HRH The Princess Royal Attends CILT(UK) Partnerships Day 2026

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)) brought together leaders from across the logistics and transport sector for its annual Partnerships Day on 14 May at the National Space Centre in Leicester. HRH The Princess Royal, patron of CILT(UK), attended the event as a special guest.

The event also marked the launch of the organisation’s forthcoming centenary celebrations, recognising 100 years since the institute was awarded its Royal Charter and celebrating a century of supporting and advancing the logistics, transport and supply chain profession across the UK.

The event welcomed CILT(UK) partners, industry leaders and public sector bodies for a full day of insight, discussion and collaboration focused on strengthening partnerships, driving innovation and promoting excellence across the sector.

This year’s event centred around the themes of change, culture and collaboration, exploring how organisations across logistics, transport and supply chain can work together to navigate transformation, accelerate sustainability, strengthen workforce capability and shape the future of the profession.

The agenda included keynote sessions, leadership insights, panel discussions and masterclasses featuring speakers from organisations including DP World, GXO, Carlsberg Britvic, Stagecoach, NHS, VEV and Transport Intelligence Ltd.

Reflecting the event’s focus on change, culture and collaboration, the day opened with an insight session led by Erin Meehan, head of partnerships at CILT(UK), exploring what great partnership culture looks like across different sectors.

Further highlights included:

• A keynote session from John Manners-Bell, CEO of Transport Intelligence Ltd, on creating a culture of collaboration and innovation across the sector.
• A panel discussion exploring how partnerships can accelerate innovation, technology adoption and sustainability.
• A leadership insight session from Vice Admiral Andy Kyte CB, chief of defence logistics, focused on leading through culture and change during periods of transformation.
• A panel discussion examining how organisations can successfully manage change and bring people with them on the journey.
• A session exploring the future of bus and public transport partnerships, including the role of collaboration in improving connectivity, sustainability and passenger experience.
• A masterclass on professionalising the sector through standards, qualifications and workforce expertise.

A major highlight of the event was the special address and visit from HRH The Princess Royal. Her Royal Highness’s presence reflected her longstanding commitment to supporting the logistics, transport and supply chain profession and recognised the vital role the sector plays in supporting the nation and the economy.

Helen Hardy, chief executive officer of CILT(UK), said: ‘Partnerships Day is about bringing together organisations and leaders to share ideas, strengthen relationships and shape the future of our profession together. This event highlighted the importance of culture, change and partnership working across our industry.

‘This year’s event was especially significant as it also marked the launch of our forthcoming centenary celebrations, recognising 100 years since CILT(UK) was awarded its Royal Charter. For a century, CILT(UK) has represented professional excellence, trusted standards and leadership across logistics, transport and supply chain, while building a strong community connected by shared values, expertise and purpose.

‘As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud not only of our heritage, but of the future we are helping to shape through collaboration, innovation and professional development across the sector. We were honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal and deeply value her longstanding support for CILT(UK) and the wider profession.’

During her visit, HRH The Princess Royal met with CILT(UK) partners, industry leaders and delegates, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, professional development and innovation in shaping the future of the sector. Her continued support for CILT(UK) and its members since 1990 remains highly valued across the industry.

Partnerships Day forms part of CILT(UK)’s wider commitment to supporting learning, thought leadership, networking and professional development across the profession.