Recruitment to The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) reached a record level last month with 710 new members joining the Institute compared with a total of 441 new members joining in October 2009.
Of the October 2010 new recruits, some 540 were students, marking recognition of the facilities and services available for the support of studies from CILT's range of member benefits and facilities, including The Knowledge Centre, the most comprehensive library of transport and logistics information and data in the UK.
CILT Chief Executive Steve Agg says: 'The economic recession over the last three years has produced tough times for professional bodies and representative organisations. However, we are delighted by the recent uplift in CILT membership. Since we introduced our new arrangements of Professional Sectors at the beginning of this year, a system which more accurately defines and provides for the specific interests of each and every member, we have seen a steady rise in new recruitment from around 160 per month to over 200 per month.
'By any standards October 2010 has provided us with an exceptional result. Recruitment is from across all of the sectors and at all grades from Student Affiliates through to Chartered Fellows. Our focus on educational establishments and employers in the various sectors across our profession is paying off as we see our membership grow.'
CILT's special grade of Corporate Membership also continues to expand. Over 60 organisations now enjoy the benefits available including local authorities, public utilities, third party logistics providers, retailers and major industrials.
Steve Agg says: 'A recent survey confirmed that the two prime reasons for people joining professional institutes were career development and networking. CILT offers massive opportunities for both with an ever widening range of training and qualifications opportunities together with the provision of over 350 meeting events each year.
'Transport and logistics is increasingly recognised as the essential sector which supports and enhances virtually all others. Its efficient and economic operation are vital to the economy and society. CILT continues to play a key role in representing and nurturing the interests of the professional personnel who work within the discipline.'