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 Transportation Director having worked at Culina Group, Great Bear Distribution, UPS Logistics and Wincanton in his 30-year career in logistics.

Promoted to Transport Operations Director at Miniclipper Logistics in April 2022, Lee has instigated an in-house driver training school, upgraded their fleet strategy and launched a satellite transport depot in the Midlands.

I am thrilled to share with you all some exciting news – I have recently accepted the position National UK Manager at SKAT logistics Ltd. It's an honour to step into this position and lead them towards new horizons in the dynamic landscape of the UK market.

Introducing Ian, a seasoned Operations Director with a wealth of experience. His rich background ensures a strong, forward thinking approach to management with a focus on long term success. He is an active member of the Agricultural Industries Confederation and has served as a Trustee and Director of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Amanda joined the BVRLA in July 2002 and has held several roles with responsibility for policy, alternative dispute resolution and committee administration. Amanda’s current role is Director of Member Engagement responsible for leading the activities of our engagement strategy with members and supporting member's operations relating to DVLA, DVSA and Road Traffic Offences/Charges.

Kevin Buchanan is a distinguished business leader with a rich history of executive roles in the logistics industry. Currently serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer at Pall-Ex Group since November 2019, Kevin has played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's success. Before his current position, he served as the Group Managing Director at Pall-Ex Group from November 2014 to November 2019, contributing significantly to the company's growth. Before Pall-Ex Group, Kevin held the position of Managing Director at Palletline Plc from May 2007 to July 2014, showcasing his extensive experience in the logistics sector.

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 Cebon, PhD is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in Cambridge University Engineering Department. He is the Director of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight and the Cambridge Vehicle Dynamics Consortium. Professor Cebon has authored or co-authored many papers on dynamics, safety, manoeuvrability, energy consumption and decarbonisation of heavy vehicles.

With well over three decades of experience within the transport and logistics industry, initially spending 20 years in the Third party logistics sector managing large transport fleets and warehouse operations in the UK and internationally and becoming a director of a global logistics organisation.

In 2006 he had the opportunity to start his own business, initially offering consultancy and recruitment services to the sector. In 2015 he acquired Skills for Logistics which became one of the largest end point assessing organisations for the logistics apprenticeship standards. In 2023 Skills for Logistics was acquired by market-leading specialist awarding organisation VTCT Group, and David stays on as MD focusing on developing new initiatives to support the logistics skills agenda.

He has been Regional Chairman of the CILT for over 10 years. 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 that was launched in September 2020.

Peter brings extensive expertise to the logistics sector, with a rich background spanning over 35 years. For 12 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. He engages with relevant initiatives, including podcast channels addressing driver challenges, and recently joined the Purpose Coalition to support the government's levelling up agenda.

Katie is an experienced leader advocating for a people-focused strategy in transportation and warehousing. Her leadership philosophy prioritises nurturing talent for strategic advancement. Firmly believing in the impact of a cohesive team, she drives growth and excellence, crafting Goldstar into a symbol of achievement and innovation.

Matthew is a highly experienced executive who became the Group Managing Director of Swain Group in 2018. With his strategic expertise, he has been instrumental in expanding the company's operations, including integrating a number of strategic acquisitions. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, he leads a team of 700, positioning Swain Group as a leader in UK Construction and building materials logistics.

"I'm looking for entries that show they have really solved the customer or organisation need.”

John Fletcher has more than 30 years’ experience operating in the commercial vehicle industry. He joined Dawsongroup truck and trailer Ltd in 2001 and has been Managing Director since 2011. During this time, the company has cemented its place as the UK’s leading independent contract hire and rental supplier: operating a fleet of over 12,000 heavy commercial vehicles and trailers and providing operators with a more agile alternative to ownership through its Smarter Asset Strategy.

Deeply rooted in the road transport industry, and latterly a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, John understands the complexity of road transport operations in the UK. He recognises the challenge and commitment required to make a sustainable, successful business in a difficult, competitive sector.

Born in 1984, Paul Fox began his career alongside his grandfather, Barney (HF), at Fox Brothers. He took over as Director in 2003 and later assumed control in 2007. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth, expanding into various sectors including property, transport, plant hire and acquisitions. Paul is now CEO, overseeing 850 employees across 32 UK locations. Additionally, he serves as Director for NWLCC and chairs the Employment Advisory Board for HMP Kirkham, focusing on offender rehabilitation.

