The winners of this year’s Amazon everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards have been announced.
Now in their 14th year, the awards celebrated 16 outstanding individuals working in the transport and logistics sector. They honour and champion the “women that are keeping the country moving”.
“We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 Amazon everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. The events of the past 18 months have heaped unprecedented pressure on our vital transport and logistics sector, but it has risen to the challenge keeping the country, its people, goods and services moving, even as we have undergone seismic change,” stated Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman. “This is in no small part thanks the skill, leadership, passion and dedication of its female workforce; and we feel honoured to recognise them and celebrate their achievements.”
SUCCESSFUL PASSIONATE FIGURES
This year’s winners encompass a wide range of career experiences and journeys, from an apprentice who started her role right before the lockdown to senior leaders navigating the challenges of a global pandemic; revealing the breadth of opportunities available for women in an industry too often seen as male-dominated. “These individuals not only make positive contributions to the businesses for which they work; but also encourage other women into the industry long-term by supporting and mentoring young talent,” said the award organiser. Whether it is empowering their female colleagues, finding ways to retain talent, or implementing new solutions, “the winners all represent passionate figures who not only help their businesses succeed but support others along the way’ paying it forward to ensure equal opportunities for their peers and those who follow”.
“I was delighted to be part of the judging panel and hear all the amazing stories from the extraordinary women who over the last year, have worked tirelessly to keep Britain moving at a time when customers have needed this industry more than ever,” stated Amazon Regional Director Graham Allison. “As a company it is important to us to inspire women to continue to drive innovation and new ways of thinking and to develop fulfilling careers by providing opportunities for all. I would like to congratulate all the worthy winners who truly showcase the exceptional female talent we have in the transport and logistics industry.”
GAME CHANGERS
For the first time this year, the awards introduced the ‘Tech Innovator Award’. Sponsored by Hermes, the award celebrates a woman designing, developing, researching, implementing or being exceptionally creative with technology within the sector. Kate Lovatt, IT Director at EV Cargo, scooped this award. The company’s game-changing Technology Trident increased freight handled by its smart forklift trucks by 24%. Lovatt also devised technology to keep the company moving during lockdown, while minimising face-to-face contact.
Jaya Sajnani, Director and Transport Manager at YG Travel won the special ‘Woman of the Year’ award. Her company offers fast and seamless transport solutions for weddings, corporate events, schools and educational tours. The judges were impressed by her entrepreneurial story, which saw Sajnani leave her small town in India to study finance in the UK; before setting up her own business in 2018 with just one minibus. Under her leadership the company has grown rapidly, and she now employs 15 drivers. She was also singled out for her dedication to supporting other women via a non-profit platform that she created to help women start their own business; encouraging them and equipping them with the skills needed to grow.
AWARD WINNERS
Winners for all the award categories include:
THE FREIGHT AWARD
- ABOVE AND BEYOND: Danielle Owen, Head of Marketing and Communications, EV Cargo
- LEADER: Shereen Husein, Head of Linehaul, DPD Group (UK)
THE CUSTOMER/PASSENGER AWARD (Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans UK)
- ABOVE AND BEYOND: Paula Jones, City Centre Supervisor, Brighton & Hove and Metrobus
- LEADER: Dr Claire Williams, Technical Director – Human Factors and Behaviour Change, Atkins
THE INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD (Sponsored by Mot MacDonald)
- ABOVE AND BEYOND: Charlotte Robinson, Planner, Dyer & Butler
- LEADER: Lesley Waud, Design Development Director, Transportation UK & Europe, Atkins
THE SUPPLY CHAIN AWARD
- ABOVE AND BEYOND: Kathy Cooke, Head of Operations, Wincanton
- LEADER: Alison Wynne Davies, General Manager, Gist
THE WAREHOUSING AWARD (Sponsored by FEDEX)
- ABOVE AND BEYOND: Laura Morrison, General Manager, Wincanton
- LEADER: Chloe Ball, Warehouse Manager, AF Blakemore
THE INDUSTRY CHAMPION AWARD (Sponsored by Asda)
- Caroline Welch, Apprenticeship Manager, Go-Ahead London
MALE AGENT OF CHANGE
- Dominic Mottram, Project Manager & Co-chair, Inspire, Network Rail
THE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD (Sponsored by Unipart Rail)
- Sian Coley, Degree Apprentice, CEVA Logistics
INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION AWARD
- Smita Sawdadkar, Head of Global Design Training Service, (EDPM) Atkins (India)
TECH INNOVATOR AWARD (Sponsored by Hermes)
- Kate Lovatt, IT Director, EV Cargo
For further information about the awards and winners, click here. Check out the 35 women who are making their impact felt in every area of the engineering field, by clicking here.
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