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Lines open 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday07 Mar 2025
This International Women’s Day, we’re honouring three women who have quickly accelerated their careers since joining the AKW Holdings team.
Since 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been observed across the globe with the aim of celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and encouraging action to forge gender parity.
This year’s theme – Accelerate Action – calls for increased momentum in addressing the barriers women experience professionally and personally, to achieve gender equality.
Since IWD 2024, we’re proud to have increased the number of women working across our business, with women making up 37% of the AKW Holdings team.
These wonderful women occupy roles at all levels, including our board of directors, Logistics, Sales, Production and IT, with the average length of service now 9.5 years – 2.5 years more than in 2024.
In addition, AKW colleagues have been tasked with setting annual career objectives that support the Group strategy, and will work on personal development plans to ensure all employees are part of the strategy’s delivery, and have opportunities to develop professionally.
This 8th March, we’re celebrating three women at AKW – Keira, Lena and Lauren – who all joined us within the last six years and have since progressed in their careers.
After joining the AKW Logistics team as a Temporary Warehouse Operative just over five years ago, Keira gained invaluable experience in our Quality department, before she was promoted to Logistics Administration Coordinator in the autumn of 2023.
What does your day-to-day role involve?
“Day-to-day I organise inbound deliveries, carefully considering factors like warehouse capacity, stock priority, and quay rent to ensure the most efficient delivery times and maximise cost savings.
I analyse off-site stock to maintain optimal storage levels at AKW warehouses alongside other key analytical tasks, support operational risk assessment reviews, and complete a variety of administrative duties for the Goods In team.
I also contribute to Logistics projects too; one recent example involved streamlining the process of managing and tracing stock ‘on hold’, making it simpler and more efficient.”
What do you love about working in Logistics?
“Logistics can be unpredictable and challenging – even with meticulous planning – but it also offers an excellent opportunity to continuously evolve, which is much easier when you’re part of a strong, supportive team; I’m fortunate to work with a group of people who bring a positive mindset and a shared drive to achieve success.”
What’s been your favourite experience of your career?
“I’ve really enjoyed seeing team projects that I’ve been a part of, which have been months in the making, come to fruition and succeed in improving a process or aspect for the team, and along the way, getting the chance to work alongside some great people.”
What’s been your proudest life achievement?
“I would say advancing in my career, while also balancing my home life and pursuing a degree outside of work.”
What does life look like outside of work?
“I love spending time with my family, friends and two dogs. During the winter months, you’ll often find me relaxing by the log burner, either working on a crochet project or studying!”
What does ‘Life Made Better’ mean to you?
“Personally, ‘Life Made Better’ means striving to be the best version of yourself, showing kindness to others, and doing your best to succeed or improve something along the way.”
Lena joined the DLP team on the Isle of Man as Group Financial Accountant in 2022; after stepping up to provide maternity cover for a senior colleague in the months that followed, Lena was formally promoted to Group Financial Controller in 2025.
What does a day as Group Financial Controller look like?
“My day-to-day role is all about turning numbers into meaningful insights. It involves gathering and analysing financial data, preparing reports like balance sheets and income statements, and ensuring everything aligns with accounting standards.
Each day brings a mix of problem-solving – whether it’s reconciling discrepancies, explaining variances, or improving reporting processes to make them more efficient. It’s a role that keeps you on your toes, balancing precision with the bigger picture, all while helping the business make informed financial decisions.”
What’s the best thing about working in Finance?
“The best thing about working in finance is that it constantly challenges me intellectually and keeps me engaged. No two days are the same, and there’s always a new problem to solve or a process to make more efficient.”
Can you tell us about your favourite experience working at DLP?
“Joining my colleagues for a Helping Hands volunteering project at Curragh’s Wildlife Park, where we worked together to clear and build animal enclosures. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the results of our hard work at the end of the day, knowing we made a positive impact for the animals and the community at large.
Beyond the physical work, I also enjoyed the opportunity to connect with my colleagues, sharing conversations and getting to know them better in a relaxed, meaningful setting. I also enjoyed jumping on the big pillow-like trampoline as everyone watched and laughed!”
What would you say has been your proudest achievement?
“One of my proudest achievements was acquiring my first car, that experience was a turning point for me. It showed me that with focus and determination, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. It was more than just a purchase; it was a reminder of my own capability and potential.”
How do you like to spend your spare time?
“Outside of work I love spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking through scenic trails or simply being surrounded by nature. There’s something refreshing about the fresh air and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring new landscapes. It’s my way of unwinding and recharging.”
What does ‘Life Made Better’ mean to you?
“‘Life Made Better’ means creating a world where people with limited mobility have the support and resources they need to live independently. It’s about providing equal opportunities and making everyday tasks more accessible.
To me, it’s ensuring that no one feels limited by their circumstances and that everyone has the chance to live with dignity, freedom and ease.”
Lauren started her journey with AKW in 2022 when she was offered the role of Product Marketing Executive just before graduating from Aston University. She successfully balanced this role with leading on our sustainability efforts, before being promoted to a newly created role – Sustainability Manager – in the summer of 2024.
What does the Sustainability Manager do day-to-day?
“No two days are the same! I spend a lot of time identifying social value opportunities, such as organising fundraising events, arranging product donations, and sourcing volunteering projects for our colleagues to get involved with.
I also lead on our sustainability initiatives, including measuring our carbon footprint, improving the sustainability of our packaging materials, and advocating for water-saving products. I also manage our EcoVadis sustainability assessment and collaborate with Marketing to drive sustainability communications inside and outside of the business.”
What’s do you love most about your role?
“I’m fortunate to be in a role where I can make a real difference. Whether it’s by approving a product donation that will help someone regain independence, or supporting Disability Awareness Day – the world’s largest voluntary-led disability exhibition – I get to be part of something truly meaningful.
Leading AKW’s sustainability journey has been hugely rewarding; I’ve helped to shape our strategy, manage our annual EcoVadis submissions, launch the Helping Hands volunteering scheme and form invaluable charity partnerships, all while meeting inspiring people and gaining incredible insights.”
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
“It’s hard to choose just one! Disability Awareness Day is always a highlight as we meet fantastic people and connect with businesses that share our passion for promoting independence.
I’ve also loved developing our sustainability strategy; being part of its implementation has been incredibly empowering and I’m so proud to help shape AKW’s sustainability efforts.”
What life achievement are you most proud of?
“Graduating from university was a major milestone, especially as the Covid-19 pandemic made my placement year more challenging; during that time, I also embraced city life in Birmingham after growing up in a quiet village, which was an adventure in itself!
Buying my first home and securing my dream job – one where I make a real impact – are also achievements I’m extremely proud of.”
When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
“I’m a self-confessed foodie but equally I love going to the gym in the morning before work! In the evenings, I love unwinding with an episode of ‘Married at First Sight’ or a gripping ITV drama.
I also love exploring new places! In 2018 I took a gap year and visited Thailand, then I interrailed across six European countries – it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
What does ‘Life Made Better’ mean to you?
“For me, it’s about giving people the means to live their best lives, free from barriers and full of opportunity. It’s about creating a world where everyone can reach their full potential.”
Thank you so much to Keira, Lena and Lauren for taking the time to share their thoughts and experiences with us this International Women’s Day!