Joined British Road Services as a Traffic Office Trainee in1969 in Oldbury, West Midlands.

Worked at Wellington, Hereford, Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester as Operations Manager, Branch Manager and Area Manager for BRS and Managing Director for Operations South West and Operations Director Automotive for Exel Logistics.

Operations Director for NYK Logistics and Director and General Manager Logistics for PD Ports.

Currently Managing Director of Road to Logistics

Winner of Motor Transport ‘Transport Manager of the Year 1988’.

Director of the Road Haulage Association 2011 to 2019 and National Chairman 2015 to 2017.

Chairman of RHA Benevolent Fund.

Co-Chair of Trailblazer Group for Apprenticeships in Transport and Logistics Sector.

Awarded MBE in 2018 for services to young people in Transport.

Having worked in logistics for 24 years across a variety of roles in networks, 3PL and general haulage, Simon has been part of the team at Palletforce for 15 years, with the last two as Network Operations Director. Over that period the network has seen phenomenal and sustained growth, and upheld strong service levels throughout. Simon has a passion for driving great service through building collaborative relationships across the 120-plus members of the network.

Stuart Godman, CEO of Pallet-Track, boasts over 35 years of experience in the logistics industry, thanks to many senior positions at Absolutely, Connect Group Plc, DX Group Plc, Target Express and TNT Express. Stuart is leading Pallet-Track into a new era of strategic growth across brand, technology, and Member engagement.

Jamie Hartles is an accomplished professional with a 17-year tenure in third-party logistics. Jamie presently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Howard Tenens Logistics. Leading a quality-focused, independent family business, Jamie emphasises collaboration, technology integration, and a strategic approach to environmental sustainability. Under his guidance, Howard Tenens Logistics stands as a forward-thinking entity, making strategic investments in state-of-the-art technology to enhance resilience and minimise environmental impact

Steve has over 30 years’ experience in the transport industry, and has been with Suttons Tankers since 2000. Having held a number of operational roles, Steve has taken that experience in to his current role of Fleet Director. He is responsible for all aspect of fleet, from procurement to disposal and has a particular focus on efficiency in operation. In addition to fleet, Steve also has board level responsibility for legal compliance and ESG.

Nick has spent the majority of his career in the food supply chain starting at Exel Logistics in 1995. Having led Samworth Brothers Distribution for 5years then Fowler Welch for 10years, Nick spent three years as a senior advisor, Non-Exec and Chair for a variety of businesses including frozen logistics specialist ACS&T. In July 2023 Nick joined M&S as CEO of Gist where he leads the Food Logistics function of over 7,000 colleagues.

Paul has over 38 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.

Darren's 37 years’ industry experience began on the shop floor of a bodybuilder in his hometown of Congleton, where he went on to expand his knowledge to span CAD, R&D, Engineering and other commercial facets. The rest of Darren’s trailer manufacturing career has seen him successfully develop Tailer innovation and Sales teams, and as Tiger Trailers' Sales Director since 2014 he has spearheaded the firm’s strong growth whilst being directly involved with Design and Innovation of the Tiger product range.

Paul has worked for the Gregory Group for 14 years. His fleet responsibilities include over 1,200 vehicles and 2,000 trailers together with 7 VMUs. Paul leads the Group’s sustainability strategy which includes achieving net zero by 2038. Paul is also responsible for HSEQ, operational compliance, internal audit, procurement and leads on legal matters.

Prior to joining Gregory, Paul worked for the global management consulting firm AT Kearney and for a leading provider of outsourced learning services. He has a degree in engineering and an MBA from INSEAD, France.

As an industry consultant and previous MD at TruTac (part of the Microlise Group), Jemma is passionate about logistics and the vital businesses keeping the UK moving. With 16 + years industry experience, Jemma appreciates the many sector challenges facing Operators. Jemma has a passion for road safety and technology, with a keen interest in compliance.

You can observe a lot by just watching. Ian Jones has been watching the transport industry since 1993. In addition to being a daily observer of death, debt and destruction Ian adopted the role of creative director to make sense of chaos and build a brand. This created the novel concept that law did not have to be about hourly rates. Unlimited, industry specific legal advice should be available 24/7 through subscription. This unique approach resulted in BACKup and the subsequent diversification of the BACK brand into BACK academy and other various projects.

