The finalists in the annual FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards are unveiled today, shining a spotlight on the female champions leading the way in the sector. These women are crushing misconceptions about the industry being a male dominated environment, having achieved incredible success through their ambition, determination and talent.
According to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) the sector employs 1.45 million people, which makes up 5% of total employment in the UK, yet only less than a quarter of these are female*.
Now in its sixth year the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards programme exists to raise awareness of the women who are flying high in the profession and who are role models for future generations. By raising the profile of these individuals, women of all ages and at all stages of their working lives will become aware of the diverse and rewarding opportunities the industry offers. Whether still in education, returning from a career break or simply seeking a new role with great prospects, our finalists demonstrate that the transport and logistics industry offers great career options.
The finalists in the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards for 2013 are:
Rising Star of the Year Award
路 Sophie Buck, Service Control Manager - Metropolitan Line, Transport for London, from London
路 Hannah Kerins, Key Account Manager, iForce from Redditch, Worcestershire
路 Charlotte Laval, Supplier Performance Service Manager, Wincanton plc from Chippenham
路 Victoria Taylor, Site Manager, Tradeteam Limited from Birmingham
Driver of the Year Award - sponsored by TNT
路 Susanna Evans, Company Director/HGV 1 Driver, S N Evans LTD from Doncaster
路 Shauni O'Neill, Train Operator, London Underground Ltd from London
路 Joy Wallace, Ambulance Driver, DHL Patient Transport Service from London
Director of the Year Award - sponsored by Asda Stores Ltd
路 Jacqui Gavaghan, Performance Director, Reading Transport Limited from Reading
路 Lindsay Haselhurst, Development & Marketing Director, Wincanton plc from Chippenham
路 Nicola Ridges-Jones, Managing Director, Macintyre Scott Xtra (MSX) from Southampton
路 Fiona Taylor, Route Managing Director, Network Rail from London
The Warehousing Award - sponsored by DHL Supply Chain
路 Gail Jordon, General Manager, ASDA from Wigan
路 Jenny Kneale, Operation Manager, UPS Ltd from Kent
路 Adele Waite, General Manager-Consumer Life Science Division, DHL Supply Chain from Banbury
Industry Champion Award
路 Kat Horsley, Operations Director, Easy As HGV Group from Guildford
路 Michelle Naylor, Depot General Manager, Palletways Birmingham from Birmingham
路 Paula Towers, Transport Operations Manager, Reed Boardall from Boroughbridge
路 Ruth Waring FCILT, Managing Director, Labyrinth Logistics Consulting Ltd from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Innovation & Sustainability Award - sponsored by DHL Supply Chain
路 Gina Acosta, Landside Operations Manager, DP World London Gateway from Essex
路 Danielle Kozlowska, Process Improvement Manager, Stanley Black & Decker from Northampton
路 Emma Moss, Head of Procurement Cluster - Services, Network Supplies, Facilities Management & Utilities, DHL GBS from Bedford
Team Leader of the Year Award
路 Clare Bottle, National Logistics Manager , Lafarge Tarmac from Warrington, Cheshire
路 Lucy McAuliffe, Stations Manager (High Speed), Network Rail (High Speed) from London
路 Marion Roberts, Station Manager, Network Rail from London
Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments, "Diversity is high on the agenda in the transport and logistics sector and the finalists announced today demonstrate that change is happening in terms of the gender balance. They are proof that there are no barriers to success in the industry if you are committed and have the drive to succeed. These trailblazers are evidence of the opportunities the industry offers women at all stages of their career. Whether it is through leadership roles, managing a warehouse, as a driver or just at the start of their career, these women exhibit the skills that position them ahead of their peers."
Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) adds: "FTA is exceptionally proud to be the Title Partner of the 2013 everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. Women are an essential part of every aspect of supply chains, from drivers and warehouse staff, to transport managers and managing directors. Industry cannot be passive in attracting women, and the FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistcs Awards are the perfect opportunity to showcase how women can make a career in transport a successful and fulfilling one which is why FTA is delighted to support this event. FTA is leading by example through the high proportion of female specialists and managers it employs and women also hold key positions on its Main Operating Board."
Hear direct from the judges about what key attributes they are looking for in a finalist and the quality of the finalists for 2013.
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, held at The Savoy Hotel in London on 16 May 2013 attended by over 250 business leaders; decision makers from across the transport and logistics sector and representatives from government including Stephen Hammond MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport. For further information and tickets please visit www.everywoman.com/tlawards.
Prior to the Awards ceremony, everywoman and industry leaders will participate in a thought leadership Roundtable discussion. At last year's roundtable, the discussion focused on the sector's image and the barriers to attracting female talent at both entry and management levels. The discussion identified several core issues, including: the need to uncover and champion female role models; the necessity of improving the image of the industry, making it more conducive to attracting a young talent pool fresh from formal education as well as recognising the need to deliver flexible professional development, thereby unlocking potential.
In direct response to the Roundtable discussion The Freight Transport Association (FTA) and everywoman have collaborated on an industry wide programme - The FTA Accelerate Programme. Launched in March this year, this programme supports all operators in their desire to welcome a wider talent pool into the industry and support women into senior positions. The programme gives access to the various services that everywoman provides to support the female workforce, in order to build a robust talent pipeline.