International Women's Day

International Women's Day

International Women's Day is today and with that campaign brings the opportunity to think about how your business can truly make a positive difference for women.

International Women's Day is a day to celebrate women's achievements. To raise awareness about discrimination and to take action to drive gender parity. This year's theme is embracing equity.?

The Women Behind The Ligtas Brand

We are keen as an organisation to showcase the amazing women who work for Ligtas and show the women behind the brand. All whilst also celebrating their achievements in and out of work.?

By showcasing real stories from the women who work for Ligtas we hope to show that we actively encourage and enable progression within the company. And also show that we are a great organisation to work for.

Let's meet some of the team starting with two of the Business Development Managers Helen Jerman-Crandon and Jessica Evans. Then finally introducing the Head of QHSE Maria McIntyre.

Introducing Helen

Helen is a Business Development Manager for Ligtas and is responsible for driving business growth within the company. Her role requires her to develop and maintain relationships with existing clients and develop a network of contacts to attract new clients.

Helen contributes to business growth by introducing new / related training courses to existing and new clients that can support their business and staff. This service offering really makes a difference to the clients by helping businesses do more than just tick a box.

Proudest Work Achievement

When asked what her proudest work moment was Helen said,

That has to be gaining a work promotion during my maternity leave!

I was informed about an upcoming position within the company whilst on maternity leave, so I decided to apply. After being shortlisted, I attended the interview and successfully gained the promotion.

Proudest Out Of Work Moment

Next, I asked what Helen's out-of-work proudest moment was, Helen replied,

During the pandemic, I set up my own bakery company. I have always had a passion for baking (and I think I am pretty good at it!) So, during 2020/21, I set up my own welsh cake business and now supply to over five local businesses.

Everyone in the Cardiff office can wholeheartedly support Helen's claim to be a very accomplished baker. Her welsh cakes are delicious.

Introducing Jess

Jess is also a Business Development Manager for Ligtas and is one of the first people prospects will encounter. Her goal is ultimately to develop a network of contacts to attract new clients with the ultimate goal being to build trusted relationships with prospects with the hope of creating new contracts.

Empowerment

When asked how she felt empowered within Ligtas Jess answered,

I’ve felt thoroughly supported throughout my career development at Ligtas since joining in 2017 straight from university and my initial role as a scheduling administrator. I was encouraged by strong women in leadership roles within Ligtas to believe in my capabilities. No goal was out of reach.

Early on I realised my passion came from the relationships I built internally and with clients. I wanted to develop this into a client-facing role. The senior management worked with me to set out a plan to help me achieve this. Throughout my time here at Ligtas (5 years) there has rarely been a moment where I didn't feel empowered by the senior management team to dream big.

Within Company Goals

The within company goals Jess has her sights on are,

To continue building relationships with prospects and clients, ensuring Ligtas is the partner of choice.

Proudest Work Moment

In answer to this question Jess responded with,

I am so proud of the work I put into building a trusted relationship with a new prospect and onboarding that new key account.

Proudest Out Of Work Accomplishment

Answering this question, Jess responded with pride by saying it was,

Getting on the property ladder!

Introducing Maria

Maria is the Head of QHSE at Ligtas and holds responsibility for developing and maintaining user- friendly, efficient, and effective management systems to meet compliance, customer, and business objectives. Maria also ensures that all Ligtas' compliance, accreditations and certifications are sustained and support the Field Teams Technical Developments.

Empowerment

When asked how she felt empowered within Ligtas Maria responded by saying,

We are fortunate to have a strong leadership team who work well together. I always feel like a valued member regardless of title or position within the company. I am very grateful for the opportunity to improve our current systems and have the freedom and support to generate new procedures to provide a better-quality service to our clients.?

Company Goals

When posed with this question Maria said,

I look forward to expanding our Ligtas portfolio and entering Ligtas in more accreditation awards to demonstrate our commitment to quality, safety, and people.

Proudest Work Moment

When questioned about her proudest work moment, Maria answered with certainty that it was,

Achieving the position of Head of QHSE. When I first emigrated to the UK in 2004, none of my qualifications were recognised so I had to start from square one again. This required a lot of hard work at weekends and evenings to complete my NEBOSH National Diploma and other qualifications through distant learning.

I feel proud that I worked my way through all my qualifications and that I was provided with the opportunity to put into practice at Ligtas. I am grateful that my hard work was recognised and rewarded with a promotion.

Proudest Out Of Work Accomplishment

Maria answered this question with pride and said,

Completing my basic training and qualifying as a Class 3 Recovery Mechanic in the Territorial Army. This helped shape me into a great leader. It has taught me the value of hard work and comradeship. It gave me such an exciting opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to find news ways of problem- solving.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the women behind the Ligtas brand?

If you would like to know more about Ligtas please click here. Or if you feel inspired to become part of our team then why not take a look at our careers page on our website or click here.

There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish, whether that's in politics or other fields, (Michelle Obama).