APRIL 2023 AFTERMARKET 21 www.aftermarketonline.net to work. Increasing gender diversity is just one of the important issues we’re tackling as part of this.” CEO Andy Hamilton and CFO Annick Jourdenais are patrons of the Automotive 30% Club. Donna added: “A key challenge we have identified is unconscious bias, which is especially evident in the use of gendered language – without malintent – between colleagues. This something we’re exploring as part of a new research project in 2023.Recent data from Deloitte suggested that 40% of women working in automotive would choose a different industry if they were starting their career again. Key players like us have a collective responsibility to get the bottom of why, and to create an equal and equitable automotive industry that women can excel in.” Keen advocate Meanwhile, Glen Callum Associates (GCA) are continually highlighting the benefits of a balanced workforce. Kerrie Richards, Director at Glen Callum Associates, said: “A dynamic and innovative business is usually evolved from a dynamic and innovative workforce. Broadly speaking, men and women are shaped by different life experiences. In turn these different experiences give them different perspectives, which furthermore encourages different ideas.” According to statistics compiled by the Automotive 30% Club, a company that has women on their board is more profitable than a company with only men on the board. Kerrie continued: “The stats don’t lie; if businesses don’t embrace the benefits of a gender balanced workforce, they are missing out on innovative ideas, lower staff turnover and profitability.” A study by LinkedIn revealed that women are more likely to submit a job application if the salary is advertised, while the Harvard Business Review has suggested that keeping job adverts concise and only including must-haves could encourage more applicants. To help improve the situation, GCA is encouraging companies to be transparent with a role’s salary. Kerrie concluded: “Diversity, equality and inclusion is a constant and evolving process, and this is why celebrating and encouraging a workforce to embrace differences and to see the positives of gender balance is very important in any business. Let’s celebrate International Women’s Day and use the opportunity to promote ongoing diversity within a business.” Perception Changing perceptions across the country at the sharp end are a growing number of female-led teams within garages, including businesses in the First Stop network. Claire Harrison is Manager at R&R Tyres in Basingstoke “Things have come a long way over the years. Sexism used to be rife in the workplace up until relatively recently, but I do feel that we are treated with much more respect today, with an acknowledgement that women can achieve and add real value in the workplace.” Meanwhile, exhairdresser Jodie Portwain is now Service Advisor at Drivetech Autos in Slough: “It’s a hands-on role and the nature of work gives me structure, which I like. Some of my friends raised an eyebrow when I told them I was swapping my scissors for spanners and services, but I love the job and I’d like to think it proves that women can be a success – no matter the profession.” Out on the front line, Kim Dorr leads what is believed to be the only allfemale reception in the garage sector at Northampton-based In Town Automotive. She works alongside Leah Munns, Alex Johnson and Karen Roe, who between them have experience as a technician, apprentice and main dealer service manager. Kim observed: “It is unique to have an allfemale team in reception, but when recruiting Leah, Alex and Karen, it was because they were the best qualified for the job, irrespective of sex. It was as simple as that. We still get men who talk over us and insist on speaking to one of our male technicians, but they are usually pleasantly surprised when they engage with us, because we possess a great deal of knowledge. These old perceptions used to be seen most days, but they are changing now.” Perfect opportunity Finally, at the summit of the sector, NFDA CEO Sue Robinson is a longstanding leader. She observed: “International Women’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to address one of the key imperfections of the automotive industry, the gender divide. In 2018, NFDA launched its Drive My Career employment initiative along with HR representatives from motor retailers across the UK. The campaign aims to change the perception of the automotive industry, inform and educate young people on the viable and successful career paths that are available. Sue, who joined the Automotive 30% Club in January, continued: “Initiatives such as Drive My Career and the Automotive 30% Club are essential to promoting the sector as an inclusive and diverse workplace, with one of its main objectives to make the automotive retail sector more attractive to young women who want to start their careers. Young females may not initially consider motor retailing as their first option for a career, given that the sector is still predominantly a male-dominated environment and misconceptions of the industry remain. However, we are constantly seeing progressive changes, franchised dealers are offering equal opportunities and employing more talented females. It was particularly reassuring to see during National Apprenticeship Week many young females endorsing their apprenticeship experiences and recommending a career in automotive to peers.” She added: “I believe in equal opportunity for all, and it is important to not see gender when looking for a new employee, but look for determination and resilience. Franchised dealers have recently made huge improvements in ensuring opportunities are available equally to everyone and trying to attract more diverse employees to their dealerships. However, I still believe there is work to be done to make sure any negative perceptions are eradicated.” www.aftermarketonline.net International Women’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to address one of the key imperfections of the automotive industry, the gender divide ”
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