Ian’s curiosity into the future of Smart & Sustainable Transport led him to undertake a post graduate study through Oxford University and he is now slightly obsessed with the race BACK to net zero and the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. Ian’s aim is to ensure that any transport event would be weird without representation from the BACK.

Tim joined DPD in 2005 as Director of Marketing. He and his marketing team are responsible for the company’s marketing strategy, brand, corporate identity, employee communications, media relations, political affairs and event management.

In June 2021 Tim took on additional responsibility for leading DPD’s sustainability programme and team and became Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability.

Tim has over 25 years experience working in the transport sector, previously having held senior roles at TNT.

Jerry joined Logistics UK in 2018 with over 25 years commercial experience in the parcels, logistics services and logistics software markets.

During this time Jerry has been the Sales Director of some of the industries leading operators including DHL, Yodel and Eddie Stobart.

Logistics UK is the largest and leading business group for logistics with over 21000 members.

Alex has been part of Knowles Logistics since 2012 where he has passed through a number of operational and commercial roles before being appointed Managing Director in 2018. Since 2018 , under his helm the business has grown its turnover from £23m to £60m in 2023 and increased its profitability fivefold in the same period. Sustainability is one of Alex’s core values and has been demonstrated significantly in recent years with 4% of the fleet now electric.

Graham has 25 years running transport and logistics business as part of his 36 years in commercial roles both domestically and internationally. In 2021 he successfully completed an MBO of the Brit European Group and recently acquired a Dutch/UK business to continue the company’s development journey.

 “I will be looking for innovation, practical application, environmental consideration and cost effectiveness from each entry”

David Landy is Head of Fleet at Evri, one of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies, delivering more than 720 million parcels a year. David has been a key member of Evri’s leadership team since 2020 and successfully leads all fleet and future fleet strategy, compliance and engineering for a growing fleet of c.6,000 vans, trucks, trailers, company cars and MHE. David ensures that we are a safe, sustainable, innovative and highly efficient business with great people at the heart of all that we do.

Justin Laney manages the John Lewis Partnership fleet of 4500 commercial vehicles and 900 cars. The fleet is recognised for leading in innovation, and has reduced it’s diesel consumption by 45% 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 as well as the UK. Justin is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, a Director of the Zemo Partnership, and Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF). He has won numerous awards, mainly for fleet sustainability, including being Motor Transport Magazine's Decarbonisation Power Player for 2022.

Ben's experience of 17+ years within the Commercial Vehicle Industry both in the UK & Europe has seen continual development. Starting from sales through to management within a key component supplier to the CV world as well as business development within the same group of companies across Europe. In 2020 upon joining Lawrence David Ben assisted the business with their strategic commercial focus covering all Group activities. 2022 saw Ben join the Board as Lawrence David's Commercial Director spearheading the further development of LD's product portfolio and core business functions.

Both Ben and Lawrence David are delighted to be returning to the 2024 Motor Transport Awards as both a judge & event sponsor.

My name is Chris McGinley, I am the Founder and Managing Director of Stanton Logistics based in South Yorkshire. I have been in the transport industry for over 35 years starting in a commercial vehicle workshop for Gloystarne Transport before moving into a sales role with MAN Truck and Bus UK.

In 2007 I started Stanton Logistics which is now operating from 4 sites with almost 100 commercial vehicles and trailers, predominantly in the temperature controlled sector as well as general haulage and we are members of 2 pallet networks.

When I am not heading up a growing transport business I race a well known BMW E36 M3 in the Classic Touring Car series for my racing team McAllen Racing and also mentor 13 to 16 year olds at a local school academy.

It’s a pleasure for me to be part of the Motor Transport Awards judging team this year as I was on the other side of the fence last year with my business as a finalist.

David has over 30 years’ experience in the industry with a history of delivering outstanding results. He has continued that trend as part of the fast-growing BJS Family of companies as Sales Director for BJS Haulage, specialists in general haulage born out of the need for additional capacity to sister companies leading 2 man specialist, BJS Home Delivery and Construct IT Haulage the go to construction materials delivery business.

