As the automotive sector continues its steady shift toward greater diversity, ETB Autocentres is placing a spotlight on the women helping to transform the business from the inside out. In recognition of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the nationwide autocentre network is celebrating the growing number of female professionals influencing its workshops, depots and head office operations.
Long associated with a predominantly male workforce, the automotive aftersales environment is evolving. ETB says women are now represented across every level of the organisation — from fitters and master technicians to depot managers, finance teams and marketing leaders — contributing skills, insight and resilience that continue to shape the company’s future direction.
Changing culture in a historically challenging sector
Those working in the industry today acknowledge that the landscape has changed dramatically over recent decades. While the environment of the 1980s and 1990s was often marred by dismissive attitudes and everyday sexism, ETB’s team members say progress has been significant, even if challenges occasionally remain.
Lyndsey Newman, a telesales executive based in Worcester, recalls the resilience required early in her career. “I had to have a backbone at the beginning, because men did pass comment and things would be said,” she said. “It didn’t bother me and I was able to brush it off. It was more a case of feeling patronised, but it made me more determined to prove myself, which is what I’d like to feel that I’ve done over the years.”
That determination is shared by colleagues across the business. Tracey Wright, who began working in automotive in 1982 and now manages ETB’s Bude depot, says she has learned to counter customer assumptions with expertise and confidence. “On very rare occasions I may come in contact with a customer that imagines I know very little about tyres and car mechanics,” she said. “I can usually win them over with my knowledge and assertive, friendly approach. Many come back time and time again and ask for me personally, which is very humbling.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remind myself that I am a manager working for a national company, and that’s a good achievement for me.”
Redefining perceptions
At ETB’s Evesham depot, receptionist Beckii Hartiss says she has had to challenge customer expectations too. “I get told I don’t know what I’m talking about and have even had customers refuse to speak to me because I’m female,” she said. “But I put on a smile and give the best advice I can. “Proving people wrong and showing I can be just as good in my role is something I’m proud of, and it’s always nice when customers say how well I handle situations.”
Within ETB’s Worcester head office, accounts payment clerk Annette Davies says the culture today is both supportive and empowering. “It feels like my voice is heard and I’m really well supported,” she said. She and management accountant Angela Grundlingh, who previously worked in South Africa, describe ETB as progressive, inclusive and focused on ability rather than stereotypes.
Parts procurement manager Sarah Gardner, who has spent 16 years in the trade, agrees that the sector has matured. “If I go back 16 years to my field-based role, you would get sexist comments, but I don’t hear them today,” she said. “By and large, you have to do what you say you’re going to do, and respect naturally comes as a result of this. It’s a highly skilled job. We need more women in it because we have a lot of skills to offer.”
ETB Bude depot manager Tracey Wright is the driving force behind the Cornish centre (Photo: ETB Autocentres)
Career development and opportunities across the business
Marketing specialist Nikki McCluney, who entered the industry in 1995, says automotive has offered her a wealth of opportunities including major campaigns and sponsorships. “Once you are in automotive and tyres you don’t seem to get out of it,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for marketing and the industry has given me the chance to work on everything from TV campaigns and major sporting sponsorships to local advertising for individual sites.
“Working in a male-dominated environment has never really been a problem for me. I can give as good as I get.”
Asked what advice she would give to other women considering a career in the sector, she added: “Do it. There are so many fascinating roles in this industry and we fully support the ‘girl power’ and the skills women bring – from organisation and process to communication and creativity.”
Head of HR Jess Everiss emphasises that confidence and conviction are essential qualities for women in leadership. “A stereotype that I have been compared to in general is being ‘fiesty’, I kind of love that though! The reason I’ve been stereotyped as that, is for being passionate about what I’m talking about, having confidence in my own capability, standing up for what is right, and what I believe in.
“Those sorts of comments have to be water off a ducks back. Sometimes they sting, but that’s why having a great support network around you is invaluable, I’ve been so lucky to have worked with some amazing colleagues and leaders who help to remind you to continue to do what is right for the business and the employees that work in it, in spite of stereotypes and assumptions.”
On the workshop floor, Ludlow‑based Alicia Goundry is challenging misconceptions around physical strength and mechanical expertise. “I’m most proud of learning all the mechanical parts that make up a car and being able to speak about them in depth and explain how they work,” she said. “If you like cars and it interests you, there’s every chance you’ll enjoy being around them and getting involved.”
Meanwhile, accounts office manager Stacey Clarke says establishing her own credibility was essential in a family‑founded business. “People thought I’d get things handed to me on a plate,” she said. “But that made me more determined to make a positive impression of my own on the business.”
Across ETB’s UK‑wide network – from fitters such as Gabriella Lovegrove, Elise Griffiths‑Cadell, Talia Wilson and Talia Guthrie to master technicians like Abigail Griffin – women continue to redefine what modern automotive roles look like.
A message to the next generation
The collective advice from ETB’s female workforce to young women considering a future in the sector is simple. “Go for it! If you’re ambitious, adaptable and enthusiastic, you can go far in the automotive industry – or any industry for that matter. Companies like ETB will support you all the way,” said Annette, Angela and Stacey collectively.
As ETB continues to grow, it says inclusivity is not a box-ticking exercise but part of its DNA, recognising that diversity of perspective, attention to detail and different ways of thinking only strengthen the business.
