committee gave special mentions to two companies – Liquigas Malta and Cyber Pass, who have made significant contributions in their respective fields

Mark Watkinson, CEO of HSBC Bank Malta said: “Supporting these awards was a natural step for HSBC Malta as the Bank is committed to promote the island as a hub for international trade. Logistics, warehousing and distribution facilities are key to increase the opportunities for businesses as well as to the Maltese economy to prosper. Our Malta Trade for Growth proposition aims to put Malta firmly on the map on international trade.”

The model of the awards is based on international benchmarks and values, and geared towards performance excellence, using international norms and standards. Nominations were judged by a panel of distinguished transport and logistics practitioners, academics and business leaders.

On the eve of TransLog Awards 2014 presentation ceremony, the first edition of the Transport Managers and Practitioners Forum was organised for transport professionals in Malta.