Kate Lester (entrepreneur)
Kate Lester (born Kathryn Louise Lester on 22 August 1971) is an entrepreneur in the transport and logistics industry based in the UK. She is the founder and CEO of Diamond Logistics.
Career
Diamond Logistics was originally a one depot business. Lester has had other interests in logistic-based industries including Logistics software, a London courier company, Citybikes and consulted for regional transport and courier companies involved in other networks such as Palletways.
Lester was chairman of the Despatch Association from 2005 to 2008 and was on the committee of the Nation Courier Association.
She made her national reputation launching Diamond Logistics as a network of franchised depots proving same day, overnight and international courier services, with local storage and despatch facilities. The franchise network was launched in 2012.
Charity
Lester sponsors various charities via the 21 in 21 campaign at Diamond Logistics.
Awards
Lester was awarded the title of Entrepreneur of the Year at ENCON2013 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, presented by Alistair McGowan and Raz Razak of The Secret Millionaire. She was nominated number 11 in the So Surrey Power List Top 20 in 2011 and was a finalist in the Surrey Business Person of the Year 2009.
In 2014 Kate was a finalist in the Freight Transport Association, everywoman Transport & Logistics awards in the Director of the Year category.