My career started in automotive 30 years ago after studying business and finance, and like many young people I had no specific planned direction after education. I knew unlike my sisters I wasn’t going to go to university. I wanted to get to work and be independent. I knew as passion and goal was having my own horses that I needed to find a career to achieve and support that. I started working in a dealership reception, then parts, service and managing a busy service and MOT counter in both an independent, and a franchised group. I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in, and the people I wanted to work with. Diverse, busy, vibrant, challenging and rewarding. I went into roles in sales and as a sales progressor before becoming a marketing manager for a franchised group in multiple locations. I loved it. After working in dealerships for a decade I moved to a field-based supplier role 20 years ago at HPI. As a key account manager for independents to large AM100 franchised groups, auctions and remarketers. I was promoted to National Sales Manager at cap hpi to lead a field-based team of KAM’s and am now Head of Sales for Inside Sales and Retail at cap hpi leading an office based inside sales team and field based key accounts team of 15 including 2 sales managers. I have been very fortunate to work with some fabulous colleagues, customers and with some truly inspiring characters. My team are amazing and make all the work worth every effort. The industry is an ever evolving one and I consider myself a champion of change. I am always looking forwards and I am as passionate and enthusiastic today about what I do as I was 30 years ago. I want to encourage more women to the industry and to choose a career in automotive. For me it is still also for the love of horses.