International Women’s Day: ‘It is like chalk and cheese in how the two genders deal with you’

International Women's Day recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year's theme, "#EmbraceEquity”, calls on individuals and organisations to challenge gender bias and inequality, celebrate women's achievements, and work towards a more inclusive and gender-equal world. Here, we look at the experience of some of the amazing women at Mantracourt and see what advice they have for the next generation.

Kimberly Pitts

Kimberly, our office manager, was introduced to Mantracourt by a recruitment agent in 2010. She liked that it was a family-run company that looked after its staff. She joined the company’s small sales team working on general administration. Since then, she has worked her way up to office manager.

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She urges other businesses to not ignore their female workers. “Us women are formidable and like to be recognised where we work. We have great ideas and the focus to get things done.”

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Her advice for young women looking to start a career in a STEM field is to be organised and confident in themselves. Other skills can be taught but no one can teach you to be you.

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Rebecca Bentley

Our Senior Sales Executive, Rebecca, came across the company through a temp agency and joined Mantracourt as a Sales Coordinator. She also liked that it was a small, family-owned company and that it was an OEM producing UK products.

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“When I started with Mantracourt, I was a sales coordinator.?I gained extensive book knowledge of its products through processing quotes and orders on the system.?When a technical sales executive position became available, I took a chance and applied for the position even though it was way out of my comfort zone. I was not an engineer and needed some on-the-job training to gain a working knowledge of how our electronics worked and where they fit in the various industries.?Mantracourt gave me a chance and I haven’t looked back since.”

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Rebecca believes other businesses should have clear routes for career progression for their female employees. Her advice to the younger generation is to not be afraid to go for a role that will be challenging. The best way to be successful and progress in your career is to always reach for the next level and never stop training.

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Emma Mullan

As a marketing executive, Emma assists in all marketing campaigns and communications. She came by the company following a career break to raise her children. Her first impressions of Mantracourt were that it invests in people and develops potential. They acknowledged her marketing experience and supported in developing her skills of evolving marketing strategies.

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“Working for an engineering, male dominated company felt intimidating to begin with. My preconceptions of the industry made me question my viability, but I met the challenge head on. I’m proud to be part of a company who is helping to break down barriers even when sometimes those barriers are self-imposed!”

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Emma’s advice for the next generation of women is to follow your dream. “If you enjoy something, you’re more likely to succeed. Rejection isn’t failure, keep going as achieving your goals is a journey. Work hard, talk to people in the field you’re aiming for and celebrate your accomplishments.”

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Liz Brice

Liz works in the production team at Mantracourt and came across the company through an agency. She believes that businesses should listen to any issues that their female staff have and help to resolve them.

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“Until Mantracourt I have only had male managers and have found that in the past, that they are unable to listen. Having a female direct manager has been a very ?positive experience. It is like chalk and cheese in how the two genders deal with you.”

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Cheryl Delbridge

Cheryl also works in production and found the company when she saw a vacancy advertisement on her friend’s social media. She had no previous experience in the industry and wanted to try something different.

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“We are very blessed that our direct manager is a woman who has a wealth of experience and has worked hard to be where she is. Because of this, she isn't afraid to employ women and is able to support any woman who joins the company.”

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“I would like to think that in the years to come more companies will be more like Mantracourt with a woman at the helm leading the way and supporting new and existing women within the industry.”

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These are just a few examples of the amazing women who work at Mantracourt. We are grateful for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, and we are committed to providing a workplace that supports and empowers them.

What to do now:

• Learn more about our wonderful team on our website.
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