She’s RHA launch a resounding success

The event was opened with words of welcome from RHA board member and partner at Freightlink Europe, Lesley O’Brien.

Lesley began by explaining the background to the initiative. “She’s RHA grew from something as simple as a group of ladies arranging small get-togethers before industry-related events. Usually, we would meet for coffee or lunch.   In addition to socializing however, we would be discussing industry related issues, sharing best practice and ideas.  As our meetings and relationship grew, a support mechanism developed.  Others noted that not only were we discussing business, but we were having a great deal of fun and it was decided that the group should be expanded to other RHA ladies – the result was She’s RHA.

“She’s RHA is open to women of all job roles and age groups, welcoming a variety of skills.  The idea is that members not only support one another but they  are able to get involved in other areas such as supporting  the RHA as a trade body in promoting policy or working with schools  and colleges to encourage young people and women to enter the industry. 

“We want to be a sounding-board of information for woman. The McKinsey report evidenced that more diverse companies do better with women on the team and the haulage industry is no exception”,  she said.

She’s RHA guests listened with keen interest to views of other women in the industry beginning with blue chip company consultant Charlotte Sweeney. “Globally, in the past 10 years, a quarter of a billion women have entered the workforce and by 2020 sixty-six per cent of university graduates will be women.  55% of the UK population are women so why are only 8% working in logistics?  By working together we can build more opportunities for women in the haulage industry.”

Andrea Jenkins, Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood was pleased to point out that her father was a haulier and therefore she spent much of her youth as a driver’s mate.  She was of the firm opinion that the lack of women in the haulage and logistics industry wasn’t just gender-based. “I think it’s all about having the right attitude,” she said. And classically-trained opera singing Andrea added her own surprise at the end of her presentation by breaking into song.

The final speaker, commercial director of Horsepower Training, Sharon Dayson, described the company’s approach of attracting women to LGV driving through taster days in conjunction with local hauliers. “Driving can offer women flexibility and freedom with a living wage.”

Summing up the evening, Lesley O’Brien said:  Great minds don’t always think alike - great minds think differently and we want to encourage diversity of thought and bring those minds together.“