ABP Connect – the value-added services division of Associated British Ports (ABP) – has announced the opening of a Humber-based contract-personnel agency to support ABP’s operations in the region. Trading as ABP Connect Cargoflow Contract Personnel – Humber, the business will focus on supporting the core port operatives at various Humber ports.

ABP Connect Cargoflow Contract Personnel - Humber has been modelled on ABP Connect Cargoflow - Southampton’s successful contract-personnel agency, which provides non-permanent and contract employees to ABP Connect Cargoflow’s activities at ABP’s Port of Southampton. The agency provides additional staff to support core operatives at times of peak demand. Similarly, ABP Connect Cargoflow Contract Personnel - Humber will supply ABP’s Humber Ports (Grimsby & Immingham and Hull & Goole) and others with a flexible workforce to meet the vagaries of the shipping business and associated activities. All non-permanent employees will be required to undertake vocational and health and safety training as part of their recruitment and development process. The business will be managed locally by Ingrid Davies, formerly Commercial Director of ABP’s wholly-owned stevedoring subsidiary, Northern Cargo Services Ltd.

Stephen Burgess, Head of ABP Connect Cargo Services, explained the creation of the business:

“ABP Connect Cargoflow Contract Personnel - Humber will support port operations in the Humber in exactly the same way as our agency in Southampton operates. A self-owned and operated contract-personnel agency will provide skilled staff who have been trained to our high standards, and who are capable of being developed further to meet the increasing demands of our expanding business."

27th May 2004