ILA focuses on bringing innovation to the table

On the back of significant growth in volumes from the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia and China – and with expectations of further growth – International Liner Agencies (ILA) introduced bi-weekly sailings from several ports in the Far East recently. According to the independent groupage operator’s marketing director, Raymond Cutts, while the Eurozone volumes have remained constant the same cannot be said for the Indian subcontinent, Asia and China. “This is a trend we are seeing throughout our business. Year-on-year growth in both imports and exports can also be attributed to the focused development of all our trade lanes.” ILA recently expanded its extensive base in Asia and India by entering into an exclusive partnership deal with Vanguard Logistics Services (VLS). Cutts said while pricing continued to play a significant role, as margins remained under pressure companies had to work harder at developing trade routes and finding innovative ways to meet the challenges in the market. “Trade route specialisation is the key to identifying where you can add value,” he told FTW. “Being able to offer a service is very different from delivering one that adds value. When you are able to make a measurable difference to your client's business is when you are bringing innovation to the table. That remains our mission.” He said ILA was undergoing some significant change due to internal growth. “We have restructured the management team which has seen Kevin Taylor appointed to the board of directors in the role of sales director. Taylor previously served as the Far East trade and Johannesburg branch manager for the company. For the year ahead the focus will be on new business development, developing and maintaining close relationships with service providers and sales, he said. INSERT & CAPTION Trade route specialisation is the key to identifying where you can add value. – Raymond Cutts