With just four months to go until the high-profile Big Logistics Diversity Challenge, leading organisations committed to supporting the equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda are encouraging others to participate in this year's event.
Creating an inclusive culture which embraces and celebrates everyone's unique characteristics and where diverse talent can thrive is recognised as a commercial imperative and the cornerstone of long-term business success.
The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge (BLDC) has been specifically designed to promote the importance of EDI across the logistics and warehousing industries and how diversity can be tackled collaboratively and collectively through physical and mental team-building challenges.
The event is an opportunity for organisations to share best practice, network and help shape a more inclusive sector... while recognising and rewarding employees with an adventurous day of fun.
Passionate about EDI and attracting more women into the logistics sector, Clare Bottle is the first female CEO of UKWA and one of the founder members of Women in Logistics.
She says: "UKWA is committed to helping members increase EDI in its workforces; we have recently formed relationships with organisations such as Tempus Novo, the award-winning charity helping ex-offenders find employment, and are proud of those members that work successfully alongside Tempus Novo as well as WorkFit, the employment programme delivered by the Down’s Syndrome Association.
"By attending the BLDC, forward-thinking companies already embracing EDI can share their experience and knowledge, highlight the benefits to the wider logistics community and, really importantly, challenge the industry’s outdated image."
A long-standing champion of EDI, Sue Terpilowski OBE is Chair of Maritime UK's Women in Maritime Network, Co-Chair of the Diversity in Maritime Taskforce and former President of WISTA UK (Women in Shipping and Trade).
"Maritime UK’s Women’s Taskforce and WISTA UK are totally focussed on helping to raise diversity and inclusion in any way they can," Sue explains. "We see the BLDC as an opportunity to show that maritime is part of logistics and that we are stronger together.
"We are keen to work together to showcase why more women should become involved in the sector and the opportunities there are to move between the various parts that make up the logistics world.
"Organisations that don't take part in the BLDC are missing out on understanding the business benefits as well as the personal fulfilment it brings to companies when you are totally inclusive, recognising that some posts are just suitable for all.
"It is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and learn and share with others outside your usual contact base."
Carl Hobbis, British International Freight Association Executive Director, adds: "We are already working more closely with our members, other trade associations and employability charities through our Young Forwarder Network to help the logistics sector overcome staff recruitment challenges and skills shortage, which is in all areas of the industry.
"Taking part in the BLDC is an opportunity to share our best practice and network, it is only by working together that we will progress to a more inclusive sector."
Multi-media specialists Nimble Media Ltd are once again partnering with Talent in Logistics (TiL) to stage this year's BLDC at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, on 23 June.
More than 300 industry personnel are expected to attend the BLDC and there is a growing number of supporting organisations recognising the event's credentials.
As in previous years, the 2022 BLDC chosen charity is international development organisation, Transaid.
For more information about the BLDC, please contact 01780 432930 or send an email.
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LinkedIn – Big Logistics Diversity Challenge
