International Women’s Day 2025: How we’re championing women in leadership

This International Women’s Day (IWD), the theme is clear: Accelerating Action. It would take until 2158 to reach full gender parity at the current rate of progress, so the importance of taking swift and decisive steps is clear.?

?At Sunbelt Rentals, we’re not just talking about change, we’re making it happen. We’re committed to equipping our people for success, calling out stereotypes and creating an inclusive culture where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can thrive.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we spoke with two of our inspiring female leaders, Georgia Beckingham, Head of Customer Teams, and Sarah Ambrose, Head of Customer Services, to hear their perspectives on navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry and the importance of allyship and opportunity.

Breaking barriers

Georgia Beckingham’s journey in the company is focused on progression, support and leadership. Starting on the hire desk nearly 10 years ago, she worked her way up through sales roles to her current leadership position.

“I feel very lucky that my personal career progression hasn’t come up against any gender-based challenges. I haven’t encountered any issues because I’ve always had great line managers who would back me no matter what.”

That support and the culture of allyship in the business have played a crucial role in her growth.

“Allyship is incredibly important and is part of the mindset that’s nurtured across the business. However, I’m aware that my experience isn’t necessarily the norm across the wider industry. There’s still a way to go in encouraging young females to look into typically male dominated roles.”

?Now, as part of the Level 5 Women in Leadership apprenticeship, Georgia is focused on enhancing her management skills and being the best leader she can be.

“I'd like to hope that during my career so far, I have also been somewhat of a role model to other women, demonstrating that you can confidently work in the office, on a hire desk, or on site and progress as far as you have the ambition to.”

Leading the way for the next generation

Sarah Ambrose shares Georgia’s optimism about the industry changing:

“Many years ago, there would have been roles that were universally male but thankfully that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore, and certainly not at Sunbelt Rentals. Strong women are stepping up and coming to the fore.”

?For Sarah, creating an environment where women can succeed isn’t just about talk, it’s about action.

“Three of my team leaders are enrolled into the women in leadership programme and I am an advocate for others to follow. They are really benefiting from the skills they are learning and successfully applying to their roles. The striking global statistics around IWD show that there is a lot of work still to be done, but I think it’s evident that Sunbelt Rentals is playing a vital part in accelerating action.”

?Turning words into action

we know that real progress comes from action, not just conversation. By championing initiatives like the Women in Leadership programme, creating an inclusive culture and supporting women at every stage of their careers, we’re making meaningful strides toward a more balanced industry.

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