On 18 June 2026, companies representing the UK’s Logistics and Transport industry came together at Newark Showground to participate in The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge.
First held in 2019, The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge has truly captured the industry’s hearts and minds. It demonstrates the passion, support, and enthusiasm companies have for advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the business benefits of establishing a diverse workforce. The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge has become a staple in the industry’s event calendar, with many key industry stakeholders supporting it year on year.
Delivered by Nimble Media, The Big Logistics Challenge is the only team-based logistics event that showcases the diversity the UK logistics industry seeks to achieve. The challenges are designed to promote the message that diverse teams work better together, with companies taking part in a series of physical, mental and skill-based sessions, including: Catwalk Challenge, Santa Pod Drag Race, It’s a Knockout, Human Table Football, Silent Disco and Diversity Dance Off! Designed to test a team’s communication and teamwork skills, the challenges are designed to ensure that everyone has a role to play.
Representatives from Aston University and Creating Tomorrow College took to the stage to open the event.
One of the most moving moments of the day came from Sarah Taylor, a student at Creating Tomorrow College, who shared her personal journey of living with Cerebral Palsy and the challenges she faced in finding her place and believing that employers would give her an opportunity.
Sarah spoke about how joining the college not only enabled her to develop new skills but also helped her discover more about herself, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Reflecting on the impact this had on her life, she delivered a powerful message to employers across the logistics sector and beyond, encouraging them to continue creating opportunities for individuals who may not fit the traditional mould.
Emphasising that talent comes in many forms and that diversity strengthens every workplace, Sarah also offered words of encouragement to those who may feel uncertain about their future, reminding them that different journeys can often become their greatest strengths.
Among the challenge suppliers, industry charity Transaid had participants test their communication skills as part of their ‘Bridging the Gap’ challenge; supporting organisation RTITB saw teams working together to guide each other through an inflatable obstacle course while blindfolded on the ‘Bring on the Beans’ challenge.
The event is supported across the industry, and Nimble Media would like to extend a big thank you to the 2026 sponsors and supporting partners:
Headline Sponsor: UPS Supply Chain Solutions
Supporting Organisations and Media Partners: Aston University, BIFA, Generation Logistics, Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo, Road Haulage Association Ltd | Trading as RHA, RTITB, UK Warehousing Association, Women in Logistics UK CIC, FORKLIFTACTION, Project Management Global, Transport Advancement, and Warehouse & Logistics News.
After a tiring day of axe throwing, dance routines, and countless inflatables, awards were presented.
The Best Team Name Award went to DHL Supply Chain for ‘Fork-Lift Me Up Before You Go-Go’. Louise McCoo, Branch Manager at UPS Supply Chain Services Ltd, representing our 2026 Headline Sponsors, presented the award.
The Walk the Plank Challenge Award, presented by Aston University’s Richard Atkinson, was awarded to DSV’s ‘The Motley Blues’.
Representing RTITB, Road to Logistics colleagues, Jen Swain and Moria Webb presented the Bring on the Beans Challenge Award to ‘Flying Logs’ of the RAF Training Academy.
Communications and Fundraising Officer, Georgia Ryan and Corporate Partnerships Officer, Kohei Ohno represented Chosen Charity, Transaid, to present the Bridging the Gap Challenge Award to ‘Freight Expectations’ of GEODIS.
And finally, the most coveted trophy of the day, the Team of the Year Award for achieving the highest overall score with an impressive 240.5 out of a possible 260, went to ‘Flying Logs’ from RAF Training Academy.
A Charity Tuck Shop and a Hamper Raffle raised funds for Transaid.
The official event images will be available shortly on The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge website.
A big thank you to all the teams attending. If your company would like to join The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge 2027, please contact Nimble Media to secure your place.
Add 17 June 2027 to your diary, and we hope to see you at #BLDC2027!
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