International Women's Day Accelerating Action at Carparison

International Women's Day 2025, accelerating action at Carparison.

It's International Women’s Day, and the theme this year is accelerating action.

With half of our Senior Management team being women (shout out to Head of Sales, Charlotte, and Head of Marketing, Sarah) in a male dominated sector, we aren’t reinventing the wheel - but we are slightly ahead of the curve.

The UK has come a fair way in tackling gender discrimination over the past century.

Crazy to think, but women were only allowed to open their own bank accounts just 50 years ago - not even a lifetime ago. Big thanks to the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 for making that happen.

Fast forward to today, and, while we've made huge strides, there's still work to do, especially in certain industries. Take the automotive industry for example. We're big fans (and not at all biased), but it can be a bit of a boys’ club, with women making up less than 20% of the workforce.

So, we caught up with some of the incredible women in our office to hear their thoughts on the industry, how their roles have evolved, and what the future might look like.

Beth

We spoke to Beth this week, our Content Marketing Manager, and got her take on the subject for International Women’s Day.

What do you most enjoy about your role in the automotive industry?

It’s such a varied industry with so much potential for change that what we do is constantly evolving – never a dull day in the office around here.

How has your role evolved since joining Carparison, and how long ago did you join?

I joined as a Copywriter nearly four years ago, where my main role was creating articles for the blog and contributing to the wider marketing efforts. Since then, I’ve progressed to Content Marketing Manager, taking on the line management of the Marketing Executives and overseeing the content strategy.

What are your professional goals and where do you see yourself in a years’ time?

My main goal is consolidating our content strategy and getting the team into a place where we’re really taking advantage of everyone’s strengths. I’d also like to progress as a manager and be the best support for the team I can be. In a years’ time, I’d like to be able to look back and see how much I’ve grown into this role that’s still relatively new to me.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in a managerial role within the automotive industry?

Thankfully, Carparison is such a welcoming place to work that I’ve not had an issues throughout my career because of my gender – it’s the sort of place that rewards hard work and initiative, and I like to think I have both by the truckload.

Is there any aspects you found daunting when pursuing a career in the automotive industry?

I was initially wary because of the lingering stereotypes surrounding the automotive industry, but there are so many people pushing for change that it’s actually a really exciting place to be. And within our business there are so many incredible women I look up to, like our Head of Sales, Charlotte, and Head of Marketing, Sarah, that I’ve worked through those insecurities and worries to be where I am now.

Kirsty

We then headed over to customer experience where we spoke to Kirsty, our Customer Experience Manager to see her thoughts on the topic.

What do you most enjoy about your role in the automotive industry?

I love the fast-paced environment, especially during peak periods like new plate months, or when we go live with a big new deal. Ultimately though, the most rewarding aspect is ensuring happy customers and hearing their positive feedback.  Seeing a 5* review or a thank you email never fails to put a smile on my face.

How has your role evolved since joining Carparison, and how long ago did you join?

I joined three years ago as Sales Admin Supervisor, gaining crucial knowledge by looking after customers directly. Now, my focus is supporting my team to provide the best possible customer experience, and enhance our leasing process. I've enjoyed driving efficiency improvements, and I'm excited to continue with this.

What are your professional goals and where do you see yourself in a years’ time?

My team is ever-growing, so my goal is to effectively lead and develop them, whilst focusing on improving operational efficiency and of course customer satisfaction.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in a managerial role within the automotive industry?

I don’t think so - I’ve been really lucky to have had some incredible female role models during my career who have inspired and supported me, and I try to follow their example within my own role.

Is there any aspects you found daunting when pursuing a career in the automotive industry?

When I joined the industry eight years ago, I had a perception of it being very male-dominated, but being on the inside it feels less so.  I also started with very little knowledge about cars, but it didn’t matter – there’s so much that I’ve learned on the job, and I’m fortunate to have great colleagues!

Aimee

Then it's back over to Marketing. There have recently been some big changes in this department, with our Marketing Managers progressing and excelling in their roles to get here today. 

Speaking to Aimee, our Design Marketing Manager, showed us that hard work and talent really does pay off, and here at Carparison that’s what is measured - not your gender.

What do you most enjoy about your role in the automotive industry?

How fast paced the industry is, whether it be deals dropping or an event to plan. Being me, a character who like to chop and change my work style a lot, and likes to work on multiple tasks at once, it’s a perfect and an exciting environment to be in.

How has your role evolved since joining Carparison, and how long ago did you join?

Massively. I started Carparison back in 2020 when the world was an uncertain place for me and was really struggling to find a job (even Sainsburys declined me). I started as a Marketing Assistant and quickly found my calling as a graphic designer. Having a number of job title changes, I now find myself today as Design Marketing Manager. I enjoy my role immensely as it’s incredibly creative and diverse, perfect for my busy and agile brain. I’m so grateful of where I am today and couldn’t ask for better colleagues.

What are your professional goals and where do you see yourself in a years’ time?

I would love to keep doing design as that’s my calling. Maybe down the line I’m hoping to progress, and maybe have a small team behind me. Where that is a nervous thought for me, I would like to try and push myself more out of my comfort zone. The Head of Marketing, Sarah, is very good at pushing me, whereas I may not see it, she believes I am more than capable, it’s just down to the unknown for me. The team around me are so supportive and I believe they will help me through it.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in a managerial role within the automotive industry?

For me personally no, the team take me seriously, which once upon a time I was worried they wouldn’t. Higher management listen to you, where in my previous experience management have not given me that grace. Stereotypically the automotive industry is known for being male dominated so when I started it was a pleasant surprise that Carparison don’t judge you on gender, the way it should be!

Is there any aspects you found daunting when pursuing a career in the automotive industry?

Yes - knowledge was a big thing for me. I didn’t even know what leasing was, even when I started. I did a lot of research as I was worried it would hold me back. But that was not the case at all, the team were always happy to help with any questions and so approachable. The industry is known for being a bit stuffy, whereas Carparison are a shining example of what the industry should be like. No question is too ridiculous and always happy to take time out for you.     

If a sector or industry has ever felt male-dominated or intimidating, hopefully the ladies here at Carparison have influenced wisdom and encouragement to take the plunge and try something new.