- Generation Logistics celebrated its 2025 award winners, recognizing early-career professionals and champions of innovation, inclusion and excellence across the logistics industry.
- The winners, including Ashley Paige, Archie Kombelak, Alice Mullan, Alex Castle and Grace Brown, were honored for their initiatives including inclusivity, youth mentorship, operational excellence and sustainability.
- Each recipient will receive mentoring, recognition at national events and opportunities to continue shaping the next generation of logistics talent
Generation Logistics has announced the winners of its 2025 awards, celebrating early-career professionals and advocates who are driving innovation, inclusion and excellence in the logistics sector.
These awards are the first of their kind presented by Generation Logistics – a campaign that raises awareness of the diverse career opportunities available to young people in the sector. As a result of their contributions to the sector, winners will receive an exclusive one-on-one mentoring with Generation Logistics’ Executive Sponsor, Phil Rowe, an invitation to the Parliamentary Reception, a £200 voucher to a retail outlet of their choice and a ticket to the UK Logistics Awards, as well as use of social media assets for their profiles.
More than 40 entries were received across four award categories, with the judging panel praising the exceptional level of entries. The 2025 winners are:
The Extra Mile Award Winner: Ashleigh Page (for her time at GXO)
This award celebrates a talented precocious colleague who has gone above and beyond to make a positive impact, whether that be within the workplace, local community or wider community – and winner Ashley has proven this through her amazing work in inclusion at GXO.
During her time as Sales Development Executive at GXO, Ashleigh initiated a project to make Material Handling Equipment (MHE) roles more accessible to colleagues with disabilities. She worked closely with her deaf colleagues and a team member with limb differences, providing awareness training, buddy systems, and comprehensive safety protocols – securing buy-in at the organizational level to make a real difference.
Regarding Ashley winning the award, the Generation Logistics jury said: “Ashley has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to removing barriers and creating an inclusive environment. She is a true champion of inclusive logistics.”
Ashley, who now works at Unipart, will continue to lead initiatives as part of her new role, as Director of Multi-Sector Business Development, supporting jobs in the logistics sector.
Hidden Gem Award Winner: Archie Kumpelak (CEVA Logistics)
The Hidden Gem Award highlights those who work quietly but powerfully behind the scenes. These talented senior colleagues consistently deliver outstanding work, demonstrate initiative, and support their teams with humility and dedication. Although they may not seek the spotlight, their influence is undeniable, and they deserve recognition.
As a Business Development Degree Trainee at CEVA Logistics in the UK, winner Archie Combellack supported multi-million pound proposals, secured over £100k of new business and maintained a £500k pipeline. He has also presented at a parliamentary reception and organized key sector events.
“Archie is a complete team member who adds value wherever he goes,” the Generation Logistics judges said. “He achieves influence, leadership, and growth through humility and initiative.”
Talent Advocate Award Winner: Alice Mullan (Iron Mountain Warehouses & Logistics)
This award honors an experienced colleague who truly champions and champions early talent. From mentoring and training to promoting careers in logistics, Talent Advocate demonstrates a passion for nurturing the next generation and promoting the future of the sector.
Winner Alice Mullan was awarded for her work leading the college’s ‘Creating Tomorrow’ program which integrates young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) into live-in warehouse roles. She has designed bespoke mentoring, bespoke onboarding and career pathways, resulting in a 100% retention rate for SEND trainees, many of whom have now progressed into paid roles.
The Generation Logistics judging panel said: “Alice is an outstanding entrant. She shows a real passion and commitment to attracting and supporting early talent; she is a fantastic example that meets every aspect of the brief.”
Joint Trailblazer Award winners: Alex Castle (Wincanton, now part of GXO) and Grace Brown (Asda)
The Trailblazer Award is designed to honor an outstanding colleague and early talent who sets new standards – whether through innovative ideas, project leadership, or simply rapid growth and advancement in their career journey. For this category, there were two high-quality entries that could not be separated, resulting in Alex and Grace both winning.
Alex Castle, a supply chain leadership trainee at Wincanton, now part of GXO, has led teams and delivered improvements in KPIs, cost and safety, and became the first trainee to manage Wincanton’s innovation centre. He has also championed the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence as well as serving as an ambassador for Generation Logistics.
“Alex is a leader in logistics innovation, leadership and advocacy through hands-on experience,” the Generation Logistics judges said.
Grace Brown, Trainee Manager at Asda, helped deploy the warehouse management software in Manhattan, created new operational tools, and assumed key leadership responsibilities. She also promotes sustainability, has spoken in the House of Commons, and serves as a climate ambassador in her local community.
“Grace drives innovation, impact and inspiration across logistics and sustainability,” the Generation Logistics judges said.
Speaking about the award winners, Generation Logistics Program Manager, Bethany Windsor, commented:
“We are delighted to launch the first Generation Logistics Awards, and we are very impressed with the high level of entries we received! It is great to celebrate the huge amount of young talent that exists across all areas of the sector, and I would like to express my personal appreciation Congratulations To each of the 2025 winners, we extend our sincere thanks to all those who took the time to submit their entries.
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