The 2011 MAN everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards

The finalists in the 2011 MAN everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards have just been announced, celebrating the achievements of those women making a difference in the sector.

These awards, now in their fourth year, recognise women excelling within an industry traditionally dominated by men. The chosen finalists demonstrate a range of career options available for women, from operational, distribution and planning roles to customer service and warehousing. Through hard work and determination, they have achieved success in a sector often overlooked by their female peers.

Rising Star of the Year category, Sponsored by Royal Mail Group

Sarah Bauer, Walkers Raw Materials Coordinator, PepsiCo from Theale

Johanna Sharpe, Compliance Manager, Romac Technical Services Ltd, from Reading

Abby Taylor, Cycle Hire Expansion Project Manager, Transport for London from London

Commercial Driver of the Year category, Sponsored by Motor Transport

Pam Davis, HGV Driver, David Bletsoe Brown Ltd from Kettering

Linda Ferguson, Driver, Yodel from Carlisle

Lindsey Scott, Lorry Driver, Savage Haulage Limited, from March in Cambridgeshire

Director of the Year category, Sponsored by Asda

Jane Gorick, Managing Director, LPR UK from Redditch

Nicole Howarth, Managing Director, Global Freight Services Ltd from Telford

Nataša Šabanović, Managing Director, Whittle Eastern Europe Logistics Limited from Lancashire

The Warehousing category, Sponsored by DHL Supply Chain

Valerie Morris-Cook, General Manager, Wincanton, from London

Katie Thomas, Operations Manager, Northern Logistics of PepsiCo International from Durham

Anne Stevenson, General Manager, Wm Morrison Supermarket PLC from Bradford

Industry Trainer of the Year category, Sponsored by Skills for Logistics

Katie Bratton, Asda HGV Driver/Trainer, Asda Distribution from Lutterworth

Sheryll Elliott, Ops Support Manager, Royal Mail from Warrington

Corinne Murphy, General Manager Fleet Compliance, Wincanton from Doncaster

Green Champion of the Year category, Sponsored by DHL Supply Chain

Ria Bishop, Recycling Manager, DHL Supply Chain from Daventry

Claire James, Environmental Improvement Programme Coordinator & Employee Engagement Manager, DHL Supply Chain, Industrial Sector from Lutterworth

Annie Knell, Regional Environment Lead, Royal Mail from Cambridge

Team of the Year category, Sponsored by CEVA Logistics

Joanna Davies, Logistics Manager, Advance Uranium Asset Management ltd from Preston

Gill Barnard, Logistics Development Manager, Nestle UK Ltd from York

Debbie Palmer, General Manager, DHL Supply Chain – Unilever Contract, from West Thurrock, London

Maxine Benson, Co-founder and Director of everywoman, comments "The quality of entries in this year’s awards was impressive. The transport and logistics sector is so often overlooked but it is an area that offers huge opportunities for those wanting to make their mark. These finalists are a huge inspiration for other women wanting to move into the industry. I wish them all the best of luck."

Des Evans, Chief Executive of MAN Truck and Bus UK adds, "Once again it’s a great pleasure for MAN Truck & Bus UK to be sponsoring the everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Our association with these awards dates back to 2008 and we are delighted and proud to be asked to be part of their success in 2011. MAN has a long established reputation of encouraging women to enter and excel in what by many is seen as a traditionally male dominated industry. However this perception is continuing to diminish fast as growing numbers of energetic, career minded women choose to make a new start in the transport and Logistics sector. If the high standard of the previous year’s nominees and winners are anything to go by these awards are proof to all the women working within this sector of what can be achieved. Good luck to all this years entrants in their chosen category."

Dr Mick Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Logistics comments, "Skills for Logistics is proud to support the everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. Workforce diversity is a key factor in ensuring that the sector moves forward. There are not enough women represented in logistics, so it is exciting to see so many women that are contributing to the future of such a vital sector to the UK and indeed the global economy. The women that have been nominated for these awards have demonstrated a wide range of skills that are helping to ensure the ongoing success of our industry. By celebrating these achievements and encouraging the recognition of women working in logistics these awards help to raise its profile and demonstrate the opportunities and the wide-ranging roles that are available within it."

The awards ceremony and luncheon will be held at The Savoy Hotel in London on May 4 2011, where politicians, media, captains of industry, companies who recognise the value of a diverse workplace and the industry’s most successful women will gather to honour outstanding female success. Supported by FTA and trade associations and industry bodies across the sector, the MAN everywoman Transport & Logistics Awards are uncovering the industry’s most talented employees.