The finalists for the 2018 FTA Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards have been announced.

Now in its eleventh year, the awards programme celebrates the achievements of women in the UK’s transport and logistics industry, while showcasing the range of exciting career opportunities it has to offer.

A brand-new category – The Male Agent of Change Award – has also been launched this year, celebrating the men championing the progress of women in transport and logistics.

Each award category honours an exceptional leader who is driving change and an individual at any stage of their career who is going ‘above and beyond’ for their organisation.

An overall industry champion of the year award will also be presented to a man or woman making an impact on attracting and retaining women in transport and logistics. This year’s finalists, from companies including Royal Mail, TfL and Asda.

Maxine Benson, co-founder of Everywoman, said: “This year’s judging panel has selected an exceptionally impressive cohort of role models working in transport and logistics – all making valuable contributions through their innovation, mentorship and leadership.

“They are shifting perceptions of the opportunities this industry offers and will inspire the next generation of talent who may have never considered a career in the sector, to view it as an exciting option.

“We look forward to congratulating all the winners and watching their career journeys evolve as they go on to become everywoman ambassadors.”

Consisting of more than 2.4 million workers, the transport and logistics industry is one of the UK’s most valuable employers. However, the latest findings from the Office of National Statistics show that men currently make up over 80% of the workforce and the sector recently reported a 5.72% gender pay gap. Together, the FTA and Everywoman aim to address this gender parity.

David Wells, chief executive of the FTA, said: “The logistics industry is key to the success of UK PLC, employing more than 2.54 million people and ensuring our country is able to trade successfully both domestically and internationally. 

“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 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.”

The 2018 FTA Everywoman in Transport and Logistics finalists are:

The Freight Award – Entrants for this award demonstrated how they are innovating and excelling their role in the Freight sector.

Above and Beyond

  • Irene Arnold, Operations Manager, DHL Global Forwarding, from London
  • Lesley O’Brien, Partner, Freightlink Europe Freight Train, from Bradford
  • Kate Turner, Head of Planning, DB Cargo UK, from Goole

​Leader

  • Sue Buchanan, Director of Network Services, Pall-Ex, from Birmingham
  • Geraldine McEwan, General Manager, Whistl, from Belfast
  • Keely Priestman, Managing Director, Diamond Distribution, from London

The Passenger Award – Entrants for this demonstrated how they are improving the customer experience.

Above and Beyond

  • Nicola Baillie, Safety and Environment Business Partner, West Midlands Trains, from Birmingham
  • Amanda Cullum, Planner and Administrator, Network Rail, from Scunthorpe
  • Nikki Sohal, Heathrow Express Control Room Competence Manager, Heathrow Express, from London

Leader

  • Siwan Hayward, Head of Transport Policing and Community Safety, Transport for London, from London
  • Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director, Lothian, from Edinburgh
  • Liz Chandler, Director of Corporate Development, Merseytravel, from Liverpool City Region

The Infrastructure Award – Entrants for this Award demonstrated how they are improving road or rail infrastructure.

Above and Beyond

  • Helen Burke, Contract Manager, XPO Logistics, from Runcorn
  • Louise Gold, Head of Behaviour Change, Sustrans, from London
  • Deborah Pye, Director Strategic Innovation, Walmart, from Leeds

Leader

  • Anna Delvecchio, Commercial Account Director, Amey, from London
  • Maria Machancoses, Director, Midlands Connect, from Birmingham
  • Kayleigh Wilson, Transition Manager, DHL Supply Chain, from London

The Supply Chain Award – Entrants for this Award demonstrated how they are improving processes within supply chain.

Above and Beyond

  • Jayne Bellamy, Contract Distribution Manager, Wincanton Logistics, from Kettering
  • Natasha Culshaw, Change Manager, Asda, from Leeds
  • June Jones, Senior Manager Operating Model, Asda, from Leeds

Leader

  • Faye Calland, National Same Day Manager - Storage, Fashion & Solutions, TNT, from Coventry
  • Rachael Huntley, Regional General Manager, XPO Logistics, from Crick
  • Lorna McAtear, Head of Supply and Internal Accounts, Royal Mail, from Kidderminster

The Warehousing Award - Entrants for this Award demonstrated how they are innovating and improving warehouse operations.

Above and Beyond

  • Sue Griffiths, Operations Manager, TNT UK, from London
  • Clare Maclauchlan, National Development Manager, Co-op, from Newcastle upon Tyne
  • Sally Worringham, Network Data & Service Quality Manager UK, TNT, from Coventry

Leader

  • Sharon Hammond, Senior Director - Food North ALS, Asda, from Leeds
  • Karen Hopkinson, Operations Manager, Co-op, from Chesterfield
  • Janet John, Operations Manager, Co-op, from Llanelli

Industry Champion Award – Entrants for this Award demonstrated the impact that they have had on attracting and retaining women in the industry. Awarded to one individual only, male or female.

  • Bethany Fovargue, Operations Manager, NOVUS, from Corby
  • Harriet Glen, Principal Transport Planner, Transport for London, from London
  • Debbie Rivers, Regional Maintenance Manager, Royal Mail Fleet, from Oxford

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

  • Vernon Barchou, Vice President, Human Resources, DHL Supply Chain, from London
  • Wayne Jay, National Distribution Director, Royal Mail, from Kidderminster
  • Jon Stockton, Vice President – Ground Operations UK and Storage Fashion & Solutions, FedEx Express UK, from Atherstone

Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on June 14 at Marriott Grosvenor Square, in London.

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