Celebrating International Women’s Day 2021

International Women’s day (IWD) celebrates women’s achievements and increasing visibility, and its mission is to help forge a gender equal world.  In an industry that has always been dominated by men, it is even more important to recognise and celebrate the women in our business for all that they do. This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge –with the idea that a challenged world is an alert world and individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions.

We celebrate IWD by shining the light on some of our colleagues here at Spinks.

Amanda Lanagan, Assistant Branch Manager.  Spinks Plumbing & Heating Leeds

What is your job role?
I am the Assistant Brach Manager for the Leeds plumbing and heating branch. My role is to assist the Branch Manager with the day to day running if the branch, dealing with sales, customer service and overseeing the bathroom showroom onsite.

How long have you worked at Spinks?
I’ve been at Spinks a year and a half now.

What is your favourite part of your job?
Favourite part of the job is working with the people in branch and problem solving daily. No two days are the same!

What did you do before working at Spinks?
I was showroom manager of a national merchant.

What message do you have to encourage people to join our industry?
In the past, I have had to deal with preconceptions. Being the only female in a room filled with men has given way to some stereotyping, and it has come as a surprise to some that I am there to offer expert advice, rather than as someone’s assistant. So, don’t be afraid to challenge and strive to be the best you can, we may have to work a little harder to prove ourselves but it benefits us as individuals. This is a great industry to work within, and I would definitely recommend it as a career.

 

Georgia Turner-Marks, Building Sales – Spinks Building Supplies Doncaster

What is your job role?
I work at the Doncaster Building branch. My job is building sales, so I have to deal with lots of customers on a day-to-day basis.

How long have you worked at Spinks?
Since December 2020

What is your favourite part of your job?
Working in a fast pace environment, no two days are the same. I get to meet and talk to lots of different people, as enjoy building relations with regular customers.

What did you do before working at Spinks?
I have been a Hairstylist from the age of 15, due to the current situation I decided upon a career change.

What message do you have to encourage people to join our industry?
The industry is not the male dominated environment you would think it is although it is full of a lot of character building, it is a very progressive job role full of opportunity, so an excellent career path for women.

Gender imbalance still exists within our industry, but here at Spinks we ensure all colleagues feel valued irrespective of difference.