FTA awards recognise role of women in transport and logistics

The Freight Transport Association’s annual awards for women working in transport and logistics is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The FTA everywoman awards were launched in 2007 to champion the sector’s female achievers.

The 2017 FTA everywoman awards will explore the future of transport and logistics, including challenges facing the sector such as an increase in consumer expectations due to the rise of e-commerce logistics.

This year’s award have a new format. There will now be two winners per category, one leader and one individual going above and beyond. All nominees should demonstrate how they are innovating and excelling in their roles.  

2017 FTA everywoman award categories

• The Freight Award - Entrants should demonstrate how they are innovating in the sector.
• The Passenger Award - Entrants should demonstrate how they are improving the customer experience.
• The Infrastructure Award - Entrants should demonstrate how they are improving road or rail infrastructure.
• The Supply Chain Award – Entrants should demonstrate how they are improving processes within supply chain.
• The Warehousing Award – Entrants should demonstrate how they are innovating and improving warehouse operations.
• The Industry Champion Award – Awarded to one individual, male or female, entrants should demonstrate the impact that they have had on attracting and retaining women in the industry.

The number of women working in transport and logistics has grown to an estimated 2.35 million roles over the past decade, making up around 7.5% of the total UK workforce. However, this still means that 78% of positions in the logistics industry are held by men.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, said: “For too many women and girls, there is an unconscious bias about the transport and logistics industry when it comes to career choice. These awards play a vital part in uncovering role models who can change these perceptions and demonstrate the fast paced and diverse industry that it is. 

“The speed of change that the sector is experiencing is unprecedented, the industry offers huge opportunities for women seeking rewarding careers.  We want to celebrate the brilliance of transport and logistics brightest female talent and call upon all those in the industry to nominate peers and colleagues who deserve to have their achievements recognised and rewarded.”

David Wells, chief executive of the FTA, said: “These awards uncover role models whose stories can inspire the truck drivers and transport managers of the future and can help make logistics an inspirational career choice for young women to follow. Only 1% of HGV drivers in the UK are women and the sector’s labour shortages mean it’s crucial for firms to recognise the valuable contribution women can make.”

The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony on 21 June at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.