Paul started his career in transport in 1976 as a heavy goods vehicle apprentice, during this four-year apprenticeship Paul also gained his National Craftsman Certification. Paul then went on to attain his LGV class 1 licence and then decided to leave the workshop and become a driver. Paul moved to Whitbread Beer Company, where he successfully completed a development scheme and became Transport & Warehouse Manager. The last seven years working at Whitbread saw Paul go back into engineering, covering the South East of England plus Whitbread Food Logistics nationally. After this, Paul spent seven years in the truck rental market followed by nine years at Fowler Welch as Head of Fleet. Paul then joined the RHA where he has been since August 2018 as the Technical Director.

Outside work

• Spent over 16 years an official fund raiser for the children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star.

• As a big interest in all American Vehicles from the 40s to Modern day, currently seeking the next project

• Enjoys a round of Golf, relaxing days on the bank side Course Fishing and Touring the British Countryside with the caravan.

Lee Atterbury is a highly experienced Transport Operations Director, having joined Miniclipper Logistics from Culina Group in 2021 as the next step in his 30+ year career in logistics. Lee has led significant change in the transport department, implementing new IT systems for compliance, telematics and a new TMS, introducing a team of Driver Trainers and MHE Instructors as part of a drive to progress the operation's compliance, doubling the size of the fleet with sustainable growth and launching a satellite transport depot in Burton-on-Trent.

At the forefront of Pall-Ex Group for over a decade, Kevin has over 20 years of experience at the board level throughout the logistics sector with a proven track record of crafting and executing strategies that achieve market-leading growth and profitability. Kevin excels at pushing boundaries and instilling his vision of ‘achieving excellence together’ through people, technology and sustainability.

With 35 years in the maintenance and repair division of the road transport Industry in senior technical and operational positions. Currently part of the team at TIP-Group responsible for the internal and external maintenance and quality standards for a fleet of over 40,000 trucks and trailers.

David has spent his entire career in the transport and logistics industry.

In 2006 he developed an online logistics recruitment business and in 2015 he acquired Skills for Logistics which became one of the largest assessing organisations for logistics apprenticeship standards.

Most recently he has been working with Bedford College Group, launching the first National College for Logistics in late 2025, attracting, engaging and training the next generation of talent into the logistics sector.

He is Chairman and co-founder of the Logistics Skills Network, a not-for-profit trade association representing the vocational training sector in transport and logistics.

Peter brings extensive expertise to the logistics sector, with a rich background spanning over 35 years. For 13 years, he has served as the Head of Transport at CLEAN, a leading UK laundry company renowned for its linen and workwear rental services. Well known for their dedication to professionalism, quality, and customer satisfaction, Peter is pivotal in fostering a culture of driver safety within the organisation. His commitment ensures that every driver returns home safely, reflecting his unwavering focus on safety across the fleet. Continuously driving best practices, Peter collaborates with road safety partners to innovate and implement safer operating methods. Beyond his operational responsibilities, Peter actively contributes to sector enhancement initiatives where his own experiences are often shared by using innovative methods in reducing road risk.

Liam joined Gregory Group in 2024 and as Head of Fleet Engineering has overall responsibility for group engineering and fleet specification. A time served HGV Technician with 20 years’ experience across both OEM and private operator engineering roles. An active IRTE member who also sits on Logistics UK engineering forum.

Des Evans stood down in July 2014 as Chief Executive of MAN Truck & Bus UK after nearly 40 years in CV sales and marketing in the UK.

He joined MAN as Sales Director in 1993 and over the following 21 years developed MAN and its UK dealer network as a leading supplier of trucks and buses with a consistent 11% share of the UK truck market. He was appointed Chief Executive in 2004.

In July 2014 he was awarded the Motor Transport, Service to Industry Award and the judging panel said Evans was “probably the single most knowledgeable and accessible CEO or MD in the UK truck industry”. They also pointed to his support for the launch of the Everywoman Transport & Logistics Awards,his backing for the IRTE’s Technician accreditation scheme for workshop technicians and his long-term commitment to overseas development charity Transaid.

He was appointed Honorary Professor at Aston business School in October 2014 and is involved in the development of the Aston Centre for Servitisation Research and Practice.

Richard Fletcher is the Head of Fleet & Compliance at MTS Cleansing Services, one of the UK’s largest family-owned tankering companies, operating nearly 400 vehicles nationwide.

