Aftermarket April 2022

T uesday 8 March was 2022’s International Women’s Day, which provided an opportunity to shine a light on the contribution made by women to the motor industry as a whole, and to the garage sector in particular. With this in mind, Tina Drayson, Operations Manager at Surrey/Sussex chain CCM, and regular Aftermarket contributor under the Garage Inspector Graduates banner, shared her thoughts within the Garage Inspector Graduates Facebook group. Unique experience Tina commented: “8 March represents International Women’s Day. The women in our industry bring a unique experience to the business. There are some highly qualified female technicians and Testers. Does that make them less capable than our male counterparts? Whether a technician/MOT Tester/service advisor/workshop manager/business owner, we all have the same training regardless of gender. Yet as women our job is harder. We are always having to prove our worth. “How often are you in mid-conversation with a customer and a male colleague walks in and they turn their attention to him, totally dismissing you? How often do you answer the phone and someone asks to speak to the manager, and they stumble and stutter when you tell them they are speaking to the manager? How often have you been ignored at a trade stand and then given the excuse of ‘I thought you were together’, while pointing to a gentleman who is also looking?” 14 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2022 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net The occasion of International Women’s Day last month re-ignited the lively debate on inclusivity in the industry AN UNSUITABLE JOB FOR… WHO EXACTLY? She continued: “The list is endless. I don’t believe that people behave maliciously but rather it’s an unconscious bias. Nevertheless, the daily challenges we face are there. “People like to interact and employ others of a like mindedness. This is great for your ego as you all agree and believe in the same things, but you don’t grow. No one challenges you, there is no gender diversity, women bring a different mindset. By employing women, you become available to a wider selection of talent for your business. Having women on your team can improve processes and group collaboration. Women are a very important part of any company, and we all have our area of expertise. When your customers visit your garage, make sure the women are paid the respect that they are due.” Looking to how they address the issue at CCM, she observed: “We are celebrating by empowering the women in our team, from every job role across the board. It does not matter whether you are a cleaner or a business owner, every one of you add huge value by what you do. Our garages cannot run efficiently without you.” Equality and diversity As with most online declarations, Tina’s stance sparked discussion on the practicalities. Looking at the likelihood of doubling down on the existing number of women in the industry, and increasing their presence in the sector, Andy Burt, owner at Andy’s Auto Fix in Bury St. Edmunds observed: “Whilst there's obviously a place for women in the trade in every role and I would welcome them with open arms, there is likely to remain a male heavy split in Above: Andy and Jeanette Burt