The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge 2022

The event was opened by a rising star of the logistics industry; Libby Pelling, a Degree Level Apprentice at DHL Supply Chain. Libby said, “Promoting diversity and inclusion within our industry is the single most important tool we have in futureproofing ourselves for unknown industry challenges. Inclusion is not simply a matter of political correctness, it is the key to growth in our industry.”

Attending for the first time, Cathy Balding, Senior HR Business Partner at GXO commented: “All of us at GXO thoroughly enjoyed our day at The Big Diversity challenge. Our team is made up of colleagues from around the business who have demonstrated their genuine commitment to promoting a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging at GXO. We feel honoured to win the award for the most collaborative team.”

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 saw teams working together to guide each other through an inflatable obstacle course whilst blindfolded on the ‘Bring on the Beans’ challenge.

Ruth Edwards, Operations Director at Talent in Logistics, comments: “Diversity and inclusion is such a vital topic and one we need to make sure is high on all business agendas, especially following the challenges faced in the past couple of years where some important discussions around EDI have perhaps been put on hold. 

“This event continues to be the perfect platform for logistics companies to showcase that they too believe in the benefits of creating an inclusive culture, as well as bringing some workplace fun to their teams. It was fantastic to see so many teams from across the industry join us – and I hope even more will be with us in 2023!”

After a tiring day of quizzing, Broadway routines, and countless inflatables, awards were presented.

The ‘Best Team Name Award‘, judged by Carl Hobbis, Executive Director of the British International Freight Association and Shane Brennan, Chief Executive of the Cold Chain Federation – key supporters of The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge – was presented by Libby Pelling, Degree Level Apprentice at DHL Supply Chain to G&W’s UK/Europe Region for ‘The Attack of the Wyoming Wookies’.

The Transaid Award presented to the team who played to their skills, utilised all of the team and showed the best teamwork during the River Rescue challenge, was presented to ‘DHL Diversity Defenders’ of DHL Supply Chain by Richard Atkinson CBE, Teaching Fellow at Aston University. 

The ‘Great Diversity Bake Off Award’ – supported by WISTA & Diversity in Maritime – was presented by Vicky Binley, Director of Nimble Media to ‘The Attack of the Wyoming Wookies’ from G&W’s UK/Europe Region, as the team who showed diversity of thought and encouraged each other – echoing the pledge to work toward a diverse and inclusive maritime sector.

The Talent in Logistics Award, awarded to the best team performance during the ‘Bring on the Beans’ challenge, was presented to ‘Roadside Services’ of SNAP by Ruth Edwards, Operations Director for Talent in Logistics and RTITB.

The ‘Collaborative Teamwork Award’ was judged by UK Warehousing Association’s Chief Executive, Clare Bottle, against one of the event’s favourite challenges – Walk the Plank. The winners were GXO’s ‘The Game Changers’ – who displayed 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 243.5 out of a possible 260, went to XPO Logistics! The 2022 winner’s trophy was presented by Richard Atkinson CBE, Teaching Fellow at Aston University.  

A Charity Tuck Shop, kindly supported by Coca-Cola European Partners and a Hamper Raffle raised over £600.00 for the Transaid Charity.