Logistics industry anticipates biggest award night of the year

Now in its 26^th year, the FLTA Awards is the longest running and most prestigious industry awards presentation of its kind in the UK, with this year’s event taking place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel on Saturday 21^st March 2020.

“The FLTA Awards is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved in materials handling to showcase the outstanding advances they have been making in the industry,” said Tim Waples, Chief Executive of the FLTA. “We want to celebrate achievements and mark the importance of working together to continually raise standards.”

The awards are much sought after. Categories such as Dealer of the Year and Supplier of the Year are fiercely contested, while Pick of the Year accolades for Safety, Innovation, Ergonomics and Environment also receive large numbers of nominations. Alongside those, the Safe Site Award commends companies that own and operate forklift trucks and have made real and tangible strides in improving on-site safety.

The Awards for Excellence offers nominees the chance to receive well-deserved recognition from peers and the public. It is free to enter and companies can self-nominate, allowing them to put forward the initiatives and products of which they are most proud.

During a BAFTA-style ceremony, winners are presented with an industry-renowned Archie statuette. Inspired by Archimedes, the father of modern mechanics, it bears his famous quote: “Give me a place to stand and a lever long enough, and I will move the world”.

With some of the biggest names in attendance, the FLTA Awards for Excellence is an unmissable opportunity to highlight the industry’s best and brightest.

“These Awards are only made possible by generous sponsorship from some of the industry’s foremost names,” said Tim Waples. “We owe a great debt of thanks to Carrylift, Combilift, Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK, F-TEC, Hubtex, IBCS, Flexi Narrow Aisle, Toyota Material Handling, Triathlon Batteries, TVH and Yale Europe Materials Handling… along with our event supporters DLL Group, JCB and Transmon Engineering.”

A closely guarded secret

An Awards Jury met to discuss the nominees and votes have now been cast and counted.

“The voting is such a closely guarded secret that even the jurors have no idea who’s won,” reveals Tim Waples. “What I can tell you is that the line-up of new products, methodologies and technologies was so strong that the voting was extremely close in a number of categories. 

“Importantly, because entry is free and open to all, our Awards attracts the widest possible selection of nominations representing all that’s best in the materials handling industry. It means that companies of every size, from new start-ups to multinationals, can go head-to-head in front of the jury. It’s what makes the Awards for Excellence so unpredictable… and so exciting.”

A memorable evening

Mark Durden-Smith will be returning as host for the evening, following his impressive and memorable role at the 2019 Awards.

Guests can also expect dinner, live music and dancing to round off what is sure to be a night to remember.

“Hundreds of tickets have already been sold,” says Tim Waples. “So I’d urge anyone who’s thinking of coming to act quickly to avoid missing out.”

Bookings can be made for groups and tables of 10. In addition, there are networking tables available for smaller groups, couples and individuals wanting to attend. Tickets are priced at just £135 (+ VAT) for FLTA members and £185 (+ VAT) for non-members.

To find out more about the Awards — including online booking – visit www.fork-truck.org.uk/flta-awards