International Women’s Day – Nikki Sayer

This International Women’s Day we’re amplifying the stories of local women who are leading the way in their industries. We spoke to Nikki Sayer, Director at Casper Shipping Ltd to find out about her career.  

#StayLocalGoFar 

What’s your name, where are you from, where do you work and what is your job title? 

Nikki Sayer, living in Saltburn by the Sea, Director at Casper Shipping Ltd 

What does your day-to-day role involve and what do you enjoy most about your job? 

I head up the customs division at Casper which has been extremely busy over the last couple of years due to BREXIT.  As well as Customs I look after HR and Diversity within the organisation.  Further to the work I do at Casper I am also passionate about raising the profile of the shipping industry to young people and adult re-trainers and in 2018 I founded the North East School of Shipping based at Stockton Riverside College which delivers the ICS professional shipping qualifications.  I love getting out and about to tell young people about our amazing industry and open their eyes to the potential careers available. 

How did you get started in your career? Did you always know what you wanted to do, or have any ideas on where your career might take you? 

I doubt many people intentionally set out to work in the Shipping Industry as it is somehow a secret sector but I couldn’t of wished for a better career.  I started on a YTS at British Steel when I left school and fell into the shipping department there a few years later.  Since then I have worked all over the world, have letters after my name, various other titles, was appointed the first female Chair for the ICS NE Branch and am now a Director!  None of which I could ever have dreamed off when I was at school. 

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? 

There have been so many, especially since I joined Casper.  I won the Breaking the Mould Award in 2021 at the Tees Businesswoman Awards which was amazing but one other particular moment really stands out for me and that was when I gave my first ever speech as ICS Chair to 250 guests at a dinner.  I was so nervous but I absolutely smashed it!!  I was so proud of myself and felt like I was flying when I came of the stage.  I still remember most of that speech now. 

This International Women’s Day, what would your best piece of advice be to a young person just starting out on their journey? 

Just put yourself forward for every opportunity you can as you never know where it will take you.  As a woman you are just as capable as anyone to achieve great things.