Penny Lofthouse - Head of Business
Journey:
I started my motor trade career after college. I worked in a used car lot in accounts and then moved to a main dealer doing the same job.I then progressed to be an accountant in the motor trade. I love to talk to people and decided sat in an office bean counting was not for me.
I then moved into commercial sales, incorporating fleet, before stepping into a sales manager role.
I was then offered a great opportunity as General Manager, taking the site to be retailer of the year, which was a massive achievement!
I have been a Head of Business since, which I could not have been without the support from my mentor who gave me the chance and believed in me.
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Unstoppable.
Suzy Quinn - Digital Content Executive
Journey:
Ever since I was 13 and first watched The Apprentice, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in Marketing.I studied International Business at the University of Leeds, during which time I was able to complete a year-long Digital Marketing placement at L’Oréal in London.
I graduated in 2017 with a First Class Honours Degree and decided to stay in Leeds and enter straight into the working world.
I worked as a Marketing Executive there until mid-2019 when I decided I was ready for a fresh start and a new challenge, so I upped sticks and moved to Birmingham to take up my role here at Inchcape!
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Independent.
Jenna Goodwin - Duty of Care Specialist
Journey:
I started in the industry in 2017 and with no previous aftersales or automotive experience, only a background in sales.After spending some time gaining basic mechanical knowledge, I became comfortable and confident enough in selling additional work required using the tools provided.
I like to provide customers with exceptional service, knowing they are collecting their car with no need for it to return back to us for any outstanding work.
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Empowering.
Rebecca Sides - General Manager
Journey:
My journey at Inchcape started 12 years ago this February, where I walked in to Mercedes Liverpool and waited all day to be seen for a potential sales executive position. I negotiated an interview and the rest is history having worked my way up to my current role.I don’t see myself as a woman or a male in the industry but as an employee who is on a mission to continually develop and learn. Inchcape has given me an opportunity to work amongst the best in the industry and for this I am forever grateful.
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Revolutionary.
Irren Walter - UK Communications
Journey:
I’m fairly new to the Automotive industry and it’s definitely an exciting place to be at the momentMy background in Psychology, managing teams and previous experience in Communications has definitely helped me to understand how to get the most important messages out to the business and make sure they’re understood. I love meeting new people and understanding more about their roles and what daily life is like for them at work, which ultimately helps me to be a better communicator.
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Independent.
Sian Evans – Divisional Marketing Manager
Journey:
I joined the motor trade in 2014 as a Marketing Executive and have worked with a number of amazing brands from Ferrari and Porsche, to BMW and Audi in various marketing and operations roles.Cars have always been a big passion of mine and from a young age I knew I wanted to work in the industry. I have never looked back!
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Ambitious.
Michelle Thomas - Resourcing Manager
Journey:
I started my recruitment journey 10 years ago, working in both in-house and agency, I have worked in both volume and niche recruitment and for some amazing companies including Inchcape!Progressing through the ranks and managing some fantastic teams along the way, joining Inchcape in September 2017 as a member of the HR Shared Services Team.
I manage both temporary and permanent recruitment and absolutely love the fast pace and ever changing industry that is Automotive!
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Proud.
Katie White - Procurement Analyst
Journey:
I started working in Procurement in 2016 after leaving college and working in a Retail Support role for 2 years.Having no previous experience, my former role as Junior Buyer at a China based OEM allowed me to learn the fundamentals of Procurement and why it is so important to a business.
I have now been working in both Procurement and the Automotive industry for just over 3 years which has lead me to my current role as Procurement Analyst here at Inchcape.
I started my Inchcape journey in September 2019, supporting the business in the monitoring and reduction of indirect spend.
I’m now 6 months in and am excited to continue my journey at Inchcape UK!
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Strong.
Saphiyya Hudson - Local Business Development Manager
Journey:
When I left University, I knew I wanted to go straight into full-time employment.I struggled getting a position in Design within the automotive industry, so I started looking at Graduate schemes and I was quickly offered a position as a Management trainee for a large hire car company. Through the graduate scheme, I developed communication skills, logistical skills and a passion for Business to Business sales.
Fast forward to 2020 and I am now 6 months into my Position at Audi Macclesfield as a Local Business Development Manager… and I absolutely love it!
Each day is different, I get to network with all of these wonderful local businesses, learn about their company and provide them with support on vehicles, tax implications and keep them up-to-date with the latest industry information.
In one word, describe what being a women means to you.
Passionate.
