Tiger welcomed a cross section of the transport industry to share insights, challenges, and encouragements in a Women in Transport networking morning at Tiger’s site in Winsford.
With a focus on celebrating and empowering women in the sector, as well as hearing companies share their CSR efforts, the event stood as an encouraging reminder that investment in people, and their subsequent empowerment, continues to enrich the transport industry in a way commercial success can fall short of doing, and can leave a legacy long outliving profits made and spent.
“Making women feel able to thrive in our sector, keeping children safe, and giving back to local communities and organisations are so, so important, and this is the reason we do so many CSR activities at Tiger. It’s not just trailers we want to produce; it’s to work together to leave the industry in a better state than when we joined it 10 years ago”, comments Alison Cartwright, CSR manager at Tiger Trailers. “I’m so proud of #TeamTiger for making this event such a success”.
The event was closely supported by The Road Haulage Association (RHA), with Paul Allera, Technical Director at the RHA, bringing along the RHA’s truck simulator to let guests try their hand at driving something a little larger than what they were used to. Existing to campaign for improvements for its members, from better roadside facilities to training programmes and fuel cost lobbying, the RHA’s aims closely echo those of Women in Transport’s, with its continued call for representation, equality of opportunity, and empowerment.
It was a similar message which marked the talks from other speakers. Amanda McAdam from J&M Murdoch & Son Ltd, herself a Women in Transport member, called for continued lobbying to reduce the gender pay gap in the transport sector, and explained the importance of knowledge sharing, and support for women who find themselves at the beginning of a career in what is a male-dominated industry. Her mentee, Holly Shaw from Tiger, was able to give her account of day-to-day challenges, and express how a mentor like Amanda has been a non-judgemental figure to help her navigate the ebb and flow of factory life.
Holly comments: “Starting work in the manufacturing industry was difficult. More so than in other industries, transport and manufacturing is heavily male dominated, and it can become easy to feel outnumbered or out of place. With time, and with mentoring support from Amanda, I’ve settled at Tiger, grown in confidence, and feel my ideas and opinions are as valued as much as the next person’s. I would encourage anyone to work in the industry; though busy, the work is varied, challenging, and rewarding in equal measure, and no one day is the same!”
Joanna Hill, Northwest Regional Lead for Women in Transport, was also able to speak about her experience joining Women in Transport, the catalyst for which was searching for her ‘tribe’. “What I love most about volunteering with Women in Transport is how supportive and collaborative everyone is. The atmosphere is one of togetherness which is so refreshing. Events like these are an important part of our membership offering, they provide an opportunity to celebrate each other’s successes and share learning and best practices as we break down barriers to inclusion and equitable careers in transport.”
With several members already, Tiger hopes more people in factory and non-factory roles will join Women in Transport in 2025. The link to more information on events, support groups, and membership can be found here: www.womenintransport.com/membership
