A new organisation dedicated to connecting, supporting, representing and advancing women in the UK and Irish transport industry will mark its official launch with a firewalk at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre on Friday 27 November 2026.
The Women’s Association of Trucking UK & Ireland is inviting women from across the sector to its launch evening, starting at 6.30pm at the Meriden Road venue near Coventry (CV7 8DX). The centrepiece of the night will be a firewalk, with attendees invited to step across hot coals in a symbolic show of courage, solidarity and determination.
Running under the banner “Women. A Stronger Road Ahead.”, the association has been formed to give women working in haulage and logistics a dedicated voice and a network of peers who understand the realities of the job. Women remain significantly under-represented in road transport, particularly behind the wheel, and many report feeling isolated in roles where they may be the only woman on site or on shift.
Co-founder Claire McKinley said: “I co-founded the Women’s Association of Trucking UK & Ireland because women across transport need a place where their voices are heard, their experiences are understood and their achievements are celebrated. From drivers to planners and leaders, every woman has a part in shaping this industry.
“We want to turn that collective voice into practical change: better facilities, stronger support, fair opportunities and workplaces where women feel safe, valued and respected. My hope is that more women see a future in transport and have the support to thrive in it.”
Organisers are encouraging attendees to bring a colleague or another woman from the transport industry, with the aim of building connections that last well beyond the night itself. Anyone joining the association on the evening will receive 10% off their membership.
Tickets are £50 per person, with tea and coffee provided. The venue has accommodation available, along with an onsite restaurant and bar, making it easy for those travelling from further afield to stay over.
The launch also has a charitable purpose. Donations will be collected on the night for a local women’s shelter, extending the association’s ethos of support to women in the wider community.
The firewalk is more than a spectacle. For many women in transport, simply turning up to work can mean facing long hours, poor facilities, and at times unwelcome behaviour. Stepping onto the coals alongside others who share those experiences is a powerful reminder that nobody has to face those challenges alone. Peer connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental wellbeing, and a network built on mutual support could make a real difference to women across the sector.
The event is proudly sponsored by Heart of England Events and Conferencing.
How to book
Places are available now. For booking details, contact the Women’s Association of Trucking UK & Ireland at Womenstruckinguki@gmail.com.
