Inspirational keynotes with a network and natter lunch.
Air and road excellence at Isleworth.
Poorvi Patel, Heathrow for air logistics keynote.
Louise O'Neil Whistl spoke mail, TVS Simi Punn delivered same day courier & Gemma Savage Evri spoke next day overnight delivery.
The key message was opportunity in logistics.
The 17th June Women in Logistics in West London was highly inspirational, showcasing career paths in logistics and opportunity to women in all roles. Lecture theatre standing room only for top-line keynotes from experts in logistics; air and road, mail, same day and next day. It was a must-attend event and was packed with inspiration for next generation to step into logistics. Step in to a sector where every day is different.
Following the keynotes, sector employer-operators did a network and natter over a logistics lunch, followed by exceptional feedback from students, many of whom had signed up for logistics mentor sessions. Held at the Isleworth campus of West Thames College, chaired by WTC Principal Marta Gajewska. ‘Gender does not hold back opportunity in logistics.’ - ‘The future of logistics needs talented people.’
Marta Gajewska CEO & Principal West Thames College
Gender does not hold back opportunity in logistics.
‘The future of logistics needs talented people.’
Introducing logistics delivering technology clothes and food, locally and around the world. Stereotypes are what we will talk about today. Logistics connects customers, helps shops keep their shelves stocked, it’s a foundation of modern life.
Here at West Thames College we are at the heart of the logistics hot-spot of West London and we have Heathrow on our doorstep.
Logistics is growing in west London, the demand for skilled people will only increase.
The logistics sector is not just trucks, it's rich in opportunity, it's an ecosystem of careers. HR roles to technology, marketing and management. The careers of the future are all being created in logistics today.
The sector invests in training and development and provides opportunity to take responsibility, jobs impact logistics around the world. Listen to the keynotes today, listen to their journeys in logistics.
Progression is genuinely accessible. Gender does not hold back opportunity in logistics.
Poorvi Patel - Head of Future Skills – Careers Heathrow
Logistics is about purpose
At Heathrow I connect people to opportunity.
Very few career pathways are a straight line.
Top imports via Heathrow are flowers, fruit and vegetables.
1.59 tonnes of freight in logistics every year.
Creating meaningful options to shape your careers in aviation logistics. My degree was European Studies, it led to a passion for international vision. I am a daughter of a first-generation immigrant family. My parents' generation was family-orientated, my determination was to manage cultural expectation. After university I took a council job locally in re-generation. This was at a time of land-line phones and fax machines. An opportunity to join IBM in Paris followed. This was a marketing role, but I struggled with purpose, I returned to UK for a Business in Community role. This role turned into an 18-year career. Seconded to Heathrow to review community engagement. What we do behind the scenes at Heathrow is connect people.’ Poorvi explained career pathways are not a straight line.
‘Heathrow is not just an airport. At Heathrow we describe ourselves as a city. 80 thousand people turn up at Heathrow every day to give 84 million passengers a great journey. We connect 230 destinations across 85 countries. This is logistics. 1300 aircraft depart and arrive every single day, 100 thousand bags. Top three exports from Heathrow: Furniture fittings, Salmon & Books and literature.
Top three imports we bring in, vegetables, fruits and flowers. 1.59 tonnes of cargo. Heathrow received a clouded leopard, we have roles for vets at the airport.
Take the opportunities that come your way. Logistics is growing. We have roles in project management today. The industry is going towards net zero and needs efficiency from planners and eco-specialists. You will aways need communication skills, be able to work in a team. Logistics is about making decisions in real time and have ability to adapt.
Logistics has a huge impact, people depend on deliveries, vital goods are connected by logistics. Logistics is not just a job, it is purpose driven. Logistics is about purpose!
Gemma Savage – Gemma Savage - Logistics Training & Policy Manager Evri
Showcasing incredible ladies
Sharing case studies of evri opportunities
I have flourished in the opportunity I was given.
Gemma opened with Incredible ladies. First lady to summit Everest, First astronaut, first lady to swim the English Chanel. ‘But today it's not about the first ladies, it's about you and your chance to share a career journey in logistics.’
Case studies, van driver, shift leader, Me
Ellie Mae, a van driver at Evri. ‘Stepping from van to heavy vehicle, failing her first HGV licence she continued and achieved her step with determination. Her next step is to give back and become a driving instructor.
Vanni came to Evri as a shift lead. Arriving at Evri for COVID as on-line shopping exploded, she listened and learned - skill sharing. She achieved best depot in the network, the pathway followed to a second depot, then a role at a new purpose-built depot.
Me, Gemma Savage, Management role. Evri honed my skills and gave me room to flourish. My management challenge began with a SWAT analysis. The question for me at the management interview is 'have you ever managed people?'. My answer was no! But in reality I have a family of five children and the skills to plan routes. These were recognised by Evri as transferable skills. Evri gave me the management role career pathway. Today I have completed the Manager CPC transport certificate, I have flourished in the opportunity I was given. My journey is not over.
As we are in a college today, let me give you some homework. I want you to think about your journey ahead. There are a great many avenues for you in logistics. Take a gander at the opportunities for you on the EVRI web
Louise O'Neil, HR Business Partner Whistl
Women belong in logistics.
My career and why it could be for you.
I love my job, find something you love, no two days are the same in logistics.
I have done 35 years in logistics, over twenty years at Whistl. I completed an apprenticeship. I achieved the Services to Industry award of the Institute of Couriers.
My career path began at 18, I failed my A-levels. I did not go to University, I worked in a chemist's shop for twelve months and hated the role. A turning point came as a friend went to University. Inspired by their experience, I returned to college, got my A-levels and went to Sunderland University for a BA in Communication Studies. My first step into logistics was a management role at Home Shopping Direct where I started with a mapping exercise and a recruitment drive for couriers in the North East. I had to recruit, train and support individuals, it was real logistics, it was communication rich. I learned trust and problem solving, the importance of people. My big break was a step to TNT Post that would become Whistl. I stepped up to run HR. Fast forward to today, ‘I grow talent. I generally love my job’. No two days are the same, I support career development and help people feel included and valued.
I started WOW, Women at Whistl’ supporting Women in logistics.
Women make up 36 per cent of management in logistics, Women at Whistl account for more than the national average. Logistics is diverse, from finance to marketing, many modern roles are emerging from e-commerce planners to robotics specialists.
Women belong in logistics - Treat everyone with respect, stay curious, it's never to late to learn. You rise by lifting each other. I love my job. Find something you love.
Simi Punn TVS Transportation and Network Services Director
You need to be confident and ready to develop.
The next generation of logistics is changing, - AI.
It's great to be back at West Thames College. My message is: your starting point does not have to identify the destination. I started as a telephonist, falling in love with logistics for a sector that is fast challenging and un-predictable.
You do not need to now everything on day one. You must be confident and ready to develop.
The leaders of tomorrow will develop smarter supply chains, cleaner, greener and more sophisticated than ever before. I wish you every success and welcome you to talk to our team about career opportunities here today.
Marta Gajewska CEO & Principal West Thames College with mentor team from TVS SCS including Simi Punn.
Poorvi Patel - Head of Future Skills – Careers Heathrow – ‘Logistics is about purpose’
LSA chair Carl Lomas with keynote speakers Evri Gemma Savage and Whistl Louise O'Neil
