This Saturday marks International Women’s Day (IWD) and we would like to celebrate some of the women who contribute towards our business. The team at National Windscreens is dedicated to providing opportunities to everyone in the company, regardless of gender. This year’s IWD theme is ‘accelerating action’ by focusing on equal opportunities for all.
Pauline Jeffers, HR Director, comments: “At National Windscreens, we actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We believe that by supporting and empowering each other, we can lead positive change within our industry.
"We are committed to providing opportunities across the organisation utilising the unique talents of each individual for the benefit of our colleagues and customers. We are fortunate to work with so many exceptional women who continue to inspire the people around them,” said Pauline.
We also spoke with Catherine Blackmore, health & safety manager, Pamela Taylor, dual assistant manager of Glasgow and Kilmarnock, and Lauren Martin, manager of St Austell branch, about their experiences and roles at National Windscreens.
How long have you been with National Windscreens and can you talk about your development journey during your time here?
I have worked for National Windscreens for 5 years and have completed a variety of roles in that time. I started within the marketing department then moved across to be an operations and compliance administrator before progressing to my current role as health and safety manager.
Describe some of the things you enjoy most about your role at National Windscreens.
This role brings me constant achievements both personally and professionally. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to ensure that both employees and customers are always safe. It is very rewarding to know that my work directly impacts the safety and well-being of others. Health and safety practices are constantly evolving so it’s great that there are always opportunities for development within the business.
How does it feel to be part of a traditionally male-dominated industry?
Being part of a traditionally male dominated industry feels both empowering and challenging at the same time, however I see it as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the company whilst challenging stereotypes and creating positive change. My development at National Windscreens as well as my overall experience shows the business is serious about challenging stereotypes.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the automotive glass industry?
My advice would be to not hold back and embrace the opportunity, this industry values skill and dedication regardless of your gender and it is an industry that is constantly evolving so there is no reason why you cannot thrive within it. We have a great working environment here that is vested into everyone’s development, so I would encourage them to investigate this further.
How long have you been with National Windscreens and can you talk about your development journey during your time here?
I’ve been here for eleven years now, and time has certainly flown! I started as Office Administrator before progressing to the position of Call Centre Team Leader and now to my current role as Assistant Manager of our Glasgow and Kilmarnock fitting centres.
Describe some of the things you enjoy most about your role at National Windscreens.
I enjoy the challenge of being a female in a male dominated working environment. During my time here, I have had the development opportunities to help me be comfortable in the working environment and my male colleagues have also been very supportive.
How does it feel to be part of a traditionally male-dominated industry?
Things were quite different when I first started with the business but it’s good to see how the business has evolved and the growth of our female workforce. Today, it feels great to be working within an industry where I’m respected the same as everyone else. It’s quite empowering and progression opportunities are the same for everyone regardless of gender.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the automotive glass industry?
I would recommend they go for it without hesitation. There is no reason why more females shouldn’t be working in the industry. I can say from first-hand experience that the barriers that may have existed at one time are no longer there.
How long have you been with National Windscreens and can you talk about your development journey during your time here?
In a few years, I will be approaching my ten-year anniversary at National Windscreens and it’s amazing to reflect on the last decade and all the challenges I have overcome. I was just 16 when I joined the business and the opportunities to progress my career has been fantastic. I threw myself into learning every aspect of the job, gaining hands-on experience, and developing a deep understanding of the industry. By 23, I had earned a promotion to management, and I haven’t looked back.
Describe some of the things you enjoy most about your role at National Windscreens.
Managing a branch comes with its challenges, but those challenges have created a real resilience in me. I focused on building a strong team, improving efficiency, and ensuring top-tier service for our customers.
How does it feel to be part of a traditionally male-dominated industry?
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. I’ve carved out a space for myself in a male-dominated industry, not just by working hard but by showing that leadership is about capability, not gender. My journey is far from over, and I hope that my success paves the way for other women to step into this industry with confidence, knowing they belong here just as much as anyone else.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in the automotive glass industry?
If they have a passion to be involved in the industry, then I would tell them to peruse this as we are seeing more and more females coming into the industry and I think it’s great. Don’t let perceptions get in the way of the reality, which is a very supportive industry where females can excel.
Female representation across National Windscreens is well established, and we are investing in ways to increase the number of women within our fitting operations. In 2024, Cary Group hosted the inaugural Female Technician Summit, which gathered technicians from Sweden and the UK to share their stories. The summit was part of our initiative to boost gender equality and diversity by empowering our employees, and providing innovative ways to foster the growth of our team.