The Best Women in Logistics Celebrated at the 2014 Freight Transport Association everywoman Awards

UK – The glass ceiling may not yet be shattered but may be suffering from a few more cracks this morning after leading figures from business gathered at the Savoy Hotel in London celebrating the achievements of the successful women working in the UK transport & logistics industry with the announcement of the 2014 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. An expert panel of nine industry associated judges assembled from the freight and supply chain sector had the difficult task of selecting the eight winners from a short list of twenty five admirable candidates.

The ethos of this Awards programme, now in its seventh year and sponsored by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), is to raise awareness of the varied and rewarding careers that the transport and logistics sector offers, with the intent to increase the number of women considering the industry as a career choice. Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of the FTA said:

“The FTA is proud to be the Title Partner of the 2014 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards which showcase how women can make a career in transport a successful and fulfilling one. FTA is pleased to encourage forward thinking companies that are committed to introducing diversity to the freight industry, and working further with everywoman offers opportunities to expand that work. The key for our industry is to be able to access a wider talent pool and to be able to meet its need for good quality staff in whichever role it needs to fill.”

According to figures from Skills for Logistics the sector currently employs 2.2 million people, representing 8% of the UK’s workforce, yet 588,000 additional workers will be required in the sector over the next six years to meet demand as the UK’s infrastructure grows. Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments:

“As the transport and logistics industry seeks to employ half a million more people, it has never been more urgent to ensure the sector attracts more talented women. Inspirational female role models enjoying rewarding careers and achieving success will do that. That’s why today’s winners are so vitally important to the industry. We congratulate them all.”

On the morning of the Awards everywoman hosted a Roundtable discussion with senior leaders and influential individuals within the sector to discuss practical initiatives that would attract and retain female talent for an industry in which it is imperative that more women are made aware of the vastly diverse opportunities that can be enjoyed.

The winners, and the seventeen others selected as finalists, will all have a part to play in the plans to spread the message for the coming year to explain that logistics can be an extremely worthwhile choice for those prepared to dedicate themselves to it, whatever their sex, and offers the chance to pursue career dreams, whether that is to lead a team, spend their day at the wheel, be a champion for sustainability or be one’s own boss. This year’s winners of the awards are as follows: 

Woman of the Year – sponsored by FTA Jane Curl-Carter, Site Manager, DHL Tradeteam Ltd, from Burton on Trent

Director of the Year – sponsored by Asda Stores Ltd Anna Whitty, CEO, ECT Charity, from London

Driver of the Year Award – sponsored by TNT Express Rachel Garlick, HGV Driver, DHL Homebase, from Wellingborough

Innovation and Sustainability Award – sponsored by DHL Supply Chain Karen Jacques, Chief Operating Officer, Dryad Maritime, from Portsmouth

Rising Star Award – sponsored by Wincanton Anna Kozlowska, CMILT, Managing Director, Myway Enterprises, from Lutterworth

Team Leader of the Year – sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd Simone Fogg, General Manager, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, from London

Warehousing Award – sponsored by DHL Supply Chain Ltd Claire Morrissy, Deputy Distribution Centre Manager, Tesco PLC, from Dagenham, London

Industry Champion Award – sponsored by Motor Transport Sharon Davies, Senior Director,Corporate Affairs, DHL UK & Ireland, from London

Photo: Maxine Benson MBE and Karen Gill MBE, the co-founders of everywoman flank Woman of the Year, Jane Curl-Carter as she receives her award from FTA boss Theo de Pencier.