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The winners of the 2021 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, as well as showcasing them as role models for the next generation of female talent.

For the first time, the awards introduced the ‘Tech Innovator Award’ sponsored by Hermes to celebrate a woman designing, developing, researching, implementing or being exceptionally creative with technology within the sector. This was awarded to Kate Lovatt (pictured), IT director at EV Cargo who spearheaded her company’s Technology Trident, which increased freight handled by its smart forklift trucks by 24%. She also devised technology to keep the company moving during lockdown, while minimising face-to-face contact.

This year’s winners encompassed 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. 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.

A special “Woman of the Year” award was given to Jaya Sajnani, director and transport Manager at YG Travel, which offers transport solutions for weddings, corporate events, schools and educational tours.

The winners in full were:

The Freight Award

Above and Beyond

• Danielle Owen, Head of Marketing and Communications, EV Cargo, from Burton Upon Trent

Leader

• Shereen Husein, Head of Linehaul, DPD Group (UK), from Oldbury

The Customer / Passenger Award - sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans UK

Above and Beyond

• Paula Jones, City Centre Supervisor, Brighton & Hove and Metrobus, from Hove

Leader

• Dr Claire Williams, Technical Director - Human Factors and Behaviour Change, Atkins, from London

The Infrastructure Award – sponsored by Mott MacDonald

Above and Beyond

• Charlotte Robinson, Planner, Dyer & Butler, from London

Leader

• Lesley Waud, Design Development Director, Transportation UK & Europe, Atkins, from London

The Supply Chain Award

Above and Beyond

• Kathy Cooke, Head of Operations, Wincanton, from Doncaster

Leader

• Alison Wynne Davies, General Manager, Gist, from Barnsley

The Warehousing Award – sponsored by FedEx

Above and Beyond

• Laura Morrison, General Manager, Wincanton, from Corby

Leader

• Chloe Ball, Warehouse Manager, A.F. Blakemore, from Wolverhampton

The Industry Champion Award – sponsored by Asda

• Caroline Welch, Apprenticeship Manager, Go-Ahead London, from London

Male Agent of Change

• Dominic Mottram, Project Manager & Co-chair, Inspire Network Rail, from Birmingham

The Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Unipart Rail

• Sian Coley, Degree Apprentice, CEVA Logistics, from Ashby de la Zouch

International Inspiration Award

• Smita Sawdadkar, Head of Global Design Training Service, (EDPM) Atkins, from India

*New for 2021* Tech Innovator Award – sponsored by Hermes

• Kate Lovatt, IT Director, EV Cargo, from Derbyshire

Commented Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman: “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. 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.”

Graham Allison, Amazon regional director, said: "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.”

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