What a first year for Women in Logistics…from one member in September 2008 the group now has four hundred and fifty members, has organised an array of successful events this year and is about to launch its own mentoring scheme. The group, which will be celebrating its birthday with three parties across the country on 17th September, is a voluntary non-funded organisation but has the support of the FTA, RHA, SfL, UKWA, CILT and BAR, and various sponsors have provided funding for the web-site or hosted events.

Women in Logistics UK was formed with the aim of helping increase the number of women in the sector. The group’s objectives include offering support & encouragement to women in the industry; provide professional development and networking opportunities for all members, and to have fun. The group welcomes both men and women who want to work together to encourage more women to participate in and then progress within all areas of Logistics. Women in Logistics UK is organised via the professional networking site Linkedin (see www.linkedin.com).

From an initial meeting of 19 members in January 2009 at Jigsaw Solutions in Leicestershire the organisation has already held two successful events. “Inspiring Women” was held at Pearson Shared Services, Rugby, this was attended by 45 people including three men, and involved a warehouse tour and various speakers including Beverley Bell, the North West Traffic Commissioner. The second event was a Golf and Professional Development day held in Coventry. Thirty people (including one brave man) had golf lessons in the morning organised by Stiletto Golf and then took part In Professional Development workshops in the afternoon. During the year the group have also attended various industry events to raise the profile of Women in Logistics UK and to provide networking opportunities for members, these have included the CILTUK conference, the UKWA annual lunch and awards and Multimodal 2009.

It has been a very busy year for the steering committee, of 9 members, but the group is not resting on its laurels. The first birthday parties will be held simultaneously in Leamington Spa, Warrington and London on 17th September. In addition the committee has two more formal events planned this year. A “Sustainable Logistics” event will be held on 8th October at the Sainsbury’s flagship “green” depot in Northampton, which will include a debate in the afternoon. At this event Women in Logistics UK will also be launching a mentoring scheme for members, to provide more practical assistance to younger professionals in the industry. Their final event for 2009 is on 3rd December at Royal Mail Rugby with a professional development theme, followed by a Christmas party at a nearby hotel.

If you are interested in joining or supporting the group please go to www.womeninlogistics.org.uk, or e-mail Kathrin, the membership secretary at kriemer@logtechconsult.com.