Prohire colleagues shortlisted for inspirational woman of the year award

Prohire colleagues, Anita Van Schaik and Michelle Miles, have been shortlisted for the inaugural Inspirational Woman of the Year Award at TCS&D 2023, the UK’s Cold Chain Awards in conjunction with the Women in Cold Chain (WiCC) initiative. The Cold Chain Awards celebrate the companies, services and people that are keeping the temperature controlled supply chain moving.

Anita Van Schaik is the lead sales professional at Stoke-on-Trent-based Prohire, a leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions. Michelle Miles is the head of Prohire’s alternative fuels division, ProGreen, which was launched in 2021 to support Prohire’s customers in achieving their Net Zero ambitions by decarbonising fleets via the deployment of high-performing, reliable, zero-emission vehicle technology.

Pat Skelly, chief executive at Prohire, said: “Michelle and Anita deserve this recognition for their contribution to Prohire and to the wider industry. They are leaders in their respective fields and have much in common in terms of a customer-centric mindset, vast industry expertise, and a commitment to both empowering women in the cold chain sector and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within Prohire.”

Under Michelle’s leadership, ProGreen has successfully introduced cutting-edge alternative fuel vehicles into the Prohire fleet, replacing traditional diesel-powered vehicles. This transition has reduced carbon emissions, improved operational efficiency and reduced noise pollution in urban areas.

Anita consistently surpasses targets which contributes significantly to Prohire’s growth. Her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key clients coupled with her deep understanding of the cold chain industry have been instrumental in the company’s success.

Michelle Miles, head of ProGreen, said: “I am proud and humbled to be shortlisted for the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award at TCS&D 2023. Every day I get to play my part in fleet sustainability, which is incredibly rewarding and crucial in helping our clients achieve their Net Zero ambitions. I hope that this award will inspire more women to consider a career in the cold chain industry.”

Anita Van Schaik, lead sales professional at Prohire, said “To even be considered for the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award for Women in Cold Chain let alone make the short list is something I never expected. I am unbelievably grateful to all who have taught me about transport since graduating university, whether that be suppliers, mentors or colleagues.”

The purpose of the Women in Cold Chain (WiCC) initiative is to encourage female school leavers and university graduates, as well as women from other sectors to consider exploring a career in the temperature-controlled storage and distribution industry, which is traditionally very male dominated. The winner of the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award will be announced at TCS&D 2023, the UK’s Cold Chain Awards, on Thursday 21st September at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.