Leading figures in business gathered at the Savoy yesterday to celebrate the successes of women working in the transport and logistics sector.
The awards programme was founded to raise awareness of the varied and rewarding career opportunities available in the industry, with the ambition to increase the number of women entering into the sector as a career choice and inspiring them to excel.
Finalists for the award were drawn from an exceptional shortlist of individuals working in the UK transport and logistics industry for being best in their field and selected by a panel of expert industry judges.
Anna was appointed CEO in 2008, restructuring the Charity and transforming it into one of the country’s leading community transport providers. Anna led ECT Charity’s partnership with 24 community transport operators to provide the Accessible Shuttles service for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, involving 150 vehicles, 100,000 journeys, over 500 drivers and 200 additional staff.
Anna was hailed by judges as not only an “outstanding business woman” but also a huge role model to the business.
Anna Whitty, CEO of ECT Charity said in her acceptance speech: “It is nice to see community transport in the charity sector being recognised by the FTA, so thank you very much. I would like to share this award with all my community transport colleagues – both the ones that I work with and the CT’s around the whole country.”
“I would like to dedicate the award to those who are isolated and housebound, the people that we provide transport for that cannot access mainstream transport. What ECT Charity do is all about making a difference to those people’s lives.”
She continued: “I would also like to thank everywoman for the recognition and Nikki Short at RBS for nominating me!”
Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, commented: “As the transport and logistics industry seeks to employ half a million more people, it has never been more urgent to ensure the sector attracts more talented women. Inspirational female role models enjoying rewarding careers and achieving success will do that. That’s why today’s winners are so vitally important to the industry. We congratulate them all.”
Theo de Pencier, Chief Executive of the FTA said: “The Freight Transport Association is proud to be the Title Partner of the 2014 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards which showcase how women can make a career in transport a successful and fulfilling one. FTA is pleased to encourage forward thinking companies that are committed to introducing diversity to the freight industry, and working further with everywoman offers opportunities to expand that work. The key for our industry is to be able to access a wider talent pool and to be able to meet its need for good quality staff in whichever role it needs to fill.”
