Women in logistics shape the future AGM

On 12 January, 26 members of Women in Logistics UK met for an Annual General Meeting at the London offices of Michael Page international Recruitment Ltd.

Founder & Chair Ruth Waring opened the AGM with an overview of 2009. It was been a busy year featuring four major events, attended by up to 80 members, three of which were free thanks to generous sponsors. The events had varied content including sessions on networking, green logistics, inspiring confidence and a golf lesson. The group is organised via the professional networking site LinkedIn and Ruth reported that there were 715 members, including 108 men, but that this was increasing by the day, with more men now joining.

Five members took the opportunity to present to the meeting, and covered various subjects including Transaid (WILs choosen charity), the CILT and Sustainable Supply Chains. The AGM also included break-out sessions to allow members to give feedback on a number of issues and to help shape the future of the organisation. Overall, it was agreed that a lot had been achieved by the steering group of 12 volunteers in 2009. Members want to continue the organisation with free membership and run by volunteers, although it was acknowledged that as membership increases, more members will need to be involved in the running of the group. For 2010, the members asked for more of the same type of national events, covering personal and professional development subjects in a fun way, but also to have smaller networking events across the country. Several members also commented on how helpful they had found the Women in Logistics UK get-togethers at major Logistics events and conference last year, and want that to continue. Members also gave Ideas on how to promote the organisation and increase membership.

Following the AGM, Clare Bottle took over from Ruth Waring as Chair of the organisation and is now leading the Steering Group in working hard to fulfil members requirements. Already the next major event is being planned and will be DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION HOW CAN IT POSITIVELY IMPACT ON THE BOTTOM LINE IN LOGISTICS? held at PepsiCo in Reading on 25 May. Prior to this, there will be various local meetings and get-togethers at exhibitions such as Multimodal at the NEC 27 to 29 April 2010.

For full details on how and to join the group at no cost, and to find information on future events, please visit www.womeninlogistics.org.uk