10 Oct 2022

Logistics company reports near equal gender split

simpex(899871)

Logistics company Simpex express had reported a near equal split of gender in recruiting, with women in their workplace taking up 53 per cent of the total team.

The 13 year old company has enlarged its team throughout this post-Brexit period to ensure the great service levels it's known for continue to be provided and that capacity for its expected growth over the coming years is in place.

Brexit has also provided a huge increase in administration in its core business of express transport to and from Europe.

Women make up around 47 per cent of the UK workforce, yet in the transport sector this falls to 20 to 30 per cent. Only 15 per cent were in top management positions.

Whilst this is progress from the past, women remain underrepresented in the industry and more needs to be done to highlight the imbalance.

Logistics is applicable to every industry and business sector in the world including retail, life sciences, fashion, technology, construction, and manufacturing. In addition to drivers and warehouse operatives, there is also a requirement for many office based positions such as traffic operations, business development, as well as customer-facing personnel.

Speaking about the success, managing director Simon Beechener said: “As a company we 've always looked to bring in talented, intelligent people, regardless of gender, and without consciously trying to balance this between men and women, have found ourselves now with a near-equal split, with women just tipping the balance at 53 per cent of the team.

“In a male-dominated industry, this is significant and I hope this serves to champion women in logistics and set an example of where the industry can go ”

Commercial manager of Simpex Express Birmingham, Stacy Woodall said: “I have spent my full working life in the transport and logistics industry, and from the outset women were in the minority.

“There is still a massive disparity between women and men in top positions in the majority of logistics companies, but this is hopefully where Simpex and companies like ours will encourage more women to join an ever changing industry with opportunities in top roles ”.

Linsey Stanley, operations manager of Simpex Express Leeds said: “I 've worked in the freight industry for the last 26 years covering air, road, sea & express. During the last four and a half years at Simpex, I 've progressed from a freight operative to operations manager.

“Although the industry has been male-dominated, I 've seen this change over my career where women are having greater success and recognition presently and my own journey is a good example. I 'm sure this will happen even more in the future. ”