Ronald Plooij, from New Balance Athletic Shoes, and Ben Gilligan of FirstGroup won Young Manager and Student of the Year respectively. Three long standing veterans of the sector were also recognised, with Stagecoach Merseyside’s Les Burton and Nigel Kirkwood of Tachograph Analysis Consultants acclaimed for their Service to the Logistics and Transport Industry. Stobart Group’s David Irlam was presented with a lifetime achievement award.

In the corporate awards, Stagecoach Merseyside won the Industry Best Practice award, while Arriva Northwest triumphed in the Environmental Improvement category. Sir Moir Lockhead, chief executive of transport operator FirstGroup and CILT President, presented the awards at the prestigious event, which was hosted by senior BBC television journalist Dave Guest.

Simon Reynish, chairman of the CILT’s North West region, said: “These awards recognise the contribution these people make to the industry, which is a key sector in the North West economy. It’s heartening to see such a high standard of entrants and that bodes well for the future.”

Awards winners in full
North West Student of the Year (individual award), sponsored by Triscan Systems Ltd
Winner: Ben Gilligan MILT, FirstGroup plc

North West Young Manager of the Year (individual award), sponsored by S Cooper & Sons Ltd
Winner: Ronald Plooij CMILT, New Balance Athletic Shoes

Industry Best Practice (corporate award), sponsored by Tachograph Analysis Consultants Ltd
Winner: Stagecoach Merseyside

Environmental Improvement (corporate award), sponsored by Great Bear Distribution Ltd
Winner: Arriva North West

Service to the Logistics and Transport Industry (individual award), sponsored by White Arrow Logistics
Joint winners: Les Burton CMILT, Stagecoach Merseyside Nigel Kirkwood FCILT, Tachograph Analysis Consultants

Lifetime Achievement (individual award), sponsored by Jigsaw Solutions Ltd
Winner: David Irlam, Stobart Group.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK – CILT (UK) – is the professional body for individuals and organisations involved in all disciplines, modes and aspects of logistics and transport.  An educational charity, it has a suite of formal qualifications from Level Two (4 GCSEs) to Masters Degrees with over 60 accredited centres around the country. The North West Region is a beacon of support and activity for the membership with a team of volunteer activists supplying 50+ free of charge events put on each year as well as a host of other support and networking services.