WE BRING BUSINESS FACE TO FACE WITH BUSINESS
Vicki’s a trophy winner
AN award for women working in the “man’s world” of transport has been won by Huddersfield’s Vicki Davenport. Vicki, who is sales and commercial director at Netherton-based haulage firm The Pink Link, won the director of the year category in the MAN Everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards. She fought off competition from two other finalists to clinch the trophy in the contest, which is sponsored by vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck and Bus Ltd. The awards highlight the contribution many women make to the transport and logistics industry, an area which is traditionally dominated by men. Some 300 guests attended the presentation ceremony, which was compered by comedian Ruby Wax and held at the Marriott Hotel in London. Said Vicki: “I am delighted to have won such a prestigious award. “Having worked in the transport and logistics industry for over 25 years I have seen many changes. The industry’s progress from an archaic male dominated environment to one where women play key roles has been fundamental to the development of my career. She said the industry offered tremendous opportunities for women. “Our strengths in multi-tasking, attention to detail, organisation and effective communication are the basis for a successful career in transport and logistics and how I got where I am today,” she said. “Couple these skills with drive, determination and enthusiasm and you will achieve anything you set out to and this award is testament to that.”
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A NEW business networking group has been set up in Brighouse – with 26 local firms joining up. The new BNI group was formed at a meeting led by BNI regional director Mike Holman, who explained how similar groups across the UK has helped generate success for member firms. Last year, more than £190m of business passed between BNI’s 15,000 UK members. New recruits for the Brighouse group include Huddersfield chartered accountancy firm Sheards, which signed up following the inaugural meeting. Kevin Winterburn, of Sheards, said: “When I heard about BNI and how it worked it seemed like a really good idea for businesses. I joined because it’s an opportunity to network and promote our business whilst helping other businesses in the area at the same time”. Mr Holman said that the recession meant businesses had fewer competitors, but more
competition. He said: “In the past, if the air conditioning broke down, someone would have been told to get it fixed. Now they’re being told to get three quotes. This means ‘word of mouth’ is even more important when it comes to getting business. Rather than just waiting for the telephone to ring, any business wanting to grow and be successful should have a strategy in place to make sure that ‘word of mouth’ is planned. The BNI meetings provide that.” Steven Barrett of Reality Communications, who joined a BNI group based in Cleckheaton when it started 18 months ago, said: “I’ve generated over £100,000 in business during my first year’s membership just by going to the BNI meeting.” For details of the Brighouse BNI group, contact Steven Barrett on 07946 543053/ spbarrett@realitycom.co.uk.
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