Figures from business gathered in central London to celebrate the successful women working in the UK transport & logistics industry, as the 2014 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards winners were announced. Selected by a panel of industry judges, these women were singled out from a shortlist as being the best in their field – whether a leader in a global organisation, a driver out on the road or a young, ambitious woman destined for the top.
This Awards programme was launched seven years ago to raise awareness of the varied and rewarding careers that the transport and logistics sector offers with the aim of increasing the number of women considering it as a career choice. The sector currently employs 2.2 million people, representing 8 per cent of the UK’s workforce, yet 588,000 additional workers are required in the sector over the next six years to meet demand as the UK’s infrastructure grows. As industry employers report experiencing recruitment difficulties across all occupational groups, it is an industry imperative that more women are made aware of the diverse opportunities that can be enjoyed in transport and logistics. The women chosen as winners are just the role models to show a new generation that a job in transport & logistics offers the chance to pursue your career dreams, whether that is to lead a team, spend the day at the wheel, be a champion for sustainability or be your own boss.
On the morning of the Awards everywoman hosted a Roundtable discussion with senior leaders and influencers within the sector to discuss practical initiatives that attract and retain female talent.
The winners in the 2014 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards are:
Woman of the Year – sponsored by FTA
Jane Curl-Carter, site manager, DHL Tradeteam, from Burton on Trent
Director of the Year – sponsored by Asda Stores
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
Simone Fogg, general manager, Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, from London
Warehousing Award – sponsored by DHL Supply Chain
Claire Morrissy, deputy distribution centre manager, Tesco, from Dagenham, London
Industry Champion Award – sponsored by Motor Transport
Sharon Davies, senior director,Corporate Affairs, DHL UK & Ireland, from London
Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, commented, “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 important to the industry. We congratulate them all.”
Theo de Pencier, chief executive of the FTA says, “The Freight Transport Association 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.”
Steve Hobson, editor of Motor Transport, added: “Motor Transport is proud to be the media partner for this event. These Awards highlight the importance of recruiting and developing women in the logistics industry. It is vital that, at a time of growing skills shortages, the sector does not ignore this talent pool.”
