PD Ports enjoyed another successful evening on Thursday after being commended for its ongoing commitment to people development at the 29th annual CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport) Awards.

The ceremony, which was held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, brought together businesses and individuals from across the transport and logistics sector to celebrate excellence across 12 categories.

PD Ports was hoping to build on last week’s success at the Maritime UK awards and was delighted to be crowned the winner of the People Development Award, beating out great competition from National Express West Midlands and Yusen Logistics.

Frans Calje, CEO at PD Ports, was delighted with the recognition for his team. He said: “To be recognised by the CILT for our work is quite an achievement!

“We are incredibly proud of our commitment to attracting, retaining and developing talent and pride ourselves on enabling our people to reach their full potential by offering both personal and professional development opportunities.

“Not only that, but we also remain committed to raising awareness of careers within the Maritime Industry, breaking down stereotypes and making opportunities within our sector attractive and attainable to all.”

The port operator has recently renewed calls for businesses to do more in supporting the next generation, re-launching its innovative Teesport Explorers programme and hosting a live panel with industry experts to discuss breaking biases within the sector.

As the largest private employer in the Tees Valley, PD Ports has also built strong and long-lasting relationships with charities and education providers that support its vision including the High Tide Foundation, Stockton Riverside College, NETA Training and Teesside University, with judges at the awards particularly drawing attention to PD Ports’ impressive retention rate for its apprentices.

Now in their 29th year, the prestigious CILT Awards for Excellence provide a unique platform for businesses to share best practice, showcase the calibre of their work and benchmark amongst peers.