Today, thirteen inspirational role models in the UK’s transport and logistics industry were announced as winners in the 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.
Launched eleven years ago, the awards programme celebrates the exceptional women transforming transport and logistics in the UK, while showcasing the range of fulfilling and exciting career opportunities it has to offer. This year, a brand-new award was introduced to celebrate a man championing the progress of women in transport and logistics – the Male Agent of Change Award.
This year’s winners were selected by the industry’s most discerning leaders for the significant impact they are making to companies, including Heathrow Airport, Royal Mail, Merseytravel and Transport for London. From the leaders passionately advocating for gender diversity in the workplace, to the entrepreneur who turned her employer’s failing business into her own successful haulage company, they are the epitome of industry excellence from all walks of life. Working in a variety of transport and logistics sectors – from warehousing and cargo, to retail and engineering – these women are changing the perception of the industry as a whole.
A special Woman of the Year Award was presented to Anna Delvecchio, Commercial Account Director at Amey Plc, who started her career journey on a company and government apprenticeship at just 15 years old. Having broken through the glass ceiling by the age of 30 by becoming Supply Chain Director for Invensys, she is now the Rail Supply Group Director for Amey, seconded to the Rail Delivery Group to co-lead on the government industrial strategy sector deal.
Amey Plc is a supplier of consulting and infrastructure support for clients including Network Rail and Transport for London. During an impressive 20-year-long career, she has excelled in a number of senior commercial and supply chain roles, including negotiating major upgrade contracts for Network Rail, Invensys and Amey Plc Anna was singled out by the judges for her continuous support for women in transport and logistics. This includes the “Women in Rail South” group she established across 11 counties to provide women with a local network to support their professional and personal growth through various events and workshops. She is also dedicated to engaging and attracting the next generation of talent she believes will reshape the industry through visits to local schools and her work with organisations such as Young Rail Professionals and the National Skills Academy for Rail. Anna is an absolute advocate of apprenticeship programmes and is keen to help promote the Year of Engineering and to attract more females into STEM subjects and careers.
The category winners for the 2018 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards are:
The Freight Award
Awarded to a woman who demonstrates how they are innovating and excelling their role in the freight sector.
Above and Beyond
- Kate Turner, Head of Planning, DB Cargo UK, from Goole
Leader
- Keely Priestman, Managing Director, Diamond Distribution Ltd, from London
The Passenger Award
Awarded to a woman who demonstrates how they are improving the customer experience.
Above & Beyond
- Nikki Sohal, Heathrow Express Control Room Competence Manager, Heathrow Express, from London
Leader
- Liz Chandler, Director of Corporate Development, Merseytravel, from Liverpool City Region
The Infrastructure Award
Sponsored by Amazon – Awarded to a woman who demonstrates how they are improving road or rail infrastructure.
Above & Beyond
- Deborah Pye, Director, Strategic Innovation, Walmart, from Leeds
Leader
- Kayleigh Wilson, Transition Manager, DHL Supply Chain, from London
The Supply Chain Award
Sponsored by DHL – Awarded to a woman who demonstrates how they are improving processes within supply chain.
Above & Beyond
- June Jones, Senior Manager Operating Model, Asda, from Leeds
Leader
- Faye Calland, National Same Day Manager – Storage, Fashion & Solutions, TNT, from Coventry
The Warehousing Award
Awarded to a woman who is innovating and improving warehouse operations.
Above & Beyond
- Clare Maclauchlan, National Development Manager, Co-op, from Newcastle upon Tyne
Leader
- Sharon Hammond, Senior Director – Food North ALS, Asda, from Leeds
Industry Champion Award
Sponsored by Asda – Awarded to an individual who demonstrates the impact that they have had on attracting and retaining women in the industry.
- Harriet Glen, Principal Transport Planner, TfL, from London
Male Agent of Change Award (new for 2018)
Awarded to a man for his active commitment to advancing the progress of women working in Transport and Logistics./0
- Wayne Jay, National Distribution Director, Royal Mail, from Kidderminster
Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments, “This year’s winners represent those making a real difference to transport and logistics – whether it’s through the remarkable transformations they’ve made to the companies they work for, or the innovative businesses they have built from the ground-up. Not only are they making their own contributions to the industry, but they are mentoring others to do the same. As everywoman ambassadors, they will go on to inspire the next generation.”
David Wells, Chief Executive Officer, FTA adds: “In such economically challenging times, it is vital that the sector continues to attract the very best talent, by celebrating successful individuals of all ages and showcasing aspirational role models. Our finalists today certainly fit the bill. Undoubtedly, the logistics workforce of tomorrow will be inspired by today’s winners, and FTA is delighted to celebrate their achievements and reward those who have shown such exceptional dedication and ability. Many congratulations to you all.”
For further information please visit www.everywoman.com/tlawards