The IBIA Member Survey 2015
– ethical practice highlighted as a hot topic
The results of the IBIA Member Survey 2015 are set out below. Over the last year we have conducted several short ‘pulse’ questionnaires and this longer more detailed survey. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and to give us valuable feedback.
The responses raised some important issues, the most interesting one being that 94% of members believe IBIA should take a stronger stance on ethical practices.
This is not a question that had been asked before and with such an overwhelming response we have established a working group that will focus on what exactly this means, and will develop a strategy to address members’ concerns.
Your comments are vitally important to us, they help us to ensure that your membership delivers value and meets your needs. This information also feeds directly into our future plans.
We are developing an annual survey which will be distributed each year. This will give us an opportunity to track change and ensure that we remain ‘member focused’. However, if you have a concern that you wish to raise or a subject you want to discuss – please contact us at any time, at any of our events or call/drop into the head office – we look forward to talking!
Summary of 2015 member Survey Responses
What was your main reason for joining IBIA?
The majority (43%) stated their main reasons were :
- to improve my company’s profile in the industry and increase networking, to gain access to technical support and information, to support the bunker industry’s lobbying efforts, to help develop the bunker industry in my region, and to attend IBIA’s annual dinner.
- The next two most popular answers were to increase their company’s profile in the industry and increase networking (24%), followed by access to technical support and information (17%).
The most important member benefit?
- The most important benefit is information on bunker related legislation (39%), followed by the provision of technical information (30%).
- Dispute resolution and discounts to events both score equally (15%), with the IBIA directory of members rated lowest (10%).
Which is the most important form of training?
Training delivered by IBIA (24%) is rated higher than training delivered by a third party (17%), and training delivered as part of a regional forum or convention is welcomed by the majority (91%).
How important is World Bunkering magazine as a member benefit?
The majority of members’ rate World Bunkering as an important benefit (97%).
How important is IBIA’s lobbying
Lobbying at the IMO is rated as very important (97%), likewise lobbying with national authorities (91%), and lobbying with other Associations (91%).
Which events are of more interest to you?
The replies were as follows:
- 84% Regional forums
- 82% IBIA annual convention
- 76% Annual dinner
- 73% Lunch meetings with short presentations and networking opportunities
- 71% Breakfast meetings with short presentations and networking opportunities
- 71% Half day seminars on topical subjects
- 65% Informal networking events
Should IBIA take a stronger stance with regard to ethical practices within the industry?
94% of members want IBIA to take a stronger stance on ethical practices.
IBIA’s profile
- 89% felt that IBIA is well known and regarded internationally
- 84% felt that IBIA is well known and regarded regionally
- 86% feel that IBIA has a strong brand identity
IBIA’s international and regional policy…
- 56% thought that there should be more emphasis on global development, while 43% disagreed, thinking that there should be less.
- 39% of members feel there should be more regional development (Asia, Africa, Middle East), while 60% felt that it was adequate at the present level.
How well does IBIA share knowledge and information on practical industry issues?
- Internally; 2% thought IBIA should do less, 60% thought the balance was about right, and 36% thought the Association should do more
- Externally; 8% thought IBIA should do less, 54% thought the balance was about right and 36% thought more should be done.
How well does IBIA share knowledge and information on macro industry issues e.g. legislation and governmental issues
- Internally (amongst members); 6% thought IBIA should do less, 56% thought the balance was about right, 36% thought the Association should do more.
- Externally (to the media and stakeholders); 15% felt IBIA should do less, 63% thought the balance was about right and 2% thought the Association should do more.
Should IBIA become more involved in raising of standards across the bunkering industry by offering professional qualifications which lead to chartered status?
58% said yes, 6% said no, 30% said maybe and 4% didn’t know.
What category of member?
58% of the survey respondents were individual members, 36% were corporate members, 2% were associate members and 2% were not members at all.
We asked individual members what might make their company consider joining as a corporate member?
- 43% would need a lower membership fee
- 13% would want more subsidised training
- 13% would want Continuing Professional Development(CPD)
- 30% responded that their organization was too small for this to be a consideration.
We asked what might make a corporate member become an individual member instead?
- 60% would not consider individual membership
- 21% would be tempted by structured CPD,
- 17% would be keen if it meant that they received more information and had easier access to resources.
There was considerable interest from the members regarding involvement in the working groups, we thank all of those who have said that they would be interested.
Peter Hall, will be in touch to follow up these expressions of interest, thank you again.
If you would like to volunteer and have not done so yet, just contact IBIA on +442033973850 or email Ibia@ibia.net.
Do members like the frequent IBIA breaking news bulletins?
- 67% say yes they do
- 15% think there are too many
- 17% don’t mind either way.
Are members interested in receiving a monthly newsletter?
- Yes, 73% are interested
- 19% are not bothered
- 6% don’t want another newsletter.
Which best describes your role in the bunker industry?
- Agent 2%
- Broker 10%
- Legal 8%
- Port 4%
- Trader 13%
- Shipowner 15%
- Oil industry major 6%
- Financial services 2%
- Fuel Testing 8%
- Other (please specify) 28%
How long have you been working in the bunker industry?
- 67% have been in their current position for ten years or less, while 33% have been in their current role for more than ten years.
- 28% have been working in the industry for less than ten years, while 71% have been working in the industry for ten years or more.
And membership of IBIA…
- 78% have been a member of IBIA for less than 10 years, while 21% have members for more than 10 years.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and to give us this valuable feedback.