With over 35 years of experience in the transport industry, Richard has built his career from the ground up — beginning in driving roles and progressing through planning into senior management. This depth and breadth of experience gives him a practical, operationally focused approach to fleet management and regulatory compliance.

He is the company’s first FORS Practitioner and has successfully achieved and renewed the organization’s FORS Gold accreditation for over three consecutive years, demonstrating his strong commitment to best practice, safety, and continuous improvement. Richard is also a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, reflecting his long-standing dedication to the transport profession.

A passionate advocate for compliance and high standards across the industry, Richard’s expertise has led to him once again being invited to serve as a judge for the Motor Transport Awards 2026.

Back in the days of fax machines, pagers and telephone boxes, I joined TIP in 1988 as an Area Sales Manager for the East Midlands.

My subsequent career involved both commercial and regional management positions before taking over as MD for the UK and Irish teams in 2014.

I have been proud to lead the business evolution from a trailer rental platform to a customer focussed service provider of truck and trailer leasing, together with maintenance, compliance and digital solutions.

With my experience and exposure to a wide range of business disciplines, I’m excited to review the submissions for this year’s awards.

HGV Fleet Engineering Director with over 20 years industry experience managing heavy goods vehicle operations in the bulk tipping industry. Expert in regulatory compliance and VOSA standards, with a proven track record in reducing vehicle downtime, enhancing fleet efficiency and a hands-on technical approach dedicated to operational excellence.

Dr Nicholas Head is XPO Logistics’ Head of Sustainability. He has specialised in the environmental sector over the last two decades, including achieving an MSc and PhD from the University of Northampton, focusing on circular economy and assessing the viability of business models structured around sustainability. During his PhD studies, Dr Head lectured on his specialisms of circular economy and systems thinking approaches to environmental issues at the University of Northampton and the Open University before moving back into the private sector as a consultant and then for various FMCG companies as Head of Sustainability positions. Having previously been a member of the CIWM, Dr Head has sat on and contributed to various steering groups over the last five years and has also been an active member of both the Schumacher Institute (looking at societal issues from a systems thinking perspective) and IEMA. In recent years his focus has been on decarbonisation of transport and logistics, taking on a Board of Advisors role with the Sustainable Business Consortium and leading on the Sustainable Logistics Forum therein. Dr Head is a keen walker in his spare time, particularly with his family and dogs.

Paul has over 39 years of experience in the transport industry. He started his career as a national and European HGV Driver before moving to Eddie Stobart as a Transport Operator. He joined Maritime Transport Ltd in 2004, also as an operator before becoming Depot Manager, General Manager and then Operations Director in 2015, sharing in the spectacular success story that is Maritime Transport Ltd. Since 2020 he has been in the role of Fleet Director having overall responsibility for the company’s entire fleet of 1200 trucks, 3,500 trailers, 160 cars and 100 pieces of plant, as well as training and compliance.

With over three decades of experience, Chris Hyde currently leads GXO’s food and drinks division in UK & Ireland, delivering complex transport and logistics operations for a wide range of customers. His passion lies in advancing safety across GXO, spearheading programmes to drive meaningful impact for customers and colleagues.

Logistics UK is the leading trade association championing efficient, compliant and sustainable logistics across the UK supply chain. As a member of the Executive Team, Jemma leads the organisation’s partnerships, digital strategy and innovative portfolio development, driving commercial growth and long-term member value.

Jemma oversees Vision, Logistics UK’s market-leading, all-in-one compliance and tachograph analysis platform, which is at the forefront of regulatory compliance, operational performance and digital transformation for operators.

Previously, Jemma served as Managing Director of TruTac, a Microlise company, where she led their high-growth compliance software division. With over 20 years’ experience in logistics technology and commercial leadership, she has built a strong track record in scaling SaaS solutions, strategic partnerships and customer-centric innovation across the transport sector.

Jemma is a passionate advocate for the logistics industry and brings a deep understanding of the increasing regulatory, operational and workforce pressures facing operators. She is particularly committed to advancing road safety, harnessing technology to improve compliance and efficiency, and supporting initiatives such as Generation Logistics to attract, develop and retain the next generation of industry talent.

