What's more, Ingrid Lovatt, our Finance Director and a Master of Engineering, is a Guest Speaker at Liverpool John Moores University's Sustainable Workforce of the Future event on International Women's Day itself, Tuesday 8th March

Ingrid qualified at the University of Leeds in Architectural Engineering, with an M.Eng. Architectural engineering combines

civil engineering with building services (which include internal lighting design, HVAC, internal acoustic design). The team at the University say that Ingrid's insight as an engineer and expertise as a Finance Director will be a valuable contribution to the discussions during the event, which are focused around the engineering and construction sectors. She will talk about her career journey and any obstacles faced within the industry.

And, as a company involved in engineering and construction, we are bucking the relatively poor gender equality trend. According to Made UK’s most recent report*, only 5% of management positions in UK manufacturing are held by women, and 23% of roles overall in the sector.

Yet, here at Hemsec, the management team is made up of 50% women. Sarah Gazzola, Head of Sales is a member of the company’s leadership team, alongside Ingrid Lovatt. Reflecting on International Women's Day, Sarah said:

“I feel very comfortable at Hemsec; it's a company with a naturally equal culture and I recognise how much more I have to give when I can just be myself. Having recently returned from maternity leave, I have come back to the same role, now with flexible working hours, which suits me and my family."

Liz Moran is HR Manager at Hemsec and says, “I have worked in a variety of sectors during my HR career and if you like a fast paced environment where no two days of the same, manufacturing is for you! I enjoy the people the most and the challenge of working with both blue and white collar employees who have different needs and priorities. Working for Hemsec Manufacturing is the best career move I've ever made. There is nothing better than watching a dedicated team making great quality products for our customers.”

Juliette Mullineux, who was recruited as Product Manager in early 2021 says, “I’m really proud to be part of the Management Team at Hemsec. It is important to me that women have access to the same opportunities as men, and that gender equality and workplace inclusivity are promoted within the working culture.”

Claire Duffy is Hemsec’s Product and Systems Compliance Manager. Claire said, “Juggling a full time management position in the operations function, with a home life can be difficult, so having a supportive network around me is important. When working for Hemsec you are not just a number; you are part of the family. Their support gives me the opportunity to grow on both a personal and professional level.”

Carol Waite is Hemsec’s Commercial Planner and, as the company’s longest standing female employee, is ideally placed to make comparisons on how women were treated in the workplace previously. 

Carol works closely with production and manufacturing, and has been with Hemsec since 1976. She can remember vividly the times when women were treated with significantly less respect than they are today!

Carol now feels highly valued and that her ideas and comments are taken seriously regardless of her gender.

Lizz Clarke is the MD of Hemsec’s Marketing agency and has worked very closely with Hemsec for nearly five years, heading up marketing initiatives.

For Lizz, the values behind International Women’s Day are crucially important; and she believes that all companies should follow Hemsec by pursuing a gender neutral approach in the workplace.

She says, "Everyone at Hemsec has not only treated me with consistent respect, but also with warmth and friendliness. I have never once thought about gender being an issue here; we are people working together for the greater good, and that's very motivating."

* Made UK was formerly known as the EEF. https://www.automationmagazine.co.uk/wo-manufacturing-giants-encourage-girls-into-sector/