Logistics has been transformed over the past 18 months but the high excitement and celebratory mood at the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards was just the same as ever.
Individuals and companies from across the region came together at the Royal and Derngate on September 10 to recognise not only the winners on the night, but also the efforts of everyone involved in the industry who have done so much to help keep the nation’s economy afloat.
Across the 12 categories there were some amazing winners and even more amazing stories, with the evening culminating in a standing ovation for the winner of the Chairman’s Special Award. Marisa Baker from Encore received the award for how she showed that a random act of kindness can have such a profound impact on an individual’s life.
Tony Bellott, MD of Fortis Logistics Consultancy and Chair of the Northamptonshire Logistics Forum, which is facilitated by the University of Northampton and which organised the MHA MacIntyre Hudson headline sponsored event, said:
“It was an amazing evening, and so special to bring everyone back together again after so long. It was also great to see the myth that logistics and transport is a man’s world get blown into touch, and so inspiring to see young people coming through and being recognised as the ‘future of logistics’.”
Among the guests was the winner of an earlier competition – the Forklift Driver of the Year competition, Will Laki from Clipper.
At the inaugural Northamptonshire Logistics Awards, back in 2015, it was decided that there should be a local flavour with local talent and the idea was born to approach students at Northampton College and ask them to design and create the trophy that most have become familiar with. After the extraordinary events of the past 18 months, the organisers agreed that a new, innovative approach in both design and finished article – a design to symbolise a fresh start – was required and so a new trophy, the result of a collaboration with laser cutting specialists EES UK in Northampton – was unveiled for 2021.
Among the winners on the night were:
Logistics Solutions Group for Team of the Year, sponsored by Encore Personnel
LSG started in 2019, a powerhouse of working mums who travel the UK at the drop of a hat finding solutions to logistics issues with minimal notice. During 2020 and the pandemic, the LSG team were passionate, dogmatic and relentless in providing support for clients in times of real need. The team care about getting solutions right and with their integrity and dedication, the business is truly a team effort.
The judges said:
“Empowerment and team effort through a pandemic is amazing, heartfelt and embedding together. Client testimonials were fantastic.”
C Butt Ltd for the Health Safety & Wellbeing Award, sponsored by Linde Materials Handling
C Butt developed a wide range of support for their employees during challenging times, including a Driver CPC course entitled Staying Safe in a Coronavirus World, helping drivers to recognise the risks whilst at work, delivering and at home. A revised course linking COVID-19 and mental ill health was written and delivered to staff – approved by JAUPT and although a driver’s course, it was open to warehouse staff and delivered via Zoom.
A Health and Wellbeing phone app for all staff was introduced, as well as a hotline evening with mental health expert David Beeney.
The judges said:
“There was a deliberate effort to go through hoops and government standards and structures to create CPC – not an easy thing to do. Included industrial and didn’t exclude anyone.”
NN1 Personnel for Logistics Temporary Staff Agency of the Year, sponsored by C Butt Ltd
In the last year the team and business has grown. In partnership with others they launched the Northampton Transport Conference in 2019 and 2020 with plans to make it an annual event post-COVID, experienced strong growth and continued to innovate in their approach. The team have pushed the industry skills shortage agenda and recognising HGV drivers including registering January 22 as National HGV Drivers Day, working in partnership with local schools to talk about logistics and running a Drivers Mental Health & Wellbeing Campaign.
The judges said:
“NN1 Personnel strive to achieve a ‘unique’ proposition; including external activity like organising an HGV Drivers Day, organised a mental health and wellbeing campaign. They also set aside time at Christmas to be roadside, and share gifts! They have worked with schools and overall, receive very strong testimonials from their customers.”
Kirsty Lancaster from Travis Perkins for the Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Fortec Distribution Network and also for Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by Goodwill Solutions
Kirsty is the Continuous Improvement Co-ordinator for the Primary Distribution Hub for Travis Perkins and is responsible for facilitating projects and CI across the site.
Since joining a year ago she has had a remarkable influence – managing 28 different projects, completing an apprenticeship in Business Process Improvement Level 4, to supporting five managers completing Green Belt Accreditation, established steering groups resulting in elimination of waste and removing duplication.
The judges said:
“Innovative and proactive, she did and achieved and awful lot. The future of logistics!”
Tony Bellott added:
“The past 18 months have been possibly the biggest challenge most of us, through work of personal experience, are ever likely to face. In this time, we have witnessed the rapidly changing shape of logistics due to fast-paced innovation, and amazing achievements thanks to people’s resilience and agility.
“The awards are all about respectfully celebrating the success of individuals and teams who strive tirelessly to deliver consistently great service, while acknowledging the importance and contribution of people working in the sector.”
To join the Northamptonshire Logistics Forum or to find out more contact Charlotte.patrick@northampton.ac.uk.
Northamptonshire Logistics Awards Winners 2021
Team of the Year
– Sponsored by Encore Personnel
Logistics Solutions Group
Health Safety & Wellbeing
– Sponsored by Linde Materials Handling
C Butt Ltd
Growth Company
– Sponsored by ACS Recruitment
Panther Logistics
Diversity & Inclusion
– Sponsored by Travis Perkins
ACS & Track NN
Logistics Temporary Staff Agency of the Year
– Sponsored by C Butt Ltd
NN1 Personnel
Logistics Company below 50
– Sponsored by NN1 Personnel
ACS Recruitment
Logistics Company Above 50
– Sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors
C Butt Ltd
Emerging Talent
– Sponsored by Goodwill Solutions
Kirsty Lancaster – Travis Perkins
Apprentice of the year
– Sponsored by Fortec Distribution Network
Kirsty Lancaster – Travis Perkins
Achiever of the Year
– Sponsored by Brackmills BID
Samuel Scott – Panther Logistics
HGV Driver of the Year
– Sponsored by Certas Energy
Martin Bradley – Wincanton Kettering
Chairman’s Special Award
– Sponsored by Verlingue
Marisa Baker – Encore Personnel
