Over the last year, we’ve seen powerful reminders that the landscape of the automotive industry is evolving.
From the inaugural Women in Motor Industry Awards, where our own Group Director, Steph Newbery, made history as the first ever Woman of the Year in Warranty, to female presenters taking centre stage at major industry events, representation is no longer a footnote; it’s visible, it’s confident, and it’s growing.
At the recent Motor Trader Leaders Brunch, an enthralling keynote from former combat helicopter pilot Sarah Furness reinforced a message that resonated far beyond the battlefield: when pressure rises, “fly the aircraft.” Stay calm. Stay focused. Lead with clarity.
Across every corner of automotive, women are doing exactly that.
To mark International Women’s Day, we asked the women across Warranty Solutions Group one question:
How do you feel women are shaping the future of the automotive industry, and what’s one thing this experience has taught you personally?
Here’s what they shared.
Tiffany Evans – Marketing and Communications Specialist
“I think women bring incredibly solution-based thinking, emotional intelligence and an intricate influence that would be an extreme loss of potential not to embrace.
There’s still a misconception in how the world refers to women and femininity. Phrases like ‘throwing like a girl’ or ‘running like a girl’ have historically been used as limitations, but women are incredibly strong; we are resilient, capable and powerful. I’m proud of the strength that us girls bring to this industry.
Being surrounded by so many women at WSG who aren’t fearful to stand against norms and actively demonstrate their involvement and impact day in and day out is beyond inspiring. It has taught me that when we unite, include ideas and opinions from all brains, and truly back ourselves, the future for all of us is far more powerful.
We don’t just work in automotive; we help make its future brighter and bolder.”
Steph Newbery – Group Director
“Women are shaping the future of the automotive industry by leading with clarity, resilience and conviction. As the industry becomes increasingly complex and data-driven, leadership grounded in calm decision-making and expertise has never been more important.
Strength, whether physical or professional, is built over time. It requires discipline, consistency and the willingness to push beyond what others may expect of you. As women, we often know what it feels like to prove that we are more than what people initially see, and that we have far more to give than assumptions allow.
This industry has taught me that resilience is built through experience, including the mistakes and challenges we are willing to learn from. When women lead with confidence, share knowledge and support one another, we don’t just participate in change, we drive it.”
Justine Bailey – WSG Consultant
“After 30 years in the automotive industry, and very few women at the start in what was always a male-dominated world, it’s incredible now to see great women at the top of their game, shaping the industry in design, engineering and executive roles.
I was lucky enough before lockdown to attend an International Women’s Day event and listening to the speakers was inspirational. We all have something to share with the future women in automotive. We should reach out more. We are not alone.”
Hayley Bergman – Head of Direct Consumer Sales
“I know that I’m lucky to work at WSG, a business where female representation isn’t just talk, it’s part of who we are. It shows across the whole company, especially with two amazing women on our Board setting the tone from the top, leading with honesty, resilience and empathy.
By supporting one another and lifting up others along the way, we can make great things happen… and we are making great things happen.”
Theresa – Personal Assistant
“For me, it’s not so much about women ‘shaping the future’ of the automotive industry, but about us working alongside men and being part of the progress the industry is making. It’s really about everyone working together, each bringing their own strengths and perspectives.
I’ve learned that good work doesn’t come from one group or the other, it comes from people who support each other and want the best outcome. Being part of a team where everyone adds value, and where collaboration genuinely matters, is something I’m proud of.”
Donna Ovington – Account Manager
“The automotive industry is no longer male dominated. Women are equal in this industry and proving that being female does not hinder performance or capability. Many women are now leaders within their companies and incredible ambassadors for the motor trade.
Personally, I never let anyone tell me I wouldn’t or couldn’t succeed because it was a ‘man’s world’. Instead, that’s exactly what I aimed to do, progressing from salesperson to sales manager, achieving the highest national sales and profit figures for six consecutive years across a major brand with 60+ sites.
We are unstoppable.”
Millie Fortnam – Marketing Assistant
“I genuinely feel that women are shaping the future of the automotive industry in such an exciting way. It’s inspiring to see more women stepping into senior roles and influencing the direction of an industry that has traditionally been male dominated.
Growing up watching my Mum dominate in a male dominated trade showed me that women really can do anything. Seeing that shift now happening across this industry feels incredible. The dominance is changing, and so is the narrative.
One thing this experience has taught me is that being a woman is a superpower. Stereotypes don’t define us, we do.”
Beyond our own business
This momentum isn’t limited to our team.
At the Women in Motor Industry Awards, women were recognised, celebrated and leading from the front. At the Motor Industry Awards, female presenters commanded the stage. Across roundtables and keynote platforms, the tone of leadership is evolving, becoming more open, more collaborative and more resilient.
We’re also proud to be working alongside inspiring voices such as Ruby Rides, who recently joined WSG as our Motorcycle Ambassador. As a respected figure within the motorcycle community, Ruby represents the growing diversity and influence of women shaping the wider automotive landscape.
The message is clear: representation is expanding, confidence is growing, and leadership is being redefined.
International Women’s Day, and beyond
International Women’s Day is about recognition, but it’s also about momentum.
It’s about acknowledging progress while continuing to push forward. It’s about supporting one another, sharing knowledge openly and ensuring the next generation sees possibility, not limitation.
Across Warranty Solutions Group, we are proud of the women who lead, challenge, support and innovate every single day.
Together, we’re not just part of the automotive industry, we’re helping shape what it becomes.
As these conversations continue across the sector, we look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead, including further discussions around women in leadership within automotive and how we collectively create space for future talent to thrive.
Because shaping the future isn’t a one-day conversation, it’s an ongoing commitment.
Continue the conversation
If this conversation resonates with you, we’d love to connect.
Whether you’re a dealer, partner or industry professional looking to work with a team that values strong leadership, collaboration and forward-thinking solutions, the right support makes all the difference.
At Warranty Solutions Group, we are committed to supporting businesses across the automotive sector with specialist warranty solutions, delivered with expertise, integrity and partnership at the core.
Start the conversation here:
