AN Ipswich logistics boss is well down the road to success after she was crowned Woman of the Year at an industry event. Elaine Miller, operations director at container logistics business Wincanton scooped the accolade at the second annual MAN everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards, which highlights the successes of the women who are making strides in the traditionally male-dominated industry.

AN Ipswich logistics boss is well down the road to success after she was crowned Woman of the Year at an industry event.

Elaine Miller, operations director at container logistics business Wincanton scooped the accolade at the second annual MAN everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards, which highlights the successes of the women who are making strides in the traditionally male-dominated industry

The event, held at the Marriott hotel in London's Grosvenor Square, is aimed at women “whose vision, innovative approach and success make her an outstanding role model, encouraging more women to choose a career in transport and logistics”.

Ms Miller, who began her career as an accountant with logistics firm Russell Davies, became the first and only female director in the company's 21 year history.

When the business was bought by Securicor, she took on the role of development director with responsibility for identifying and implementing substantial cost savings and service enhancements throughout all the company's activities and procedures, including operations.

After a sabbatical, she joined Hanbury Davies with several former colleagues, and under her guidance, profits increased to �3.3million

After the company was sold to Wincanton, she helped with the integration of the two firms, and did the same again after the acquisition of the CEL group by Wincanton, resulting in a �1.8m cost saving and the company becoming the UK's market leader in container logistics services.

She became a director at 30 years of age and is described by the awards organisers as “extremely driven” and hardworking.

Throughout her career, she has managed to maintain national level ladies' basketball, having retired from the game only recently. Her transferable team skills now help her juggle life as a full time working mother of a five year old daughter.

Co-founder and director of everywoman Karen Gill MBE said: “We are delighted with the level of entries that we have received and Elaine has made an outstanding contribution to the sector, which is why she has been chosen as Woman of the Year 2009. We are confident that her success will not only propel her career forward, but will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Des Evans, CEO of sponsor MAN Truck & Bus UK comments, “The achievements of today's winners cannot be underestimated. They have set the very highest standards in their own roles and are an example for anyone thinking of entering the transport and logistics industry. Within our own MAN team we have seen for some time the many benefits women bring into the business, and to be able to support this initiative again this year is both a pleasure and a privilege.”