On 16 September 2021, 240 of the UK’s top movers and shakers came together to showcase talent across logistics at Newark Showground to attend The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge.
The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge is designed to allow companies from across the logistics sector to demonstrate their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as the business benefits attained by establishing a diverse workforce.
Delegates took part in an assortment of physically and mentally demanding challenges – including a Le Mans Soapbox build and race, Haka dancing and It’s a Knockout! Some challenges, such as Bring on the Beans, which saw participants blindfolded and carrying ‘beans’ whilst being guided through an inflatable obstacle course, had been specifically selected to incorporate a flavour of the industry’s specialities.
Richard Atkinson CBE is a lecturer at Aston University where he coaches senior supply chain leaders and managers in leadership and strategy. He is also a regional chairperson of the CILT(UK). Richard said:
“The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge really develops supply chain professionals’ ability to collaborate, innovate and create game-changing solutions. Only by being inclusive, promoting diversity of thought, and by welcoming challenge will we be able create the sustainable supply chains that will help to save the planet. Well done and thank you to Nimble Media for creating this hugely valuable event for the entire supply chain sector and to ‘Talent in Logistics‘ for their continued support.”
Amongst the challenge suppliers, industry charity Transaid had participants carrying a ‘patient’ across the treacherous rivers of Africa as part of their River Rescue challenge; whilst delivery partners Talent in Logistics had teams identifying destinations from across the world as part of Agents International.
After a tiring day of laser tag, Broadway routines, and countless inflatables, awards were presented.
The ‘Best Team Name Award‘ went to DFDS for ‘Move is in the heart’, judged by Jennifer Swain Head of Talent and Operations for Road to Logistics and presented by the organisation’s Managing Director, Jim French.
The Transaid Award was presented to ‘Pallet Power’ of Palletways UK by the charity’s representatives, Steph Rukin, Corporate Partnerships Officer and Nicola Parkes, Fundraising and Events Manager, as the team who played to their skills, utilised all of the team and showed the best teamwork during their River Rescue challenge.
The Talent in Logistics Award, awarded to the best team performance during the Agents International challenge, was presented to ‘Return of the Genesee Giants’ of Freightliner.
‘The Collaborative Teamwork Award‘ was judged by Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association against one of the event’s favourite challenges – Walk the Plank. The winner was Microlise’s ‘Marvellous Microlise’ for displaying outstanding teamwork and motivational support.
And finally, the most coveted trophy of the day ‘The Team of the Year Award‘ for achieving the highest overall score with an impressive 251 out of a possible 260, went to ‘RAFOTA 2.0’, made up of cadets and officers from RAF Coningsby Officer Training Academy (Logistics Squadron). The 2021 winner’s trophy was presented by Vicky Binley, Director of the event organiser, Nimble Media.
On the day, there was also a Charity Tuck Shop, kindly supported by Coca-Cola European Partners who donated thousands of soft drinks, and a Hamper Raffle – which raised £672.20 for the Transaid Charity.
If you need more help in planning your event, then speak with a member of the Nimble Media team today.
With a tried and tested supplier network, we manage all logistics ensuring your event happens in line with your vision and values, delivering a compelling service to get your event talked about and well attended.
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