Leading figures from business gathered in London to celebrate the successful women working in the UK transport and logistics industry, as the 2016 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards winners were announced. Selected by a judging panel of industry leaders, these women are considered the finest in their field in the UK, whether a young trailblazer, a manager going above and beyond the day job or a leader in a global organisation.

The FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards were launched nine years ago to raise awareness of the varied and rewarding careers that the transport and logistics sector offers, with the aim of increasing the number of women considering it as a career choice. This year’s winners come from organisations as diverse as Shell, TNT, and Heathrow Express, reflecting the varying options for those contemplating a career in logistics or transport.

The Woman of the Year Award was presented to Caroline Rose, who is Head of Regional Operations at TNT Express. Caroline is a visionary team leader who has a proven track record for leading teams and projects that develop new ways of thinking and deliver tangible results and benefits. At a local level she has led her depots and staff to set the standard for new initiatives which are driving growth across the UK, many of which have since been adopted by the wider TNT Group at a global level.

The category winners of the 2016 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards are:

Rising Star of the Year Award: Awarded to a woman aged under 30 who is excelling in her career.

• Rachel Beckett, Coaching Team Leader, Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, from Brighton & Hove

Driver of the Year Award: Awarded to a woman who is excelling in her role as a driver including HGV, van, motorcycle or passenger transport.

• Kirsty Sando, Driver Manager, Heathrow Express, from London

The Warehousing Award: Awarded to a woman who is excelling in her role within a warehousing environment.

• Helen Page, Team Manager, Mondelez, from Birmingham

Innovation & Sustainability Award: Awarded to a woman who is implementing an innovative operational solution (technologies and processes) that is changing the industry in a positive way.

• Katherine Trauth, Manager, LNG Marine Fuel Projects, Shell, from London

Team Leader of the Year Award: Awarded to a woman who is leading a team to excel in a way that contributes greatly to the company's success.

• Wendy Findlay, Fleet Support Engineer, First Glasgow, from Glasgow

Leader of the Year Award – sponsored by Asda Logistics Services: Awarded to a woman operating in a senior role, contributing to the strategic direction of the business.

• Kathryn Lewis, Operations Director, Advanced Supply Chain, from Manchester

Industry Champion of the Year Award: Awarded to an individual, male or female, who is an active champion for the industry, playing a vital role in attracting and retaining women in transport and logistics.

• Jo Field, Head of Campaigns, Communications and Engagement, Transport for London, from London

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments, “The transport and logistics industry offers an incredible range of opportunities for women with the determination, enthusiasm and passion to succeed. The women celebrated today come from a variety of backgrounds and highlight what makes the industry so great – they are breaking barriers, changing perceptions, and are role models for others, both those already forging a career in the industry and those who have never even considered it. We are proud to be able to celebrate their achievements and are confident their success will inspire women of all ages, experience and skill-levels to bring their talent to the industry.

David Wells, Chief Executive Officer, FTA adds: “The winners of the 2016 FTA everywoman Transport & Logistics Awards 2016 truly reflect the diversity of roles within our industry. There is all too often a public misconception about what transport and logistics actually delivers, and recruiting women into our industry suffers as a result. We are delighted to and extremely proud to once again be the title partner of these prestigious awards. FTA is convinced that they will encourage more women into a career in the logistics sector in which they are seriously under-represented.”