Ruth Waring (nee Williams) graduated from Edinburgh University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Business Studies. She joined the NFC on graduation, working for Exel Logistics Fashionflow on the Marks and Spencer contract. She spent a year in France implementing the M&S IT system to the Parisien warehouse before returning to the UK to work as a Traffic Manager for Exel in Coventry in 1991.
Ruth successfully implemented the BS 5750 Quality system at Coventry before moving to Gefco UK, the logistics arm of Peugeot/Citroen, in 1993. Ruth’s role was one of project manager, overseeing the changeover of the parts distribution contract from Swift to Gefco. This UK-wide objective was achieved in 3 years including the setting up of a network of depots across the country, TUPE transfers and vehicle/O Licence acquisition.
Ruth then moved across to work on European Roadfreight acting as functional manager for Gefco’s network and bridging the gap between the UK and Continental hub and spoke system. Finally Ruth was promoted to Midlands Regional Manager, with responsibility for 4 depots and keeping the production line at Peugeot Ryton in operation.
In 2000 Ruth left Gefco to join Pearson Education, then the world’s largest academic publisher, as their Transport Logistics Manager. Here she managed the distribution over 50m books per annum, working closely with a number of key sub-contractors. She was also heavily involved with the Pearson Group freight procurement group (including Penguin books, Dorling Kindersley and the Financial Times) implementing group-wide freight deals and delivering significant savings.
In 2002 Ruth finally achieved her life’s ambition to become self-employed! Ruth met Paul shortly afterwards and worked as a sub-contractor to Labyrinth, before becoming MD in 2004 when Paul went to work at Jigsaw full-time.
Ruth has specialist expertise in ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, OHSAS 18001 (Health & Safety management system), operator licensing and holds the NEBOSH Certificate (distinction) in Health & Safety gained in 2003. She also speaks good French.
Recently Ruth has worked on a major logistics project in the aviation security arena at the same time as helping a UK sandwich manufacturer improve their logistics arrangements. Ruth also has a number of smaller haulier clients for whom she sets up and maintains quality management and health & safety systems.
Ruth Waring
Director
Career Timeline
1989
Graduated from Edinburgh University
1990
Exel Logistics Fashionflow
1991
Exel Traffic Manager
1993
Gefco UK
2000
Pearson Education
2002
Joanna Factotum Ltd
2003
NEBOSH General Certificate in H&S
2004
Labyrinth Logistics Consulting Ltd