Adrian Jones is a dedicated and results-driven Technical/Sales manager with Hankook Tyres, a highly successful background in the achievement of profitable business growth through the creation and execution of successful sales strategies. Experienced in working with 3 leading brands in the tyre industry with the primary focus on exceeding expectations for customer service delivery while ensuring optimum brand impact. Possesses excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills and the ability to develop and maintain mutually beneficial internal and external relationships.

Ian Jones leads Overhaul which includes a partnership between PMD Business Finance and PKF Littlejohn Advisory.

Finance within haulage is due for an overhaul as it faces the challenges of the future. PMD and PKF offer industry specific asset based lending and restructuring advisory advice.

Alex has been part of Knowles Logistics since 2012, was appointed Managing Director in 2018 and has since been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Since 2018, under his helm the business has grown its turnover from £23m to £86m in 2026. Sustainability is one of Alex’s core values and has been demonstrated significantly in recent years with 10% of the fleet now electric undertaking a variety of applications.

I have been in specialist logistics for nearly 30 years both designing equipment and logistics systems for a wide range of customers. With a passion for sustainability and compliance, I find the future possibilities in transport exciting with more change coming in the next 10 years than the whole of my career to date.

Justin Laney manages the John Lewis Partnership fleet of 4500 commercial vehicles and nearly 1000 cars. The fleet is recognised for leading in innovation, and has reduced it’s diesel consumption by over 50% through efficiency measures and alternative fuels. Headline commitments include running all heavy duty trucks on biomethane by 2028, being free of fossil fuels by 2030 and achieving a zero carbon fleet by 2035. Justin’s career started with London Transport (Buses), having obtained a BEng at Liverpool University. He also worked at UPS for 20 years, managing fleets in EMEA and the UK. Justin is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and chair of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF). He has won numerous awards including Motor Transport’s Low Carbon and Service to Industry and was Motor Transport's inaugural Fleet Decarbonisation Power Play

Charlotte Le Maire is a specialist criminal and regulatory lawyer and barrister, leading a UK-wide team known for clarity, speed and results.

She is widely recognised as a national leader in fleet risk and post-collision legal support. She defends drivers in complex criminal cases and gives fleet operators the confidence to respond decisively when a serious road incident occurs.

Peter joined the family business some 41 years ago and has been Managing Director for over 30 years. Peter is also a non-exec Director of Palletline, sits on the UKWA board and the Hazchem network member council.

Under Peter’s leadership the business has grown tenfold, employing over 240 people across 7 sites. Miniclipper operate 650,000 sq.ft of warehousing space and run 55 trucks & 60 trailers.

With nearly 40 years in the haulage and distribution industry, predominantly in oil and gas, Stuart has worked across all facets of the transport industry, including vehicle maintenance, operations, sales, procurement and commercial. Currently the Chief Operating Officer at Rockley Holdings: a company with a bulk haulage business (Rockley Transport) and also a fuel distribution business (Compass Energy).

Freightlink Europe MD, Lesley O'Brien Europe, is an award-winning business professional with over 40 years’ experience in transport and logistics. . A committed ambassador for the industry, Lesley uses her voice whenever possible to support and encourage those underrepresented in the industry, to raise standards, improve road safety and change industry perception. In 2020 she was awarded the OBE for services to diversity and inclusion and in 2022 was elected to the Motor Transport Wall of Fame and voted Northern Transport Personality of the Year by Transport News. She is a regular contributor to the Commercial Motor Legal Panel and is invited by the BBC and other media to discuss topical and transport related issues.

I have worked across a number of sectors in transport and fleet management for over 40 years. At Speedy Hire I have pioneered the use of new transport technology in significantly enhancing safety and creating the hire sectors largest electric and hybrid fleet. Introducing industry first innovations.

Adam is an experienced business leader with 30 years of experience in the logistics industry. Throughout his career, he has held various operational roles before transitioning into Engineering and Fleet leadership. He currently serves as the Fleet, Program & Systems Director at Menzies Distribution Solutions, where he leads all technical services, including Fleet, Engineering, Program Management, and Operational IT systems. Adam is responsible for managing a fleet of over 2,500 assets and is committed to delivering safe, sustainable, and innovative solutions that address both customer and business needs.

A previous Motor Transport Awards Winner, winning the Technical Excellence award in 2020, demonstrating his expertise and leadership in the field.

