HerGV continues to encourage women to take the lead

As part of International Women’s Day, on the 8th March 2018, Midland Expressway LTD, the operators of the M6toll, announced the launch of their latest campaign, #DrivingForChange, as a continuation of their HerGV initiative to encourage women to join the haulage industry. The campaign has been created to promote positive change within male dominated industries, and to empower women into what would be seen as, traditionally, ‘male led’ roles.

According to a study by the RHA, partners in the HerGV campaign, only 1% of HGV drivers within the UK are women, and the 8% of women in other roles within the industry is a poor representation.

Government statistics also show that by 2022, the HGV industry needs to recruit 1.2 million more people. The RHA, alongside the M6toll and training providers Pertemps, believe that recruiting more women could support their objective to improve the industry gender imbalance, and help meet the standards of change needed within the industry. The company aim to announce the continuation of their campaign on International Women’s Day this year.

Sadie Booth, driving academy manager at HerGV partner Pertemps Driver Training said: “Since we launched in 2014, we have trained over 1,600 drivers, all completely free of charge. However, only 7% of drivers trained are female, demonstrating how much more work is needed to attract females into the industry. For that reason, we’re honoured to be working with M6toll on their campaign”.

Last year, the M6toll’s HerGV campaign awarded Emma Walker, from Stockton-on-Tees, a prize package worth over £3,000; including HGV training from industry leaders, Pertemps Driver Training, and guidance from some of the most influential women within the HGV industry. P D Portcentrics Logistics, based in Billingham, also offered the winner a work placement upon completion of her training. The firm now want to continue their campaign into 2018 in the hope that they can empower women to fiercely enter the HGV world as equals and without prejudice.

The HerGV #DrivingForChange campaign centres around promoting positive activity within male dominated industries, and ambassadors behind the HerGV campaign are keen to demonstrate that anything is possible. The RHA, partners on the campaign with M6toll, and training providers Pertemps, believe that recruiting more women could support their objective to improve the industry gender imbalance, and increase the number of HGV drivers to help meet demand. M6toll hope that their efforts will empower women to take the reins, and begin to change the HGV industry, and that Emma Walker will be the first of a surge of women taking to the role.

Find more information about the HerGV campaign, visit www.her-gv.co.uk