At Acclaim Handling, our mission has always been about more than just the machinery; it’s about the people who keep the wheels (no pun intended) of industry turning. This International Women’s Day, we are proud to pull back the curtain and celebrate the brilliant women across our 8 depots who provide the expertise, grit, and leadership that define our success.
While we are featuring a few snapshots of our team today, the truth is that the female face of Acclaim Handling is much larger than a few photos can capture. With eight depots nationwide, we have seen a significant and welcome increase in women joining our ranks in recent years.
From service coordination and accounts to sales and senior logistics (and marketing!), the “Acclaim Way” is being shaped by more women than ever before. We also want to give a special shout-out to the many team members who, while camera-shy and preferring to work their magic away from the lens, are vital in holding our operations together.
Simply put: Acclaim Handling wouldn’t run the same without them.
The material handling industry is fast-paced and high-pressure, requiring a unique blend of logistical precision and customer care. Today, we are spotlighting just a few of the team members leading the charge:
In Essex (Rainham): Our dedicated HQ-based team serves as the backbone of our operations, managing the complex administrative and strategic needs that allow us to serve clients nationwide.
In Rugby: We celebrate the powerhouse duo of Michele Goode (Area Sales Manager) and Kerry Bannerman (Service Controller). Their synergy ensures that our customers in the Midlands receive world-class equipment and support.
In Kent: Natalie, our Service Supervisor, is a master of coordination. From managing customer hires and parts orders to directing our team of engineers, she ensures that downtime is never an option for our clients.
While the landscape of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) is changing, it remains a traditionally male-dominated field. Michele Goode, currently our only female Area Sales Manager, shared some candid reflections on what it takes to thrive in materials handling:
“Being a female in this world does have its advantages and disadvantages. You always get tested on your knowledge… but if you give them as good as you get and show you understand what you’re talking about, you gain their respect.”
Michele’s advice for other women looking to enter the industry? Confidence and community.
“Being a strong woman in this industry is key – and being thick-skinned too! With good support, strong product knowledge, and a great Acclaim team around you… you will fly.”
International Women’s Day is a reminder that diversity isn’t just a “buzzword”, it’s a competitive advantage. The women at Acclaim Handling bring perspectives and problem-solving skills that make us more resilient and more attuned to our customers’ needs.
We aren’t just celebrating where we are today; we are committed to ensuring that the MHE industry becomes an increasingly welcoming space for women to build long-term, high-impact careers.
To our team in Essex, Rugby, Kent, and across all our regional depots: Thank you for everything you do. You don’t just help us keep up with the industry – you help us lead it.
How are you celebrating #IWD2026? Head over to our social media pages to see more from our team and join us in thanking the women of Acclaim Handling!
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