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.

David has been in this industry for 60+ years. Now in his mid-70s he still works as an engineering advisor and consultant for several large UK and European distribution companies. He is known for being a no frills engineer and strives to achieve the best available technique, not entailing excessive costs in all of his work. He is known by his colleagues as the 'engineer's engineer'. He was awarded the prestigious MT award for Service to Industry in 2007. He is also an elected member of the Motor Transport Hall of Fame and he has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts since 2006.

Andy Bennett is the Director of Projects and Realisation at Optimize, a role he has held since 2024. With over 15 years' experience in operational IT leadership roles at Amazon, TNT, and FedEx, he brings expertise in delivering innovative, customer-centric solutions that drive strategic optimisation and business value led initiatives in the Transport sector.

Catherine joined the BVRLA in 2019. Promoted to Head of Decarbonisation and Future Mobility in 2024, she leads the Association’s work on subjects such as EV charging infrastructure, supporting the transition of commercial vehicles, access to in-vehicle data and adoption of new technologies such as connected and autonomous vehicles.

Catherine has worked in senior policy roles for over 18 years and has experience of working within private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

At the forefront of Pall-Ex Group for over a decade, Kevin is a dynamic senior executive with over 20 years of experience at board level throughout the logistics sector, he has a proven track record of crafting and executing strategies that achieve market-leading growth and profitability. An exceptional leader, 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 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.

Sam Clarke is a life-long entrepreneur, industry advisor, EV owner/driver for over 23 years and a multiple Guinness World Record Holder for EV driving. His EV journey started back in 2002 with electric motorbikes before founding a zero-emission logistics firm (Gnewt) which he sold to John Menzies Plc in 2017. He now works on national charging infrastructure needs for GRIDSERVE in particular, leading on the £100M+ Government funded (ZEHID) eHGV Electric Freightway Project. He is also a founding member of The EV Café webinar and news channel.  

David has spent his entire career in the transport and logistics industry First half in contract logistics in the UK and Europe responsible for large transport and warehousing operations.

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

Having recently exited Skills for Logistics he has now developed a digital talent platform for the sector – Flow Skills Online.

David is now a skills and training advisor to a number of national organisations.

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 currently the Head of Fleet and Compliance for MTS Cleansing services, one of the largest family owned tankering companies in the UK with nearly 400 vehicles across the business.

He has over 30 years’ experience in transport, covering all aspects of the industry from driving to planning to management. He is currently the company’s first FORS practitioner achieving and renewing our FORS Gold accreditation for the company. He is also a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Carmen.

With a passion for transport, and compliance especially, this has given him great opportunities in the transport industry including being asked to be a judge once again for the Motor Transport Awards 2025.

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.

Stuart Godman, Pallet-Track CEO, boasts over 35 years in the logistics industry across many previous senior Board roles. Stuart is leading Pallet-Track through its next stage of strategic growth and recently announced the company's achievement of 'carbon certification' as part of its wider ESG strategy.

Jamie Hartles is an accomplished professional with an 18-year tenure in third-party logistics. Jamie presently serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Howard Tenens Logistics and is a member of the President’s Council at Logistics UK. 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.

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.

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 voice in supporting and promoting efficient logistics. Sitting on their executive team, Jemma is responsible for digital portfolio development, including their market leading Vision platform and tachograph service.

As former Managing Director of Microlise Group’s TruTac business, Jemma has an extensive track record in logistics businesses and commercial management spanning 2 decades.

Jemma is passionate about logistics and appreciates the ever increasing Operator challenges. Jemma has a passion for road safety and technology, with a keen interest in compliance.

Mark, a director at Aquarius for nine years, has driven the company’s digital innovations, and in 2024, became Managing Director. With over 20 years in the tachograph industry, Mark has built strong relationships with key industry players and earned respect for his customer-focused, tech-driven solutions in driver and fleet compliance.

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.

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 Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at DPD UK, has over 25 years of parcel market expertise.

