On 20 June 2024, companies representing the UK’s Logistics and Transport industry came together at Newark Showground, to participate in The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge.
First held in 2019, The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge has truly captured the hearts and minds of the industry – demonstrating the passion, support and enthusiasm companies have to improve equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as the business benefits attained by establishing a diverse workforce. Growing by a staggering 40% since its launch, The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge has become a staple in the industry’s event calendar, with many key industry stakeholders supporting it year-on-year.
Delivered by Nimble Media, The Big Logistics Challenge is the only team-based logistics event showcasing the diversity the UK logistics industry seeks to achieve. The challenges are designed to promote the message that diverse teams work better together, with companies taking part in a series of physical, mental and skill-based sessions including; Catwalk Challenge, Toxic Jigsaw, Semaphore Whisper, It’s a Knockout, Human Table Football, the Mighty Quiz and Dancing with the Shows! Designed to test a team’s communication and teamwork skills, the challenges have been developed to ensure that everyone has a role to play.
The event was opened by event ambassador, Richard Atkinson, Deputy Director of Executive Education (Supply Chain and Engineering) at Aston University.
Craig Tellwright, Director of Risk Yusen Logistics represented the event Headline Sponsors and delivered a welcome address commenting: “The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our logistics industry cannot be overstated. It enhances our ability to innovate, improves decision-making, and fosters a workplace where all employees can thrive. By committing to DE&I, we are not just improving our industry; we are contributing to a more just and equitable society.”
Keynote Addresses were also heard from two of the event’s participants. Tia Benaim, Apprentice Central from Coca-Cola Europacfic Partners shared her experience of working in logistics and the need for diversity. Tia was followed by Josh Kennard – CoPack Digital Partner from GXO, who joined the company through their partnership with the Downs’ Syndrome Association, Josh shared insight on the impact attained when companies embrace EDI and highlighted the growing EDI culture in his organisation.
Amongst the challenge suppliers, industry charity Transaid had participants testing their communication skills as part of their ‘The 39 Steps’ challenge; whilst supporting organisation RTITB saw teams working together to guide each other through an inflatable obstacle course whilst blindfolded on the ‘Bring on the Beans’ challenge.
After a tiring day of quizzing, soapbox racing, and countless inflatables, awards were presented.
The Best Team Name Award was judged and presented by Yusen Logistics’ Business Unit Director, Contract Logistics, Sean Walters – to Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for ‘On The Freight And Narrow’.
The Transaid Award presented to the team who played to their skills, utilised all of the team and showed the best teamwork during The 39 Steps challenge, was presented to ‘No Fly Without Supply’ of the RAF Officer Training Academy by the charity’s representatives, Anna Giavedoni, Events Officer and Georgia Ryan, Fundraising Assistant.
The It’s a Knockout Challenge Award was presented by Julian Ellis – Director of Finance & Internal Operations, representing Challenge Sponsors, DEXORY, to ‘Pallet Rangers’ of IPP for their outstanding performance on the challenge.
The Mortar Attack Challenge Award, sponsored by Warehouse & Logistics News, was presented by Richard Atkinson, Deputy Director of Executive Education (Supply Chain and Engineering), Aston University to “The Hogs” from LOADHOG. The team, who showed outstanding teamwork through the event, was also presented with the Le Mans Soapbox Challenge Award, sponsored by Intersoft and presented by Keeley Burridge – Managing Executive and Steve Sneath – Sales Director.
The Bring on the Beans Challenge Award, awarded to the best team performance during the challenge, was presented to XPO Logistics by Finance Director, Leeanne Williams.
The Collaborative Teamwork Award was presented by UKWA’s Chief Executive, Clare Bottle, against one of the event’s favourite challenges – Walk the Plank. The winners were Challenge-trg Group’s ‘Challenge Crusaders’ – 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 244 out of a possible 260, went to ‘GEO Squad’ from Geodis Freight Forwarding! The 2024 winner’s trophy was presented by
A Charity Tuck Shop, kindly supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners – and a Hamper Raffle – raised funds for Transaid.
If your company would like to join The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge 2025, please contact Nimble Media to secure your place.
Add 19 June 2025 to your diary and we hope to see you at #BLDC2025
Media Enquiries:
Vicky Binley
Tel: +44 1780 432930
Email: [email protected]
