FTA launches 2014 Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards

The UK’s leading women in transport and logistics are being encouraged to enter the 2014 Freight Transport Association (FTA) Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards.

Now in its seventh year, the awards continue to uncover role models and shine the spotlight on those women who are enjoying career success in the industry.

Whether they are team leaders, stars of the future or are challenging stereotypes as drivers in transport or warehouse managers, these awards celebrate the diversity of opportunity and career fulfilment the sector offers.

The total number of jobs in the UK logistics sector is projected to grow by 95,000 between 2010 and 2020, with a replacement demand of 553,000. This demand will not be met if only half the population consider a career in it.

Too many women have a preconceived idea of what the industry offers, or see the sector as off-limits.

And far too many young women would never even consider it as a career choice.

The FTA Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards, championed by many of the industry’s leading employers, including Asda, DHL and TNT, seek to reverse this notion.

The FTA Logistics report 2013 identified that many decision-makers in the sector are increasingly committed to nurturing the talent within their companies, demonstrating that it is an industry where employees have the chance to thrive and grow.

The report found that 37% expected to increase training in 2013, a significant increase from 2012, yet this message is not getting out to job-seekers.

The Awards aim to spread the word about the opportunities the sector holds through showcasing the female role models who are excelling and fulfilling their potential.

The categories for 2014 are:

Rising Star of the Year Award

This will be awarded to the woman aged under 30 who has excelled in her career, making a valuable contribution to her organisation. This award is open to all women working across the industry.

Driver of the Year Award – sponsored by TNT

This will be awarded to the woman who is excelling in her role as a driver (this could include but is not limited to HGV, van or motorcycle and can include passenger transport).

Director of the Year Award – sponsored by Asda Stores

This will be awarded to the female director who is excelling in her role. This award is open to female directors across all sectors and areas of the industry.

The Warehousing Award – sponsored by DHL Supply Chain

This will be awarded to the woman that is excelling in her role within a warehousing environment.

Industry Champion Award

This will be awarded to the woman who is an active champion for the industry, playing a vital role in attracting and retaining women in transport and logistics.

Innovation and Sustainability Award – sponsored by DHL Supply Chain

This will be awarded to a woman who has already or is implementing an Innovative Operational Solution, including technologies and processes that are changing the industry in a positive way.

Team Leader of the Year Award

This will be awarded to the woman who is leading a team to excel in a way that contributes greatly to the company's success.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of Everywoman, said: "Our research has identified that the majority of women in the industry fall into their job, rather than proactively pursue it.

"But once in, it is an industry they don’t want to leave as it offers exceptional opportunities for training, promotion and immense job satisfaction.

"However we can’t simply leave it to chance that these talented individuals end up in the industry. In order to plug the current skills-gap, it is essential that more women are attracted into logistics in the first place and realise it is a career path where they can prosper.

"That is why we are calling for transport and logistics’ passionate, driven women to enter these Awards, to show others it is a sector that offers the chance to develop desirable and transferable skills and where they can fulfil their ambitions.

"We need more women to be industry ambassadors and role models, that’s what this programme is all about."

Theo de Pencier, chief executive of the FTA, said: “The key for the freight and transport industry is to be able to access a wider talent pool to be able to meet its need for good quality staff in whichever role it needs to fill.

"We have to reach out to all parts of the community and, in particular, to women, to recruit and retain the best and to enable all of our organisations and businesses to flourish.”

2014’s winners will be unveiled at a ceremony for all the industry taking place on Tuesday May 13 at The Savoy.