Tim and his team are responsible for DPD’s marketing strategy, media relations, public affairs, and internal communications, while driving the company’s ambitious sustainability agenda.

A key focus is achieving DPD's Net Zero target by 2040, a goal validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a unique achievement within the delivery sector. Tim oversees the transition to electric and HVO-powered fleets, contributing to a 48% emissions reduction.

Under his guidance, DPD has garnered a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, numerous Motor Transport Awards, and consistent top rankings in the Money Saving Expert parcel delivery satisfaction poll.

Alex has been part of Knowles Logistics since 2012 and was appointed Managing Director in 2018. Since 2018, under his helm the business has grown its turnover from £23m to £75m in 2024 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 7% of the fleet now electric.

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 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) Steering Group. He has won numerous awards, mainly for fleet sustainability.

Charlotte is a specialist criminal and regulatory barrister, known nationally for her expertise in Fleet Risk. She provides strategic advice following serious incidents, represents clients in PACE interviews and court, and delivers road safety training. Charlotte is recognised for her commercial approach and formidable reputation in challenging prosecuting authorities.

John Luty is the Director of Technical Services for Depot Connect International’s UK Operations, in this role He’s responsible for the husbandry of the entire UK vehicle fleet including forklifts and container handlers, He also oversees the compliance team and has responsibility for all infrastructure including tanker cleaning stations

Joining the family business 40 years ago, Peter Masters is now the Managing Director of Miniclipper Logistics.

Under Peter’s leadership the business has grown tenfold, employing over 220 people with 5 sites across Bedfordshire and Burton-Upon-Trent including two Distribution Centres and 600,000 sq.ft of warehousing space.

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.

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).

I am leading Fraikin’s environmental, social and governance programme and do so with enthusiasm and integrity. With 20 years’ industry experience demonstrating solid expertise in quality, compliance, and regulations, I am committed to integrating sustainability into the business strategy to meet the current, and future, challenges of all Fraikin’s stakeholders.

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 for the industry and during COVID launched Freight People, to unite and encourage those working in transport to support one another in discussing industry hot topics and addressing common issues. 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, Motor Transport Vox Pop and is invited by the BBC and other media to discuss topical and transport related issues.

Pete has been involved in the automotive industry for over 20 years, during this time he has gained a wealth of experience and unparalleled knowledge in Product Development and Strategic Solutions for the entire sector. Pete is now the Operations Director at Parksafe Group, located in the heart of Derbyshire Parksafe Group have been working with some of the UK and Europe’s largest fleets for over 30 years! Specialising in an extensive spectrum of vehicle and camera safety equipment Pete continues to deliver and oversee Technical Solutions for safety and communications.

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 Procurement & Operational Systems Director at Menzies Distribution Solutions, where he leads all technical services, including Fleet, Engineering, Procurement, Project 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

Paul Sanders is MD of Allports Group, (a key distributor for Renault Trucks, Deker Trailers and Isuzu Trucks ), and chairman of the Association of Pallet Networks. A 40-year transport veteran, Paul originally started in his family’s multigenerational haulage business. After decades of supporting the RHA at sub regional level, he joined its board in 2022.

Colin works in 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 & Truck Demonstration 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

Chris is the MD of Welch Group, a family-run logistics company recognized for its leadership in sustainable transport. Chris became the fourth generation to run Welch's and is now known for his ability to drive innovation, captain decarbonisation whilst running a group which maintains the family values that define them in the SME space.

Zowi Whittaker is the Environmental and Ssutainability Director for Fox Group. Fox Group operate a fleet of 350 hgv vehicles working in the construction and waste sector taking a proactive approach to innovation and sustainability.

Robert Wilcox is Managing Director of Massey Wilcox Transport operating from depots in Chilcompton, Somerset and Avonmouth. The company now in its seventy first year, operates a fleet of 70 vehicles along with extensive warehousing to BRC standard. A shareholder member of Pallet Track and is FORS registered.

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.