International Women’s Day shines spotlight on women powering the sector

On International Women’s Day (8 March), business group Logistics UK celebrated the women whose skills and talent keep the UK moving, and highlighted the growing number of women choosing careers across the logistics sector.

Although logistics roles have traditionally been held by men, the face of the industry is changing. The number of women working as road transport drivers has grown by 322% in four years, with other roles also recording increases: over the same timescale, women working as directors in logistics, warehousing and transport increased by 36%; female forklift truck drivers increased by 15% and transport and distribution clerks and assistants grew by 61%*.

Logistics UK’s Head of Skills Policy and Generation Logistics Bethany Windsor commented: “In the past, the logistics sector was male dominated, but we’re seeing that situation change with more women moving into the sector.

“This growth re-affirms what we know about logistics: it is flexible, with plenty of opportunities to progress and grow for everyone.

“The sector isn’t just about driving; it is multi-faceted and dynamic, with lots of different jobs on offer for everyone. Working in customs or supply chain management, for example, requires technical expertise and analytical thinking and is as critical as driving is in keeping the country moving.”

With so many different ways into the sector, Logistics UK is keen to showcase that there is a role in the sector for everyone: for example, Jo Smillie, Head of HR Shared Services at CEVA Logistics entered the profession through an apprenticeship at 18.

“My apprenticeship at 18 gave me the chance to apply theory in practice and learn from people already in the industry,” explains Smillie. “That experience was invaluable – it built my confidence, skills and network far quicker than I could have achieved through full-time study.”

Becoming Head of HR Shared Services in 2022, Smillie’s responsibilities span handling GDPR cases, supplier review meetings and coaching her team through one-to-one development sessions. “Every day brings new opportunities and challenges,” continues Smillie, “and that’s what makes it so enjoyable. It’s helped me to become more agile and step out of my comfort zone into my first leadership role.”

Windsor is full of praise for Smillie’s progress: “Jo’s journey is a standout example of the opportunities logistics provides. From apprentice to senior leader, she shows how workplace learning develops technical skills alongside confidence and resilience. Her experience, across payroll, compliance and people development, reflects the breadth of roles available and the sector’s appetite for people who embrace challenge and drive change.”