15 awards were presented to the shining stars of the UK and Ireland logistics sector at the Talent in Logistics Awards on Thursday evening, 22 June. The inaugural event was hosted by special guest, stand-up comedian, and star of BBC One sitcom ‘Not Going Out’, Tim Vine.
Taking place at the Telford International Centre, the Talent in Logistics Awards solely dedicated to recognising those who train, lead and inspire frontline logistics and transport staff, and they reward those who often feel undervalued and unimportant.
Material Handling Equipment Awards
Following a tough day of live competitions, International Forklift Operator of the Year was awarded to Simon Bottomley of Nasaleze. Sponsored by UniCarriers UK and partnered with McCue Corporation, the competition recognises operators who display outstanding skills and safety in counterbalance lift truck operation and includes operating tests supported by safety companies including: Pyroban, AvantiGas, B&B Attachments and charity Transaid. First runner up was Kristian Sherratt from Travis Perkins, and second runner up was Kris Scarborough of Wilko Retail.
The Lift Truck Instructor of the Year contest also took place at the Talent in Logistics Conference 2017; Andrew Blatch won and was presented the award by sponsor Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK.
Phoenix Training won Material Handling Equipment Training Provider of the Year, sponsored by McCue Corporation, for exceeding its customers’ expectations by improving safety and efficiency through the delivery of material handling training.
Lifetime Contribution Award
Prof. Richard Wilding OBE from Cranfield School of Management was presented with the Lifetime Contribution to Training and Development in Logistics Award for his service to industry. Wilding is currently the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; the award was presented by Stuart Taylor, director of award sponsor, Mentor FLT Training.
Transport, Driver and H&S Awards
It was the women who proved strongest in this category with Transport Manager of the Year going to Mair Jones of NPT Homes for her outstanding commitment to road user safety, customer service excellence and high levels of compliance. DFA Law were the Award sponsor and Partner, Paul Currie presented the Award.
Driver CPC Awards
Martin Ready from John Lewis Distribution received the Driver CPC Instructor of the Year Award having demonstrated that in the last 12 months he has delivered positive, engaging Driver CPC Periodic Training that has benefited drivers and road safety. This award was sponsored by Road Haulage Association (RHA).
The Driver CPC Training Provider of the Year Award, sponsored by Women in Logistics, went to JK Transport Training Services, which has exceeded customer expectations and improved driver engagement.
Emma Ryan from John Lewis Distribution was named LGV Driver of the Year. This award was presented by sponsor, Pertemps Driver Training. This was a very strong category and as a result, in addition to the outright winner, Gary Newell of Wincanton was highly commended, receiving a special mention on the night.
Sandra Fisher from the Royal Mail UK won Health and Safety Leader of the Year, sponsored by Food Storage & Distribution Federation (FSDF), for making an exceptional contribution to the delivery of health and safety in the workplace.
The awards followed the daytime Talent in Logistics Conference at the RTITB Headquarters where some of the key issues currently facing learning and development professionals in logistics were addressed.
The next Talent in Logistics is due to take place on 21 June, 2018 in Telford.
