25 May 2012
Wincanton's Lynne Watson is 'Everywoman in Transport and Logistics' Woman of the Year winner
Judges praise “energy, passion and determination”
The UK’s leading supplier solutions provider, Wincanton, is celebrating after one of its employees scooped the logistics industry’s coveted Woman of the Year award.
With over 25 years’ industry experience, Wincanton general manager Lynne Watson has carved a successful career in a sector where just 24 per cent of the 1.5 million working in transport and logistics in the UK are women.
Described as “awe-inspiring” and “phenomenal” by the judging panel, Lynne Watson received her Every Woman award, sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus, at a glittering ceremony in London’s Savoy Hotel.
The annual award is for “one enthusiastic and dedicated woman whose vision, innovative approach and success make her an outstanding role model, encouraging more women to choose a career in transport and logistics”.
During her years at Wincanton Lynne has worked her way up the ranks operating across its customer portfolio, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and has been integral in securing major multi-million pound contracts for the company.
In 2008 she worked with Sainsbury’s to join two existing operations into one new site, overseeing a budget of £46 million and 1,000 colleagues. Her latest career move has seen Lynne take a leading role in winning and developing the new multi-million pound Asda Rochdale Distribution Centre contract.
Judges of the Woman of the Year award described how they “loved her energy, passion and determination”, adding: “In her current role she has demonstrated an innate flair for accelerating growth, securing contract after multi-million pound contract whilst implementing innovative processes to improve operations across the company.”
The judges added that they were impressed by Lynne’s commitment to developing the skills of those around her. “A true champion of talent within the organisation,” they said.
“Lynne seizes every opportunity to steer her staff to realise their full potential, from partnering with local colleges to encouraging her managers to higher qualifications, to creating a ‘colleague charter’ giving an official voice to employees on the behaviours, rules and values they want to work by.”
After the awards ceremony Lynne said: “Naturally I was extremely thrilled and proud to win the award, but I couldn’t have achieved everything I have without such a fantastic team around me at Wincanton.
“Although there are still relatively few women who view transport and logistics as a clear and viable career option it is getting better, and high-profile awards such as these can only help draw more females into the industry.
“Ultimately I would like to see more and more women not just coming into the transport and logistics industry as drivers and warehouse operatives, but also breaking through into more management roles.”
She added: “At Wincanton we take the view that if someone is the best person for the job then their gender is irrelevant, and we will always look to unlock someone’s potential whether they are male or female.”
END
For further information please contact Victoria Aitchison:
Tel: +44 (0) 1249 710434
Fax: +44 (0) 1249 710053
E-mail: victoria.aitchison@wincanton.co.uk