Anita Emerson, warehouse operations manager at Knights of Old, was named Woman of the Year at the inaugural MAN everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards at a gala lunch ceremony last week.
Emerson began her career as an account administrator, before approaching her managing director for a chance to prove herself. Described as having a strong work ethic and relentless drive, Emerson streamlined procedures once she became warehouse operations manager, raising standards and service
levels - all of which were key to Knights winning Haulier of the Year at the Motor Transport Awards two years ago.
She tells MT: "If I set my mind to something, I'll do it. I enjoy the work it's long hours but rewarding and everyday is different, which means there's a buzz factor." The other category winners are detailed below.
Maxine Benson, co-founder and director of everywoman, says: "The gender boundaries in terms of career are gradually being broken down and these winners are demonstrating that transport and logistics is a sector where women can prosper and succeed. We hope their success will be an inspiration to others."
MAN chief executive Des Evans, who presented the top award, adds: "The achievements of the winners cannot be underestimated. They have set the very highest standards in their own roles."
Lucinda Ward, marketing and research director at Skills for Logistics, concludes: "These awards have provided a much-needed boost to the image of the
logistics industry. These inspirational women are great role models."
Dawn Fisher, consultant, Faber Maunsell.
Award presented by Justin Stanton, editor, Motor Transport.
She is in charge of projects in transport planning and freight consultancy across Europe. She is credited with an analytic aptitude that she implements to generate solutions and deliver excellent results. Her work has been quoted by the DfT, the Highways Agency and academics.
Finalists: Lauren Butler, operations supervisor, Triple A Transport Services Sarah Croft, group carrier manager, Arco.
Julie Thomas, driver and sidelifter operator, Container-lift Services
Award presented by Hilary Devey, CEO, Pall-Ex
Julie started out 20 years ago, funding herself through training. She became the first woman in the UK to operate a side-lifter. She's driven trans-alpine routes with dangerous goods and is regularly endorsed by her peers as outstripping her male counterparts. She's also a qualified first aider.
Finalists: Stephanie Lynn Crack, self-employed commercial driver, SLC Alldrive Julie Richardson-Thomas, lorry driver, S Winfield.
Susan Davies, depot general manager, Home Delivery Network
Award presented by Nikki King OBE, MD, Isuzu Truck (UK)
She has successfully turned around the performance of the depot she manages, which was under-performing.
She won Gold at Home Delivery Network's Customer First Awards earlier this year. She is also credited with accident reduction.
Her colleagues regard her infectious personality and enthusiasm as a catalyst.
Finalists: Angela Back, general manager, Metropolitan Line, London Underground Manjeet Turner, deputy head of marketing & communication, Serco Docklands.
Claire Salmon, southern region operations manager, Boots the Chemist
Award presented by Rebecca Salt, PR director, DHL Logistics
She is responsible for nine distribution centres as well as the national chill operation and is in charge of uniting two transport operations. She met steep targets to reduce sick leave and reduced accidents by 20% in the warehouse. Ultimately she has saved the company £5.2m through revising existing store delivery schedules.
Finalists: Anita Emerson, warehouse operations manager, Knights of Old Lynda Raymond, managing director, LB Raymond.
Vicki Dixon, acting manager learning & development EMEA, FedEx Express
Award presented by Lucinda Ward, marketing and research director, Skills for Logistics
She started at FedEx 20 years ago as a customer service agent and has worked her way up. She has created, developed and promoted many different training programmes to meet the needs and demands of a diverse employee base throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She is an exceptional training professional.
Finalists: Mandy Bennett, owner, Chaucer Freight Tara McLuskie-Cunningham, training officer, Driver Training Wing Defence School of Transport.
Atkins, collected by Elspeth Duxbury, director, highways and transportation
Award presented by Theo de Pencier, chief executive, FTA
Atkins, the multi-national engineering and design consultancy, is particularly passionate about encouraging and nurturing female talent and was recently listed as one of the top 50 organisations where women want to work, as compiled by The Times. Many senior roles are held by women - and Atkins has recently appointed a woman to its board of directors.
Finalist: FedEx Express
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