Celebrating the achievements of women in business, and supported by the CBI, the prestigious First Women Lifetime Achievement prize was presented by Clare Balding – host for the evening and a long-standing supporter of the First Women movement.
Joining the inimitable Claire Balding was Diamond Logistics CEO Kate Lester , who scooped the First Women award for Entrepreneurship.
Kate, the founder of the unique franchised logistics company with 25 sites and the first chair of the Despatch Association, was commended for her strong clarity of vision and success in operating in a male-dominated world. Establishing the business when she was just 20, it has scaled since 2014 and has big ambitions for the future.
The judges said: “Kate has a strong clarity of vision and knows where she wants to go. She is operating in a male-dominated world and her success is inspirational.”
Kate said: “I couldn’t be more happy. It was a hell of a line up of finalists and to be awarded this was a privilege and a delight! Thanks to all on the good ship Diamond – couldn’t do it without my team”.
Diamond is on the forefront of equality, diversity and inclusion not only in logistics but in the wider business community. And it not just about female leadership – it’s about equality and meritocracy principles for all in her team.
Diamond has strong plans for growth and aim to establish a nationwide network to bring SMEs throughout the Uk with the logistics services they need to compete in a global economy. With a suite of logistics services including ecommerce fulfilment, same day courier, overnight and international delivery all managed on Despatchlab – Diamond’s own one stop logistics platform – its a locally owned and managed network with a service centre near you.
To find out more get in touch today – sales@diamondlogistics.co.uk and 0333 567 5888
