Empowering Women: Why Suttons International is Supporting Actually, She Can!

The logistics and supply chain industry has long been perceived as a traditionally male-dominated sector, particularly in operational and depot-based roles. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still work to be done to break down barriers, challenge outdated perceptions, and create an industry that is truly open to all. At Suttons International, we are committed to driving that change.

As a global logistics business with a strong local presence, we recognise that diversity and representation are not just buzzwords—they are critical to fostering innovation, driving business success, and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. That’s why we are proud to be the headline sponsor of Actually, She Can!, a women’s empowerment event and conference taking place in the Halton borough.

Why Women’s Empowerment Matters in Logistics

Our industry offers a wealth of career opportunities, from commercial and operational roles to leadership and strategic positions. However, women still face unique challenges when it comes to starting and progressing their careers. Many roles, particularly depot- and engineering-based positions, have historically been on-site and shift-based, which can present difficulties for those with caring responsibilities. Additionally, the perception of logistics as a manual, hands-on industry has often discouraged women from exploring the wide range of opportunities available.

At Suttons, we are committed to changing this narrative. We believe that diversity strengthens our business and that men and women bring equally valuable but different perspectives to problem-solving, leadership, and innovation. By actively fostering a supportive and fair workplace, we aim to create opportunities for women to develop, grow, and succeed at every stage of their careers.

Suttons’ Commitment to Supporting Women in Business

We don’t just talk about our commitment—we act on it. Over the years, we have introduced several initiatives to support women in the workplace, including:

• Leadership Development: Providing structured career development pathways to help women reach leadership positions.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay: Helping us attract and retain skilled and motivated employees.
• Menopause Awareness & Support: Encouraging open conversations around menopause, removing stigma, and providing support where needed.
• Flexible Working Policies: Championing flexibility in office-based roles to help employees balance their careers with personal responsibilities.
• STEM Engagement: Inspiring the next generation by supporting initiatives that encourage young women to explore careers in engineering, technology, operations, and logistics.

Our approach has led to real change within our business. Today, 50% of leadership roles at Suttons International are held by women, with 31% of our senior leadership team being female—a significant improvement from previous years. We are proud to be ahead of many of our industry peers in terms of gender representation, but we know there is always more to do.

Why We Are Sponsoring Actually, She Can! and How You Can Get Involved

Sponsoring Actually, She Can! is a natural extension of our commitment to gender equality. This event is designed to empower and inspire women in the Halton borough, providing a platform for networking, professional development, and personal growth.

As part of our sponsorship, we are proud to be sending a large group of women from across our business to take part in the day’s activities. Our team will be attending workshops, networking with other professionals, and engaging in discussions on leadership, career development, and personal growth. This is an invaluable opportunity for our employees to learn, connect, and bring fresh ideas back into our organisation.

While events like Actually, She Can! play an important role in empowering women, real change happens when businesses take responsibility for creating fair and supportive workplaces every day. At Suttons International, we are committed to fostering equality within our business and supporting women across the Halton borough.

We encourage all businesses to consider how they can support women in their workplaces—whether through mentorship, flexible working policies, leadership development, or simply fostering a culture of respect and opportunity.