Motor myths dispelled on International Women's Day

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent in Shrewsbury praised the contribution of its senior women staff at today's event, as the industry tries to shake off its image of Pirelli calendars, greasy overalls and bawdy humour.

Staff were asked to mark the day by wearing purple, as well as post an entry on a "pledge wall" to explain what they would to to promote balance in the workplace.

Credit manager Trish Brown, senior customer assistance representative Lauren Swannick Hall, human resources manager, human resources manager Louise Alexander and maintenance supervisor Zara Wainwright were highlighted as examples of the important role women played in the company.

Zara, who joined the company four years ago, now leads a team of 30 administrative staff in the maintenance team.

“My team is predominately female in its makeup, dispelling the myth that the transportation sector is a male-led industry,” she said.

“One of the big challenges is changing the mind-set of ‘old school’ males in an industry that has previously been led by men.”

Confidence

Trish joined what was then Burnt Tree in November, 2014, shortly before the company was taken over by Enterprise, and played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition.

“Prior to joining this business I worked in the fuel-card industry, so I have had a lot of experience in the transport sector,” she said.

“I think confidence, having the courage of your convictions and not being afraid to speak your mind is essential to succeeding, regardless of your gender or the industry you work in. I have a great team which has developed and improved its performance in part because of the strong female role models within it and I’m proud of the successes and of what we have achieved as a team.”

Lauren Swannick Hall admits she did not even know much about her own car before she joined the Enterprise team 18 months ago.

Within seven months she was promoted to the role of senior customer assistance representative, and she is now responsible for the company’s largest single customer, managing a £1 million contract.

“I would say that the transportation sector is male dominated as most of the customers I meet are mainly male,” she said.

“I’ve never really had an issue with being a female working in this environment, and I am lucky to have great customers around in Shropshire who are really supportive and helpful.

“The main challenge for me was learning about the vehicles, specifications and building relationships with our existing customers.

"I had no experience of working in the transportation industry and I didn’t know that much about my own car let alone the many vehicles Enterprise has to offer. However, having a great team really helped with my development and progression.”

Environment

As HR manager, Louise said a major part of her role was making the industry a place where women want to work.

“Being a woman in the transportation sector hasn’t really impacted on me, and I have put this down to the organisation that I work for,” she said.

“We all know that companies need to create an environment in which women want to work in, or we risk losing out on 50 per cent of the talent pool.”

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent talent manager Tom Macdonald said: “Balance is absolutely essential for our business.

“The more diverse our workforce and the more reflective it is of the communities in which we live and work helps us to be a better business.

“Although the motor and transportation industries have traditionally been male dominated, our inspiring employees show us that a gender balanced workforce gives us more perspectives, strengths and ideas, ultimately allowing us to provide better solutions for our customers.

“This absolutely isn’t a women’s issue – it’s a business issue.”