The first event in AM’s new Championing Women In Dealerships initiative is just a week away.
Open exclusively to women working in management roles at dealerships and dealer groups, Championing Women In Dealerships will provide a community of inspiration, conversation and peer support and in the long term it aims to make UK motor retailers more visibly appealing to women developing their career .
Only a few remaining free places are still available for the October 15 morning event at Horwood House near Milton Keynes, where members will hear from guest speaker Sheridan Ash MBE, and which ends with a networking lunch.
If you’re a woman working in a middle- or senior-management role at a dealer group or dealership, and you’d like to join Championing Women In Dealerships and attend, find out more here.
“I’m so excited that Championing Women In Dealerships is getting such great support, and being able to meet members at the event next week will really bring this initiative to life,” said AM’s editor Tim Rose.
AM is able to keep Championing Women In Dealerships free of charge for members thanks to the support of the initiative’s launch sponsor Assurant. 
And we would not be able to develop it without the incredible support of its founding board members: Jayne Halton, head of business development, Chapelhouse; Sue Batterson, head of legal & compliance, Van Mossel Automotive Group UK; Caroline Burnell, head of marketing and communications, eStar; Kate Clay, HR director, eStar; Nahide Crisp, sales & marketing director, Hills Motor Group; Vicky Hart, marketing director, Waylands; Amy Lancaster-Hall, group marketing manager, Bowker Motor Group; Katie Martin, customer experience director, Group 1 Automotive UK; and Karen Wagstaffe, group F&I compliance director, Sytner Group.
Board member Caroline Burnell, head of marketing & communications at commercial vehicle group eStar, says: “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that lasting change starts by giving people a platform and creating opportunities for their voices to be heard.
“That’s why being part of the founding board of AM’s Championing Women in Dealerships programme is something I’m particularly proud of. I believe the true impact will actually be seen and felt in the small but important moments that this initiative creates, like someone finding the confidence to put themselves forward for a new opportunity, gaining a mentor, expanding their professional network, or feeling seen and validated when hearing how others have faced and overcome similar challenges.
“As a founding board member, it’s been hugely rewarding to help shape a programme that combines visibility with practical action, and together, we’re helping to create a more inclusive and supportive space where talented women can see a future for themselves, and where businesses benefit from the diverse conversations and ideas needed to succeed.”
