Creating environments for top talent to thrive

March 10, 2025

The winners within logistics are those who have a combined formula of excellence in operations supported by a talented team. To attract the best, it is important to ensure everyone can thrive, whatever their gender.

In an industry which, according to Logistics UK is ‘very male-dominated’ and ‘has had challenges attracting a variety of talent’, there is still a long way to go. As an industry which requires resilience, innovation and adaptability, merit-based work practices are crucial to building a more inclusive culture.

Europa Worldwide Group, one of the UK’s leading logistics providers, is ahead of creating an environment where top talent can thrive, by establishing a merit-based culture, prioritising internal training and progression, and inspiring and motivating those who join the company.

As a result of this culture, Europa’s team is now 43.5 per cent female, compared to an industry average of just 15 per cent.

Looking towards International Women’s Day, Tom Jenkins, Central Services Director at Europa Worldwide Group, said: “Our intention is to build the best team, regardless of gender, ethnicity and background, and to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and that performance is recognised and rewarded.

“This is why we have tried to establish a culture which prioritises internal development and progression, establishing a valuable support network for those who join us. Through our values, robust HR policies and our merit-based culture, we are making great progress in our journey to recruit and retain individuals from all walks of life.”

In 2023, across the Group, 40 per cent of Europa’s workforce was female; this now sits at 43 per cent in 2025. Through its company values, it seeks to bring out the best in every individual and establish a culture free from discrimination and bias.

Kirsty Dean, Marketing & Communications Director, is one of two females on Europa’s Board of Directors. She explains how the culture has helped her navigate the challenges of a male-dominated industry: “The performance of our business depends entirely on the motivation of our people.

“Logistics is still largely male-dominated and that can be intimidating for young females. By fostering respect for each other and creating teams which value character and personality, we can create a diverse, compassionate and inclusive environment where people feel at ease. It’s these values that play such a critical role in the DNA of our business.”

Kirsty sits on the board alongside Dionne Redpath, Group Chief Operating Office and Head of Europa Warehouse. A leading female role model within the industry, Dionne was recognised as Logistics Person of the Year by Northamptonshire Logistics Awards 2024.

Europa Worldwide Group has redoubled its efforts, with the support of its strong HR & Recruitment team to ensure that its culture reflects its values, such as driving out complexity, and doing what is right and not what is easy.

Its appraisal and review processes have been simplified to ensure that the company can build clear expectations for all managers and team members, allowing Europa to deliver on aspirations of both the company and the employee.

Europa employs over 1,300 staff globally and over the past 10 years has trebled its workforce. It is also a dedicated partner for industry initiative Generation Logistics, which looks at inspiring the next generation of logistics professionals.

The business, headquartered in Dartford, has also embedded a strong Learning and Development team to ensure that it can succession plan with employees and support them on their desire to expand their knowledge and skill, which of course attracts reward.

For International Women’s Day, the HR team is encouraging colleagues to nominate women who are driving change in the logistics sector.

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