6 September -- FTA SPECIAL EVENT - WOMEN IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Skills for Logistics are pleased to be sponsoring 'Women in the Transport Industry', a half-day event to be held at Ardencote Manor Hotel, Warwick, on 6 September 2005. The FTA event aims to demonstrate the achievements of women in the transport sector and promote examples of good industry practice.

It will be chaired by Gill Sheddick OBE, on behalf of FTA, and will feature inspirational spokeswomen including:

" Beverley Bell, North Western Traffic Commissioner
" Hilary Devey, Managing Director, Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd
" Rebecca Jenkins, Managing Director, Lane Group
" Nikki King OBE, Managing Director, Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd
" Emma Penny, Deputy Editor, Commercial Motor
" Anne Preston MBE, Chairman, Preston's of Potto
" Lucinda Ward, Director - Marketing & Communications, Skills for Logistics

'It is vital for the future of the logistics industries and ultimately UK plc to encourage more women to enter the industry. Events such as this will promote the positive role of women within the industry and help to dispel some of the negative perceptions of the sector. It will be truly motivational for those already in the industry and an excellent way of demonstrating that transport is a forward thinking, interesting and a challenging environment to work within, and one that is better for the increasing involvement of women,' said Richard Turner, Chief Executive of FTA.

'Women make up 50 per cent of a potential workforce that is currently not being pursued. During a time of shortages in the industry it is vital that the work of women in the industry is highlighted and celebrated and this event acknowledges what can be done in this predominantly male orientated industry,' commented Ian Hetherington, Chief Executive, Skills for Logistics. 'Our organisation is constantly looking at ways of addressing the gender imbalance within transport industries and events that deal with this can only prove to be a positive step forward for the industry.'

Women in the Transport Industry will start with lunch fully sponsored by FTA and Skills for Logistics at 12.30 followed by presentations from each of the speakers, then a question and answer session. There will be a networking opportunity at the end of the day where you can meet your peers and discuss ideas with the speakers.

Places are available on a first come first served basis and may be limited to two per company. For more information see http://www.fta.co.uk