Bob Hughes, CEO of the Forton Group, a specialist leadership development consultancy, announced DHL Supply Chain as the winners of the prestigious Women in Logistics' Company of the Year Award, at their annual fundraising ball recently.

Forton have sponsored Women in Logistics for three years and Vernon Barchou, of DHL Supply Chain, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation, from Bob Hughes (see picture, below left).

"DHL Supply Chain aims to be the employer of choice for all, regardless of gender, race, culture or background", he said. "In 2011 our board publically pledged that 25-30% of senior vacancies would be filled by female candidates. Our professional women's network is open to employees at all levels, giving access to mentors, skills development events and external speakers. DHL Supply Chain has also joined forces with the NCT and Working Families charities to commission new research on the opportunities and obstacles that exist for mothers returning to work".

Proven business effects of workplace diversity include increased creativity and more effective problem-solving – because solutions are coming from a wider pool of ideas, says the company. Diversity also contributes to better understanding of the marketplace, customers and suppliers. Diversity supports improved employee relations because it shows that the company values all employee groups.

Bob Hughes described Forton's commitment to the aims of Women in Logistics: "At Forton we're committed to diversity: supporting women and men to succeed. Society also benefits from everyone rising to the peak of their talents. We're proud to be supporting Women in Logistics for the third year running.

"We believe passionately in organisational diversity, and the need for flexibility in the workforce. By supporting women in the logistics sector to succeed, we know that men benefit from greater flexibility and that vital work/leisure balance too.

"DHL Supply Chain's efforts support women in logistics and they bring out the best in the whole workforce, contributing significantly to the bottom line".

The Forton Group is a specialist leadership development coaching and training organisation which supports Women in Logistics throughout the year by providing pro-bono support to its mentoring programme, workshops and coaching to members.