The nationwide search is on for the UK Automotive industry’s most successful women, as nominations are launched on International Women’s Day.
Now in its third year, Autocar’s Great British Women in the Car Industry event seeks to recognise and celebrate the top 100 women in one of Britain’s most exciting sectors.
In partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the initiative demonstrates the vast range of career opportunities available within the sector, highlighting the achievements of the 100 women shortlisted, which will see one overall winner crowned.
The nominees will be selected from 10 areas of the industry: design; vehicle development; manufacturing; purchasing; sales (brand); sales (dealership and retail); marketing; communications; HR/personnel; and executive; in addition to a category awarding the brightest apprentices in the industry.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,
There has never been a more exciting time to join the motor industry, or so many opportunities across such a wide range of careers. To maintain the UK’s position as a global centre of excellence for automotive innovation, we need to attract the best talent across all backgrounds and genders. Highlighting the successful women driving our sector today will help inspire the next generation to design, engineer, manufacture and market the vehicles of the future.
Haymarket Automotive Managing Director Rachael Prasher, who heads up the initiative’s judging panel, said:
This year more than ever, the importance of empowering and inspiring female professionals has been brought to the fore in the news agenda.
The automotive industry has historically been considered male-dominated but, as our event proves, there has been a significant change in recent times. We are seeing more and more women climbing the ranks and enjoying highly successful careers.
We are proud that there are so many fantastic female role models to look up to in today’s British automotive industry. With our event, we look to showcase the vast range of jobs and opportunities available and to highlight the large numbers of women achieving success and having huge influence on the industry. This provides great inspiration for young people entering or looking for jobs in the automotive sector, ensuring that the pool of female talent will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.
The top 100 shortlist will be chosen based on their seniority and level of influence, with a winner selected from each category. The overall winner is then selected from the list, announced at a ceremony during the Autocar’s Great British Women in the Car Industry event on the 20th June. Backed by Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Toyota, the day includes two presentations from keynote speakers (to be announced soon), a panel debate and networking session.
Individuals can put themselves forward for consideration for the full shortlist of 100 women, or can be nominated by friends, colleagues or employers. Those applying/nominating must supply evidence of their/the nominee’s influence.
The judging panel will be chaired by Haymarket Automotive’s Managing Director, Rachael Prasher, joined by Jim Holder, Mark Tisshaw, Steve Cropley and Rachel Burgess from Autocar’s editorial team, plus the SMMT’s Chief Executive, Mike Hawes and Director of Communications and International, Tamzen Isacsson.
There is no limit on the number of nominations and they must be registered by 23:59 on Friday, 6th April 2018. Please send nominations to Autocar’s editorial director, Jim Holder, at jim.holder@haymarket.com
Full details of the 2018 Autocar Great British Women in the Car Industry event can be found at www.autocar.co.uk now.
