The UK logistics sector put diversity into action at Newark Showground as teams from across the industry took part in The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge 2026.
Held on 18 June, the event brought together companies from across logistics and transport for a day of team-based challenges designed to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
First launched in 2019, The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge has become a regular fixture in the sector’s calendar.
Organisers say the event highlights the business benefits of building diverse workforces, while showing how different teams can work together more effectively.
Delivered by Nimble Media, the event is described as the only team-based logistics challenge focused on showcasing the diversity the UK logistics industry wants to achieve.
Teams took part in a series of physical, mental and skill-based activities designed to test communication, collaboration and teamwork.
Challenges included Catwalk Challenge, Santa Pod Drag Race, It’s a Knockout, Human Table Football, Silent Disco and Diversity Dance Off.
Organisers said the sessions were designed to ensure everyone had a role to play, regardless of background, experience or ability.
Representatives from Aston University and Creating Tomorrow College opened the event.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Sarah Taylor, a student at Creating Tomorrow College, who spoke about living with cerebral palsy and the difficulties she had faced in finding her place.
She also reflected on concerns over whether employers would give her an opportunity.
Sarah told attendees how joining the college helped her develop new skills, build confidence and gain a stronger sense of belonging.
Her message to employers across logistics and beyond was to keep creating opportunities for people who may not fit a traditional mould.
She also stressed that talent comes in many forms and that diversity can strengthen every workplace.
Participants also took part in activities run by challenge suppliers and supporting organisations.
Industry charity Transaid tested communication skills through its Bridging the Gap challenge.
RTITB, a supporting organisation, saw teams work together to guide each other through an inflatable obstacle course while blindfolded as part of the Bring on the Beans challenge.
Nimble Media thanked the 2026 sponsors and supporting partners for backing the event.
UPS Supply Chain Solutions was headline sponsor.
Supporting organisations and media partners included Aston University, BIFA, Generation Logistics, Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo, the Road Haulage Association, RTITB, UK Warehousing Association, Women in Logistics UK CIC, FORKLIFTACTION, Project Management Global, Transport Advancement, and Warehouse & Logistics News.
After a busy day of axe throwing, dance routines and inflatable challenges, teams gathered for the awards ceremony.
The Best Team Name Award went to DHL Supply Chain for Fork-Lift Me Up Before You Go-Go.
The award was presented by Louise McCoo, Branch Manager at UPS Supply Chain Services Ltd, representing the 2026 headline sponsor.
The Walk the Plank Challenge Award was presented by Aston University’s Richard Atkinson and went to DSV’s The Motley Blues.
The Bring on the Beans Challenge Award was presented by Road to Logistics colleagues Jen Swain and Moria Webb, representing RTITB.
The award went to Flying Logs from RAF Training Academy.
Transaid’s Communications and Fundraising Officer Georgia Ryan and Corporate Partnerships Officer Kohei Ohno presented the Bridging the Gap Challenge Award.
That award went to Freight Expectations from GEODIS.
The top honour of the day, Team of the Year, was awarded to Flying Logs from RAF Training Academy.
The team achieved the highest overall score, with 240.5 points out of a possible 260.
A Charity Tuck Shop and Hamper Raffle also raised funds for Transaid during the event.
Official images from the day are due to be made available shortly on The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge website.
Companies interested in taking part next year are being encouraged to contact Nimble Media to secure a place.
The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge 2027 is scheduled to take place on 17 June.