It’s hard to believe that it’s the 15th year of the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards and we have announced this year’s exceptional winners. The awards’ ceremony, held at The Grosvenor Hotel in London, was our largest yet and welcomed over 400 delegates. During the ceremony we celebrated 16 outstanding individuals working in the transport and logistics sector, honouring, and championing their achievements as well as recognising them as role models for the next generation of female talent, says Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder at everywoman.

Our winners embody the passion, dedication, skills, and leadership that are making transport and logistics both dynamic and resilient. We are thrilled to be able to shine a spotlight on these inspirational role models that have risen to the challenge and kept the country moving in persistently difficult times.

This year’s winners encompassed a wide range of career experiences and journeys – from apprentice to senior leader – showcasing both the breadth of opportunities available for women in this traditionally male-dominated industry and the vital contribution women make across all sectors of the industry, from freight and retail to automotive, maritime and air transport. These individuals not only make positive contributions to the businesses for which they work, but also encourage other women to achieve success by supporting and mentoring young female talent.

The winners are women who have juggled demanding jobs and, of their own accord, coordinated lifesaving equipment to be delivered to India during the peak of the pandemic, some who have taken time to mentor and coach young women in the industry or conduct talks at schools to attract a young generation of potential diverse talent, and others who have executed multimillion pound projects for their respective companies. The standard every year seems to exceed the last, and we are honoured to be able to celebrate them and give them the recognition they deserve.

The transport and logistics workforce is one of the largest and, as the pandemic and UK’s HGV driver shortage has shown, one of the most vital in the UK, with over 2.5 million employees. Whilst more women have taken up senior roles since the awards launched 15 years ago, they still only account for 20% of the workforce. It’s paramount that we attract and utilise the untapped potential of women with the industry, particularly in the times of the HGV drivers crisis that is exacerbating inflation, and to ensure the industry attracts and retains a diverse workforce which improves business collaboration, productivity, performance, and more importantly has a tremendous positive impact on society.

The reason we started an everywoman awards programme, and a purpose that continues today, is the marked impact on attracting women into the industry that they have. By showcasing and applauding the success of women in a diverse range of roles through the Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards, we inspire others to carve a career in this industry and this in turn supports a robust pipeline of future talent across all sectors of transport and logistics. We’ve seen the tangible difference role models can make from our 2020 survey, 99% of everywoman members agreeing that role models are a source of inspiration and 36% citing it as having given them the confidence to make decisions they otherwise would not have taken.

And particularly in reference to transport and logistics, virtually every business and individual requires transport & logistics in some capacity. Whether it is ordering office supplies, tech equipment, delivering products, transporting food to supermarkets, or our consumer demand on digital ecommerce and fast delivery of products, it is an industry that underpins the fabric of our everyday lives.

As such a powerhouse and vital industry, we need to ensure that women can unlock their potential for themselves, their companies and the industry which is under persistent challenges. We will continue to do our part in supporting more women in business through training, empowerment, role models, networking and our awards and look forward to seeing an industry like transport and logistics, amongst many others, welcome and celebrate incredible women like our winner’s this year.

For more information please visit www.everywoman.com or to book places for your future female talent on everywoman’s leadership programmes visit www.everywoman.com/training/everywoman-leadership-portfolio

We speak to three of the winners below.

Nikki Foley, Screwfix, at Wincanton – Winner of The Warehousing Leader Award

How do you feel to have won this award?

Shocked and proud.

Why do you think you won?

Wincanton has been extremely supportive, helping me achieve in cost, service, engagement and health and safety.

Why do you think these awards are important?

The awards show women that you can have an exciting career here. We’re not just trucks and sheds – there’s technology, automation and innovation.

Do you see yourself as a role model for the next generation of female talent in the logistics industry?

I see these awards as a platform to display and encourage more women into the sector. We can become a diverse industry for the next generation.

Do you think there are enough opportunities for women in the logistics industry?

100%. I see opportunities in all places – from driving to management, warehousing and projects.

Fiona Dempster, PG Paper Company Ltd – Winner of The Freight Leader Award

How do you feel to have won this award?

I am absolutely delighted and humbled to have won this award as I was up against amazing women in the category.

Why do you think you won?

Hard work and dedication. I am never put off when told something isn’t possible.

Why do you think these awards are important?

I think these awards are a great way to give recognition to all the amazing people within transport and logistics.

Do you see yourself as a role model for the next generation of female talent in the logistics industry?

Absolutely, working in the logistics industry for the past 24 years has given me the knowledge and experience to provide the next generation with valuable insights.

Do you think there are enough opportunities for women in the logistics industry?

I was delighted to see the recent increase in women entering the industry, it is so important we continue empowering each other to do so in the future of our industry.

Susan McKeown, Clipper Logistics PLC – Winner of Industry Champion Award

How do you feel to have won this award?

Amazing! This award has demonstrated the value of the work that I do.

Why do you think you won?

Because of my passion and determination to push women forward within the logistics world.

Why do you think these awards are important?

These awards make people notice the work done by women in the industry.

Do you see yourself as a role model for the next generation of female talent in the logistics industry?

Yes, this industry is crying out for the skills we bring such as collaborative working and building relationships.

Do you think there are enough opportunities for women in the logistics industry?

There are opportunities but they can go largely unnoticed because logistics is a hidden industry.

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