The Women Behind Barnes – International Women’s Day 2022

Whilst logistics currently mostly has a male-based workforce, it’s important that we don’t forget the valuable contribution of the women who keep everything running smoothly here at Barnes and further afield in the industry too! From HGV drivers to recruitment consultants, the transport industry is reliant on the efforts of the hard-working individuals who help keep things ticking – no matter their gender.

 

And what better time to celebrate the contributions of women at Barnes then on International Women’s Day 2022? Below, you can read our interviews with 4 women who work for us, each in different roles – but all equally as valuable!

 

Chrissy Mahony, HGV Driver

 

 

1. What is your job title?

 

My name is Chrissie Mahony (nickname Diesel Doris!) and I am based at our North East depot, working on the Fed Ex contract. I’ve been an HGV driver for 36 years. Quite a long time for someone who only got into logistics ‘by accident!’

 

2. How long have you been working in the transport industry?

 

Just after my 17th birthday I joined the RAF, lured into the trade of MT Driver by the recruiting officer in Middlesbrough, with the promise of becoming CO’s driver once I’d passed my test. He painted a lovely picture of my days being spent dressed in my No. 1 uniform and driving staff cars with pennants flying on the bonnet, chauffeur to the elite, and all that went with it. I signed on the dotted line, swore my allegiance to the Queen and promptly got the first big shock of my life known as basic training… Crawling around in the freezing February snow in the Black Mountains of Wales, washing in streams and sleeping in a bivouac, with all of my clothes on so as not to be found frozen to death in the morning! (This actually stood as good training in later civilian life while tramping with no night heater).

 

3. How did you come to work in logistics?

 

I managed to get through the survival training and then moved onto RAF St. Athan driver training school, to get the second biggest shock of my life… After passing my driving test I would be back every six months to get qualified on the next vehicle category up. I would be driving HEAVY GOODS vehicles! I was petrified! During the six month intervals I would also be trained on refuelling tankers, forklifts, motorcycles, ADR and City & Guilds in vehicle mechanics… I was 17 years old!

 

However, by the time I was 19 I was qualified on and driving just about everything, and I loved it!

 

I had found something I was really good at and enjoyed. I served for 13 years and carried on with my passion for trucking in civvie street, tramping for the first 6 years. This really did build my experience and confidence. Sadly, in those early years of HGV driving I hardly saw any other female drivers, it was very much a male dominated profession. I am so happy to see so many more female drivers in the industry now. It can be a challenging job occasionally but that side is far outweighed by the good.

 

Not only have the trucks come a long way since I first started but the working conditions and the willingness of employers to work with you in helping to get you in the right job with the right shift pattern is all so much for the better.

 

4. What is your favourite thing about working at Barnes?

 

I really like working for Barnes because we are treated with respect and made to feel valued as part of a team, which I think is important.

 

5. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

 

I’m often asked what I would say to young women wanting to become an HGV driver. My answer is to go for it, it can be a very rewarding profession, although it’s quite male dominated there’s nothing about it that a female can’t do just as well – and that trucking bug won’t just get under your skin, it’ll get in your blood!

 

Hollie Hartley, Transport Supervisor

 

 

 

1. What is your job title?

 

I’m Hollie and I’m the Transport Supervisor of the Rochdale Depot.

 

2. How long have you been working in the transport industry and how did you come to work in logistics?

 

I have been in the transport industry for 5 years in total, and I joined because it was an appealing opportunity offered to me at the time. I’ve not looked back since!

 

3. What’s your favourite thing about your role and Barnes?

 

I enjoy that every day is not the same, there is different work, different tasks that keep you on your toes and give you a large variety of challenges.

 

4. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

 

I would say to women to not be afraid of joining a more male orientated sector, you will find it can sometimes be more fun and challenging.

 

Amanda Boland, Organisational Development Manager

 

 

1. What is your job title?

    

I’m Amanda and I’m the Organisational Development Manager. I am based at Rochdale but work across the group which also includes our Wardle, North East and Coventry depots.

 

2. How long have you been working in the transport industry and how did you come to work in logistics?

    

Almost 1 year exactly! I got into the industry mainly by chance. I previously worked in healthcare.

 

3. What’s your favourite thing about your role and Barnes?

    

I most enjoy the variability of my role. The logistics sector can be fast-paced and changeable, meaning no two days are the same. I am constantly learning and adapting which keeps me motivated and interested. My favourite thing about Barnes as a company is the amount of positivity, support, and encouragement available for creativity and improvement.

 

4. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?
   

There is plenty of space in the industry for female talent. If you are hardworking, resilient, and looking for a new challenge, the logistics sector would be worth considering. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of direct experience. Transferable skills are hugely important.

 

 

Cath Walls, LGV Driver

 

 

1. What is your job title?

 

My name is Catherine and I’m an LGV Driver C+E. I work at the Rochdale depot on the Amazon contract.

 

2. How long have you been working in the transport industry?

 

24 years. I was an LGV driver as well as an owner operator from 1985-1997, then from 1997-2000 I was working as just an LGV driver, before beginning a career in care. My career in care continued until my return to the transport industry in 2013, returning as a LGV Driver C+E.

 

3. How did you come to work in logistics?

 

My father’s family have been in transport since the inception of the canal industry and he was a lorry driver whilst I was growing up. My Auntie Catherine was also a lorry driver during WW2! Both were influential figures in my choice of career within the logistics industry.

 

4.   What is your favourite thing about your role and Barnes?

 

My favourite thing is to have my “MAN” lorry (Poppy) primarily to myself, except when the weekly rest period is required! I take great pride in my vehicle as one should, as I am a custodian of any vehicle assigned to me by Barnes. I also really enjoy the autonomy and trust put in me to carry out my duties in a professional manner.

 

5. What would you say to young women wanting to join the sector?

 

Personally, I would highly recommend it as a career for women! Once you have acquired a LGV licence, it is an industry that caters for drivers who require either full time or part time employment – you’re guaranteed to find LGV work to suit your personal circumstances.

 

Please do not be put off a career as an LGV driver based on outdated stereotypes! We are living in the 21st century – this is now an inclusive industry that’s completely open to women (who do not need to be one of the ‘lads’!). If you have doubts, it’s important to remember that workplace gender discrimination  is a dismissible offence.

 

LGV vehicles today are state of the art. Electric steering, reversing cameras, satellite navigation, and air conditioning can provide you with a proverbial ‘home from home.’

 

Our wages are market driven, meaning you do not require years of training and dedication to immediately benefit. As an LGV driver, I feel I am afforded a measure of financial independence regardless of educational achievements. If you have a basic education and reasonable communication skills, pass your test and off you’ll go, gaining experience with every mile!

 

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