Derbyshire businesswoman awarded MBE for work in transport industry

Allison Kemp, managing director of A.I.M Commercial Services Ltd based in Ripley, has been recognised for her work in the transport and logistics sector.

She said: “I am just so proud to receive this award.

“It is such a huge honour to be recognised I this way, not just for me but the great team that I work with.”

Allison’s firm provides training and support services to the logistics sector, but it is her work as an advocate for the industry that has led to recognition on a national level.

The third generation of her family to be involved in the logistics industry Allison was earlier this year selected as chair of the Logistics UK National Road Council leading the debate on the future of the UK’s road transport sector.

She has also chaired the East Midlands Policy Council for eight years.

Allison said: “The logistics sector is vitally important to so many aspects of our lives as has been demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The sector continues to face significant challenges including uncertainty around Brexit and ongoing driver shortages, but I remain passionate about helping people and playing my part to ensure we are getting things right.”

The Queen’s birthday honours were due to be announced in June but were put back due to the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning Allison had to keep quiet about her award for a long time.

She added: “I was so stunned to receive the letter that I even phoned the cabinet office to check it wasn’t a hoax.”