Talent in Logistics puts people first

Speakers included legendary Olympian Steve Backley, OBE, who drew on his background in sports psychology to give an inspirational presentation about the importance of mental preparation and various attributes that lead to success.

Among those taking gold at the awards night itself were Sainsbury’s Argos in the Best Place to Work category, new for 2019, with judges being hugely impressed by the high levels of colleague engagement, safety and departmental productivity at the Basildon distribution centre, which has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence.

Meanwhile, Michael Price of Clipper Logistics was named Inspirational Leader of the Year, while Collaboration in People Development went to Tesco, Scania Training & South Essex College. Eddie Stobart scooped the Training Team of the Year title.

TiL’s annual conference and awards event took place on June 27^th at Marshall Arena and Doubletree by Hilton, both in Milton Keynes.

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The conference’s talks and seminars spanned three dedicated theatres – attract, develop and engage – and equipped attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to make real improvements to people strategies, employee engagement and talent attraction. Delegates who are members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) are entitled to four CPD hours for attending.

As well as Steve Backley OBE, expert speakers included Gwen Powell, international manager for Investors in People (IIP), who led a seminar on defining culture in order to retain talent. A session was also led by Think Logistics on solving the skills gap through youth employment.

The conference also featured the Forklift Operator of the Year live final, which enabled delegates to watch a series of exciting interactive challenges as finalists went head-to-head for the title, which was won by Kris Scarborough of Wilko.

This year also welcomed an exciting new competition; the inaugural LGV Driver of the Year, which was won by Alex Hudson of JJX Logistics. This accolade not only celebrated the drivers who are the face of the logistics industry, but provided another thrilling live spectacle.

Following the conference, the Talent in Logistics Awards saw the introduction of several new categories, such as Innovation in Recruitment and Rising Star, which were awarded to Kuehne + Nagel and Tienne Oates of Wincanton respectively.

Ruth Edwards, business manager at Talent in Logistics, said: “Our awards are testimony to the unsung heroes we have in this sector. Standards were exceptionally high, showcasing the very best in innovation, as well as work ethic. I’ve been really encouraged by the number of businesses putting team members and initiatives forward, which speaks volumes about the confidence they have in their work, as well as the future of logistics.”

Ruth added: “This year’s event has been the biggest yet, and I am incredibly proud of the hard work and creativity demonstrated by all the entrants and the Talent in Logistics team. The impressive innovation happening across the logistics sector is incredibly encouraging, especially considering the important role the sector has to play as we look towards a future of changing the perception of logistics to recruit new talent, particularly from groups that are currently under-represented.

“The main aim for this year’s conference was to work collaboratively with organisations and individuals to make a difference with the challenges the sector is facing, whilst ensuring our key focus is on the people who are seldom recognised, but without whom our sector could not survive, and we feel that we achieved this.”