Gist driver Gillian Brooks has been named Microlise Driver of the Year Award for 2020, beating more than 225,000 other UK drivers.

Gillian, who has more than 30 years’ experience as an HGV driver, has been with Gist for around two-and-a-half years based at its Hemel Hempstead site.

At the age of twenty-five, Gillian was asked by her mother what she wanted to do and her response was ‘to drive trucks.’ Her Mum used her life savings and paid for Gillian to sit and pass her HGV and PSV licenses at a time when female drivers were virtually unheard.

Since then Gillian has enjoyed a great driving career and works to encourage more women into the business.

Gillian is also winner of the Long Distance category in this year’s awards which features drivers who regularly undertake journeys of more than 60,000 miles per year.

Gillian drives double-decker trailers as she loves them and believes there is a higher level of care and skill needed to handle them. An incredibly popular team member, she is said to exemplify all that is best in the profession – she is professional, reliable, safe and delivers a great customer experience.

Michael Chambers, Gist Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Gillian has not only won her category but has also been named as the first female Driver of the Year 2020, recognising her professionalism, technical driving skill and commitment to safety. Gillian is a great member of the Gist team and we all wish to congratulate her.”

Of her award wins Gillian commented: "Absolutely gobsmacked to have won such a prestigious award and I would never expect it in a million years. So absolutely thrilled. 

I love being a HGV lorry driver, it gives me a sense of achievement. I would recommend anybody who wants to be a HGV Driver to do it. It doesn't matter what age you are, what you think about yourself. You are capable of doing it."

Further information about Microlise and the awards, visit www.microlise.com