Blog post: PSS at the British Ports Association Conference

PSS was pleased to take part in the British Ports Association Annual Conference in Dover, joining around 500 port leaders, members, partners, and stakeholders from across the port sector.

The conference brought together speakers and delegates to discuss the issues and opportunities shaping the sector, with sessions spanning the business climate for ports, international developments, technology, safety, environmental performance, and future growth.

The programme also included an address from Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, chaired by Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover. The session gave delegates the opportunity to hear from the Minister on issues relevant to the port sector.

The PSS team exhibited throughout the event, providing an opportunity to meet members, discuss current work, and share information on PSS services, projects, and opportunities to get involved. The team also met new contacts, visited fellow exhibitors, and gathered interest in the next Women in Ports Mentoring Programme.

PSS Chief Executive Debbie Cavaldoro led a fireside chat on developing future female leaders with Emma Ward, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Dover. The discussion explored Emma’s experience of mentoring Millie Barnes through the inaugural 2025/26 Women in Ports Mentoring Programme.

The conversation highlighted the value of supportive relationships, visible role models, and practical action to help women progress in the port sector. Emma and Millie will continue to meet beyond the formal programme, reflecting the longer-term value that mentoring relationships can bring.

Skills, Careers and Diversity Lead Angela Ward chaired a session showcasing good practice which included presentations from finalist at the PSS Awards. Angela began the session with an overview of the finalist entries presented at the 2026 PSS Members’ Conference, highlighting the breadth of good practice and positive impact taking place across the port sector.

Delegates then heard directly from Martin Lawlor, Chief Executive of Port of Blyth, on its Best Skills Initiative entry, and from Steve Marchant, Health and Safety Employee Engagement Manager at Forth Ports, and Steve Holmes, Chief Operating Officer at COMET Analysis, on their Best Members’ Collaboration entry.

PSS thanks the British Ports Association and Port of Dover for hosting the conference, and everyone who visited the PSS stand or contributed to the sessions.