With a special anniversary year ahead, entries are now open for the tenth Northamptonshire Logistics Awards, following a launch event at Yusen Logistics’ new Sustainable Distribution Centre (SDC).
Founded to recognise the valuable contribution the sector plays both in the county and in the country as a whole, the awards have grown since their formation in 2016 to be the biggest date in the logistics calendar in Northamptonshire.
Entries are now open in the 12 categories, ranging from Apprentice of the Year to Big Logistics Company of the Year, while global freight forwarder DSV has been announced as this year’s Headline Sponsor.
The official launch, in March, saw the organisers and sponsors, supporters and past winners come together at the new SDC to hear from a panel of experts, compered by Clare Bottle, Chief Executive of UKWA, the leading trade body of the logistics and warehousing sector.
Topics up for discussion between the panel of David Evans from Yusen, logistics consultant Andy Fitt and Wayne Ramswell from DSV, included how green is the future, how is logistics perceived and what is the impact of AI and automation?
Opening the discussion, Clare said: “This is a county that has been making, storing and moving goods for centuries, from boots and shoes to modern fulfilment. And yet, despite its importance, our sector is still misunderstood. Seen by some as ‘dirty’, low-skilled, even part of the problem, when in reality it is the backbone of the economy.
“We’re going to challenge that, and talk about sustainability, automation, people, and what the future really looks like here in Northamptonshire.”
Gavin Roberts, Business Development Manager at Yusen Logistics spoke about the current market challenges, including sustainability, property and investment, scarcity of labour and global crises, and outlined how hybrid warehousing solutions like the SDC played a vital role in reducing space, simplifying processes, reducing dependence on direct labour and offering system driven intelligence.
Sponsors already committed to the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards 2026 include AIT Home Delivery, Brackmills Industrial Estate, Dachser, Hawsons, Northampton College, RHA, Woodfines Solicitors and Yusen Logistics, with a number of awards still available for sponsorship.
Headline Sponsor DSV described the awards as ‘an event that celebrates the very best of our industry and the people who keep it moving’ and added: “As a business rooted in the region, we see this as more than sponsorship, it’s a chance to champion logistics within the local community, inspire future talent, and shine a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals and teams who make this sector what it is. Too often, logistics is taken for granted, yet it sits at the heart of everyday life. By supporting these awards, we’re helping to raise awareness, drive education, and show that this is an industry full of opportunity, innovation and long-term career prospects.”
Tony Bellot, one of the founders of the awards, said: “I can’t believe it is ten years since we first talked about celebrating the success of logistics in Northamptonshire, from which the awards event was born, to become a maturing event that just goes from strength to strength!”
Northamptonshire Logistics Awards organiser Charlotte Patrick said: “It’s exciting to think we are now planning our tenth year of these awards that have come to mean so much to the local sector.
“Thank you to Yusen Logistics for hosting the launch at their amazing new Sustainable Distribution Centre, and to Clare and our panel of experts for their insights. Entries are now open, and we’re planning a number of follow-up events, starting at the beginning of May, to encourage people to find out more about the awards and get involved, either by entering or sponsoring, to make 2026 another fantastic year.”
The 2026 Northamptonshire Logistics Awards will take place at the Mercure Hotel Northampton on October 9.
For full details, including the categories and how to enter, as well as sponsorship opportunities,
visit our website here.
