Clare Bottle FCILT is CEO of the UK Warehousing Association and Vice-Chair of Women in Logistics UK. Having joined the logistics industry in the 90s, she has worked across a number of sectors, including chemicals, construction and food & drink.
Before joining UKWA in 2021, Clare was Associate Director of Warehousing at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. As head of UKWA, a leading trade association with 1,000 members, Clare has pursued an agenda of economic, social and environmental sustainability, as well as driving diversity and inclusion.
She has led a co-ordinated campaign to highlight the opportunities offered by solar power and advises Government on the significant benefits and barriers of solar power on warehouse rooftops. She has launched ‘2024 The Year of Warehousing,’ an initiative designed to build awareness and recognition of the sector as a crucial part of supply chains and a major contributor to the UK economy.
How did you get into airfreight/logistics?
I applied for 42 jobs in the Manchester Evening News and the first company to offer me a position was British Road Services (BRS) in Trafford Park.
What quote has most resonated with you?
Michelle Obama: “When they go low, we go high”.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with good people.
What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
Travelled alone from Pyongyang to Moscow on the Trans-Siberian railway.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Mary Wollstonecraft, Alice Hawkins and Julia Gillard – we could compare notes on the experiences of working women through the ages.
What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?
I love watching snooker and go to the World Championship in Sheffield every year.
What hobby have you always wanted to try but never got around to?
Growing my own vegetables.
If you have not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into?
An investigative journalist revealing the truth about shady dealings in business and politics.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To remember everyone by name.
What’s your proudest moment and your biggest regret?
Winning a Medal of Honour from the University of Manchester in May 2023 (and no regrets).
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?
Kate Winslet – she does a good ‘headstrong woman’.
Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?
Go for it!
How do you motivate your team?
Set a clear strategy, set a good example, listen well and buy them cake.
What is the one item you can’t travel without?
Teabags.
Who is your role model?
Too many to name them all, but Anita Anand, Hilary Devey, Harriet Harman and Caitlin Moran for starters.
What would your autobiography be called?
My Life in Logistics.
Cats or dogs?
Cats.
Early riser or night owl?
Night owl.
What’s the best and worst purchase you’ve ever made?
Best: my Tesla EV; Worst: a breadmaker.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Moussaka with Greek salad.
What’s your most used emoji?
🤩