A lifelong transport professional, Stacey grew up in the family haulage business, developing a passion for the industry. At just 16, she became the youngest person to pass the CPC examination through the RHA’s training program.

This year Stacey celebrates 25 years in the industry, most of which in temperature-controlled distribution before transitioning into bulk haulage in June 2024. Now serving as General Manager and Director at The Warnes Group, she has driven significant progress within the company.

Colin works within the transport team at Energy Saving Trust covering fleet GHG emissions and air quality. Expertise includes certification, logistics GHG accounting and freight fleet advice. Working on projects that reduce emissions and empower companies to address climate change. Colin supported the Smart Freight Centre from its inception in 2013, helping to establish the GLEC Framework, also sitting as a BSI Technical Committee expert for the ISO 14083 standard for GHG emissions declarations. Before joining Energy Saving Trust in 2007, Colin worked in the automotive and chemical sectors.

Richard Smith’s career in transport and logistics has spanned over 30 years and has included working with several privately owned and third-party logistics businesses throughout the UK and Europe.

Richard joined the RHA in 2017 initially to oversee a collective claim on behalf of UK-based commercial vehicle operators against the truck manufacturers involved in the Truck Cartel.

He simultaneously led the development of several key areas of the business including membership, shop sales, training and support services making RHA a far more relevant and effective trade association that provides greater value to its members and the wider road transport community.

Appointed Managing Director in 2021, Richard has continued to lead the introduction and delivery of RHA’s strategy which has encompassed rebranding, van, coach and individual membership offerings, and the introduction of a customs brokerage and two driving training schools.

Richards strong emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder engagement has positively positioned the association as a trusted partner, enabling the organisation and its representatives to lead and represent industry across its many challenges.

In July 2023, Richard was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Trade Association Forum and soon after appointed Chairman.

Anthony is the Founder and Director of Darcica Logistics, a leader in sustainable parcel and pallet deliveries and winner of the 2024 MT Sustainable Transport Award. He serves on the governing board of Mission Zero and is a member of the RHA Net Zero Forum, driving innovation and responsible business practices.

Martin is Head of Media & Product Marketing for Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland where he’s worked since 2010, following a 12-year stint in the Volvo dealer network. His role sees him work closely with the media, dealers and customers nationwide, whilst managing one of the most diverse demonstration fleets in the country, made up of Diesel, Gas-Powered and Electric trucks. He is also a member of the Volvo Trucks press test team in Gothenburg, Sweden

With 30 years’ experience within various automotive focused business sectors Ian currently manages Fraikin’s Procurement & Supply chain function driving operational optimisation, customer excellence across there automotive and fleet ecosystems.

Having gained significant experience in transforming global supply chains during his career with a particular focus on automation, vendor optimisation/performance along with sustainable process design. He has demonstrated a proven track record and focus on continuous improvement in reducing waste while enhancing quality, delivery, and customer experience across complex, multi site operations.

With more than 50 years of experience in the logistics industry, Stuart Wardlaw began his career as an apprentice technician on the workshop floor and has maintained a lifelong enthusiasm for innovation and new opportunities. After retiring as Fleet Director for Maritime Transport in 2020, he has continued to share his expertise in a consulting capacity, supporting several organisations across the sector.

Bethany Windsor is Head of Skills Policy and Generation Logistics at Logistics UK. As a passionate advocate for diverse and engaged workforces, Bethany’s work on Generation Logistics, a careers awareness campaign for the logistics profession, has led to the implementation of creative strategies to attract younger talent and establish clear career pathways in logistics. With a strong background in both education and logistics, Bethany has played a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by growing talent shortages, enhanced by leading on Logistics UK’s skills policy position, reflecting member’s needs and guiding relevant Government policy.

Sean Witheford is the Managing Director of Jet Plant Hire, a road planing business, founded in 1989. Under his leadership Jet has grown into the largest planing company in the UK leading the industry to a sustainable future through innovation in the operations and transport divisions of the business.

Andrew qualified as a solicitor in 1993 and has specialised in transport law since 1995. In 2011 he qualified as a Higher Courts Advocate in criminal proceedings. He represents clients in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, as well as at Public Inquiries and Inquests. His practice covers road transport, environmental, and health and safety matters, including advice on specialist vehicle types such as engineering plant, abnormal loads, and circus and funfair vehicles.