Entrepreneur and international freight specialist Jenny Hooper, Managing Director of Nuneaton-based Independent Freight Solutions Ltd, has been singled out as a finalist in the 2015 FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. Jenny has impressed the judges for her leadership skills both in her own company and within the industry, and is a finalist in the “Leader of the Year” category. Winners will be announced in a glittering ceremony on June 3rd at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Independent Freight Solutions Ltd is a specialist supplier of international freight and transport services. The company specialises in providing customised freight forwarding for both import and export, by air, sea, road and courier. Jenny’s vision for Independent Freight was to provide a more specialised service to businesses involved in international trade, going beyond what most freight forwarders offer and adding a level of personal customer care that would ensure that every process runs smoothly and all the formalities of shipping goods are taken care of.
Jenny Hooper founded Independent Freight in 2004 after a successful career in freight forwarding where she gained the skills and experience in freight, logistics and international trade to create her own company.
The FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards were established eight years ago, and have the objective of shining the spotlight on women who are enjoying success working in transport or logistics, demonstrating that this profession holds a wealth of career opportunities for women.
As MD of Independent Freight Solutions Ltd, Jenny Hooper has many years’ experience in transport & logistics, particularly in the international arena, specialising in export and international trade particularly to and from the Middle East, North America, Canada and the Far East. Commenting on the announcement, Jenny said: “I care passionately about the industry and the service we provide which is so essential for almost every commercial business in some way. Women have a great deal to offer and are increasingly bringing their skills into this traditionally male domain – as the awards demonstrate so clearly. I am honoured to be recognised amongst such a prestigious group of women in the transport and logistics sector. Three cheers to the everywoman Awards for being such a great incentive to women and highlighting the inspiring women in our industry!”
Jenny’s formula for Independent Freight has proved highly successful and she has continuously grown the business, building its operations with a national and international customer base. Turnover has doubled each year and the company now has a six-figure annual turnover with eight permanent employees and additional part time and contracted staff. Today Independent Freight occupies a large industrial unit in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, where its head office is co-located with extensive warehousing facilities. It also has an East Midlands base in Derby and a network of warehouse facilities and suppliers throughout the UK, providing nationwide coverage and support for freight consignments. It also now has partners in key international regions including the Middle East and USA and agents serving customers in every continent.
Jenny continues to direct the company and is also involved in many industry bodies and women’s organisations, working tirelessly as a business/logistics leader and women’s champion in the Midlands. A founder member of the Midlands branch of the global Women’s Presidents Organisation (WPO), she is also an associate member/non-executive director of the Institute of Export and serves as vice-chair of the East Midlands branch. She also served as chair of BIFA East Midlands from 2010-2013.