International Women's Day at Protyre

‘Carly is one of our receptionists at MK Tyres – Team Protyre in Leighton Buzzard. Here's her journey into the automotive industry:

"I've been in the motor trade for almost 3 years now. I first started as a part time driver/advisor for one of our local suppliers and currently work part time behind the reception desk as I have child in lower school. I chose to work at the garage as I have an interest in cars and motorbikes. I know it’s mainly a male working environment that I’m in, but I wouldn’t change any of it! All of the guys here make me feel so welcome and part of their team"

Mandy began her career  as an account Manager and has worked her way up to the role of Mobile Fitting Manager at Hawleys Tyres - Team Protyre. Below is her story of progression with Protyre:

"I started working for Hawley’s back in 2007 as an account manager, the owners recognised my eye for detail and I moved into the position of mobile manager.
This job allows me to work with lots of different people and no two days are ever the same which I really enjoy. I am very proud of the team I have built and to be able to deliver great customer service within my job role. 
In November 2015 Hawley’s Tyres was taken over by Protyre which I found to be a new and exciting time with lots of new opportunities for me to sharpen my skills within a much larger business. The experience I have gained over the years working with various businesses gives me a good understanding on what great customer service is, I will use these skills within the Protyre network to my full advantage which will add value to the business"

Debbie began her job as a tyre delivery driver for local garages and has since worked her way up to Wholesale Manager. Find out about her journey at Protyre below:

Debbie has worked for Tyreland - Team Protyre Southampton since August 2006. Originally, she was a registered childminder for 5 years to raise her young son, but when he started school she began her job as a tyre delivery driver for local garages. Since then she has been part of a growing, very busy and successful wholesale business alongside supporting the retail business on site.

"I was delivering to hundreds of customers throughout the South coast and delivering on behalf of Winnall warehouse. I have a very good, friendly, strong team of 12 working with me that’s why we are where we are now. I enjoy my job and every day is different. A great environment to work in"

Sue is a Truck Operations Manager for Protyre. We asked Sue to tell us about about her journey to her current role;

"I started in the industry in 1976 as a receptionist I have always loved working with my colleagues and our customers. I have met many different people over the years and have built up a strong customer base and relationship with them.
I have always made it my goal to know all sides of the business as I felt this way I could achieve my goal to become a Manager and more. I have always been interested in the commercial truck side of the business and I am due to start a new role on the operations side of truck for the north also the roll out of e job sheets. I also help out with acquisitions which involves training on our systems and helping to ease staff transition from one company to another. I feel that working for Protyre can give many opportunities to woman as all roles are accessible to women from apprenticeships to management"

Hannah is a tyre fitter at our Elmbridge Tyres – Team Protyre centre in Swadlincote. As well as fitting tyres to anything from wheel barrows to large agricultural vehicles she also does front of house customer service and out of hours call out throughout the night for commercial vehicles. 23-year-old Hannah has a background in farming and alongside her partner has a flock of 80 sheep. She also has a passion for steam engines and vintage machinery and takes part in a lot of rallies with her family’s road roller and her partners family’s steam engine throughout the midlands.

‘I got into tyre fitting by chance really, I have always been a hands-on person that loves to work outside. I have worked as a farmer all my life really as I was bought up on a farm so did this before I started tyre fitting. The job came up while the company was still under the original owners at Elmbridge tyres which was also my family’s business. The job for a tyre fitter came up and I thought why not I enjoy physical work so I’ll give it a try. Four years on (exactly on the 10th of march) I absolutely love it! I never dreamed I’d become a tyre fitter but I’ve never looked back I really enjoy it’