As Head of ProGreen, the alternative fuels Division at Prohire Limited, Michelle has been instrumental in implementing alternative fuel HGV’s and LCV’s, as well as innovative technologies into customers fleets, across all industries. Michelle works closely with businesses to support, guide, advise and implement viable, sustainable fleet solutions, as well as developing short, medium and long term strategies for driving green change in the transport industry.

Freightlink Europe MD, Lesley O'Brien Europe, is an award-winning business professional with over 40 years’ experience in the transport industry. She is a tireless ambassador of the transport industry and in 2020 launched transport forum, Freight People, to unite and encourage those working in the transport industry to support one another in addressing industry issues and to discuss hot topics. 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 in the transport industry 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, Motor Transport Vox Pop and is invited by the BBC and other media to discuss topical and transport related issues.

Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE is recognised as an innovator and a leading force heading up the award-winning O’Donovan Group as one of the waste and construction sectors’ most influential trailblazers. Passionately advocating for road-safety and best-practice, she has championed improved standards, resulting in a safer, greener and more responsible sector.

In 2023, she was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list and recognised for her outstanding services to Recycling, to Safety and to Industry.

With nearly forty years experience within the commercial vehicle sector in a broad variety of key posts for manufacturers and operators alike, I have extensive knowledge of vehicles, operations and in life support. I am currently responsible for over 50,000 vehicles operated by many of the UK’s leading fleets.

Adam is an experienced engineer with extensive expertise in the transport industry, gained through 30 years’ experience. Adam’s career developed through various operational roles before moving into Engineering and Fleet leadership. Currently Fleet & Procurement Director for Menzies Distribution and has accountability for all Technical Services, covering Fleet, Engineering, Procurement, Project Management and Operational IT systems. Responsible for a fleet of over 4,500 assets, a future focussed leader aiming to deliver safe, sustainable, innovative solutions to meet customers and business needs.

A previous Motor Transport Awards Winner, winning the Technical Excellence award in 2020.

As a prominent industry figure, Guy is a source of authoritative comment on Drivers’ Hours Law Legislation, and digital tachograph compliance. His knowledge, and combined experience in creating compliance software solutions, extends to also sitting on steering groups/committees in Brussels.

Brian’s consultancy business, BJR Solutions Ltd, is engaged in various projects in support of commercial vehicle decarbonisation, eHGV infrastructure development and transport sustainability. Clients include Zemo Partnership, T&E, BSI, the IET and the University of Exeter. Brian is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist and has over thirty years’ experience in transport, energy and climate change policy, sustainability, vehicle safety and programme leadership. Before going freelance in 2014, Brian spent 16 years in increasingly senior roles at TRL Ltd, carrying out mostly HGV-related safety and environmental research, and 12 years at IMechE, much of that as Head of Energy Policy.

Phil joined Logistics UK as President in April 2022 after 5 years as a non-executive Director. Prior to joining he was a board Director at DHL Supply Chain which was the culmination of his 35-year career with DHL and XPO. He is also a non-executive Director and trustee at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Phil has substantial experience of supply chain leadership across multiple customers, sectors and geographies, with 35 years’ experience in a variety of senior leadership roles within operations and functional areas. These include Managing Director, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Customer Officer and Strategy Director.

Phil loves leading within the logistics industry and values the variety and challenge that the sector provides. He also loves helping people develop their careers as a coach and mentor. Finally, he is leading the Generation Logistics program which is a sector wide collaboration with twenty companies, fourteen trade associations and the Department of Transport which seeks to showcase the huge variety of careers that are available and bring the next generation to the logistics sector.

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.

Carole Walker is an Executive Assistant at the family owned and operated businesses of Spot on ReadyMix (Transport) and Spot on Concrete (Halifax).

Carole was a Non-Executive Director of Logistics UK for 8 years up to 2022.

Previously Carole was CEO of Hermes Europe, responsible for all the European logistics activities of the Otto Group.

Prior to that Carole was CEO of Hermes UK where she oversaw the rapid growth and transformation of the business to become the second largest delivery company in the UK. Carole was the winner of the 2019 Motor Transport Awards for Service to Industry.

Carole was also presented with the Metapack Service to the Logistics and Carrier Industry Award upon her early retirement in 2019.