A leading name in the Irish logistics sector, Pamela Dennison of W S Dennison, has been recognised by the FTA as one of the 20 UK industry leaders set to drive the sector to new heights in the coming year.  

The 20 for 20 supplement, published alongside FTA’s Logistics Magazine, celebrates the rising stars and finest experienced heads working across the supply chain, which have been identified as those to watch in 2020. The supplement is sponsored by Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking. 

Ms Dennison, from Antrim, County Antrim, was selected for her work to raise awareness of the skills shortage, promote diversity, and represent businesses’ interests in her role as Chair o fFTA’s Northern Ireland Freight Council. 

In her interview with Matt Harrington, the editor of Logistics Magazine, Dennison explains why Brexit is often top of the agenda during her Road Council meetings: “It is absolutely fundamental to our industry that a Withdrawal Agreement with unfettered access of some sort is negotiated because Northern Ireland has such close links to the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK. But in addition to that we have no Northern Ireland Executive, so we’re getting left behind regarding industry change, technological advances.” 

Despite her concerns about Brexit, Dennison is optimistic about the year ahead, she continues: “I think 2020 could bring a lot of opportunity. Ultimately for every challenge you’ve got to look at the upside.” 

W.S. Dennison Ltd is a leading furniture storage and logistics company in Ireland. 

David Wells, CEO of FTA, comments: “The UK logistics industry is facing an era of unprecedented change, with pressures such as Brexit, climate change and recruitment shortages mixing with emerging technologies to provide new challenges and opportunities. In this turbulent environment, it is important we recognise the individuals that have made a positive contribution to the sector and who, in the view of FTA, are poised to drive the sector to new heights in 2020. By recognising and rewarding individual contributions in this way, we can challenge others to raise their game and help improve professional standards across the wider industry.” 

Subscriptions to Logistics Magazine – which includes the 20 for 20 supplement alongside its December issue – are open to both members ofFTA and non-members: more information is available here: https://fta.co.uk/membership/member-information-services/lmag   

Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.  With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.  A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.   

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About the Author: John Loughran