The Irish logistics and transport industries were essential in overcoming the many challenges we have faced as a nation over the past two years. And the effort, innovation and grit shown by the individuals, teams and companies within the sector continue to assist the people of Ireland on a daily basis.
The winners of the Irish Logistics and Transport Awards were announced during a hybrid event held on May 12th, 2022, with a live audience in attendance at Clontarf Castle joined by remote attendees through an interactive virtual ceremony, hosted by comedian, broadcaster and author Colm O’Regan.
Now in their 12th year, the Awards were supported by leading players from the industry.
Enda Kinsella, director of AIB Corporate Banking, said; “AIB recognises the importance of the sector to the wider economy and its key role to play in delivering on Ireland’s sustainability targets. The awards night was a fantastic opportunity to meet with so many excellent companies and experience their energy and enthusiasm first hand.”
Another of this year’s sponsors was SkyCell. Radek Samsonowicz, head of sales at EMEA said: “SkyCell adds value to the pharmaceutical supply chain through safe, secure and sustainable solutions. By working with many logistics companies in Ireland, we acknowledge how dedicated and capable they are in providing end-to-end supply chain solutions. SkyCell is therefore overjoyed to sponsor this year’s Irish Logistics & Transport Awards.”
Driving Force also joined as a sponsor, with general manager Christine O’Reilly saying: “Driving Force Ireland were so pleased to be a sponsor of the Transport and Logistics Awards this year. This industry shows ongoing initiative and dedication, devoting themselves to a very crucial part of society. Transport and logistics is a very important sector of the economy and the awards ceremony identifies deserving rewards.”
Speaking at the awards, Kevin O’Driscoll, director Partnership Programmes at BusinessRiver said: ‘Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2021 sponsors, which included SkyCell, Driving Force Ireland (Recruitment & Training), AIB Corporate Banking, Road Safety Authority and Timewise Systems. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”
The Awards were supported by Amarach Research and The Irish Times joined as the Award’s communications partner.
One of the trophies handed out on the day went to Crane Worldwide Logistics. Their regional vice-president, Jason Stretton, said: “The team at Crane Worldwide Logistics in Ireland were delighted to be nominated as finalists in three awards at this prestigious event. Jack Lenihan came away with the Future Achiever Award, which is testament to his dedication and hard work, joining the company as on our Young Leader’s Programme and now managing director of Ireland. Being recognized at a national level at the Irish Logistics and Transport Awards is a fantastic achievement.”
They were joined on the podium by Ace Express Freight, another 2021 winner. Head of sales Eamon Galavan said: “It’s been a tough few years, and winning the Covid Award just shows what we did works, and we’ve made a lot of changes, and we are in a business where keeping employees safe was a very big part of last year. It was tough but we got through it, and the Freight Forwarding Company of the Year Award is great to say that we’re still doing the right things.”
The 2021 judging panel
Declan Allen (judging co-ordinator), assistant head, School of Management, College of Business, Technological University Dublin
Brian Caulfield, associate professor & head of discipline, Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin
Seamus Kavanagh, executive officer, Irish International Freight Association
Helen Noble, principal, Noble Shipping Law
Michael O’Callaghan, director, IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute
Dr Jane O’Keeffe, director of Supply Chain, NMCI/MTU
Maura O’Toole, facilitator, trainer, coach & lecturer
Dr Jelena Vlajic, senior lecturer in supply chains and operations management, Queen’s Management School, Queen’s University Belfast
Efce van Heerden, lecturer in logistics & supply chain management, Munster Technological University
The full list of 2022 winners
COVID-19 Crisis Response Award – Sponsored by Driving Force Ireland (Recruitment & Training)
Winner: Ace Express Freight
Passenger Transport Company of the Year
Winner: Bus Éireann
Courier Company of the Year
Winner: Fastway Couriers
Future Achiever Award – Sponsored by Skycell
Winner: Jack Lenihan – Crane Worldwide Logistics
Supply Chain Achievement Award – Sponsored by Skycell
Winner: ATC Computer Transport & Logistics
Customer Focus Achievement Award
Winner: Iarnród Éireann
Communications Award
Winner: Public Transport Campaign against Racism – Transport for Ireland
Employer of the Year
Winner: BWG Foods
Green Impact Award – Sponsored by AIB Corporate Banking
Winner: Bus Éireann
3PL Achievement Award – Sponsored by Timewise Systems
Winner: GEODIS Ireland
Logistics & Transport SME Company of the Year – Sponsored by Driving Force Ireland (Recruitment & Training)
Winner: McCulla Ireland
Freight Forwarding Company of the Year
Winner: Ace Express Freight
Logistics & Transport Leader 2021 – Sponsored by Road Safety Authority
Recipient: Tom Thornton
Overall Logistics & Transport Excellence Award – Sponsored by AIB Corporate Banking
Winner: McCulla Ireland