Subaru (UK) Ltd, which is part of International Motors Ltd, marked International Women’s Day with an event, that included inspiring female guest speakers, networking opportunities, and the inclusion and promotion of other local female-owned businesses.
Speaking at the organisation’s head office in Solihull were Birmingham-based Olympian and England Rugby player Heather Fisher along with filmmaker and mental health advocate Ella Greenwood, both of whom shared their own personal and inspirational stories and experiences with those in attendance.
International Motors Ltd (IML) currently employs 186 people, of which 55 are women, making up a 29.6% representation across the automotive organisation. This far exceeds the industry average, which according to SMMT figures published in November 2023 was just under 20%. A pledge from the Automotive Council was also announced last November, to increase the proportion of women in the industry to 30% by 2030. The brands operated by IML include Subaru (UK) Ltd, Isuzu UK, GWM Ora and I.M Maps, the Mitsubishi Motors aftersales franchise.
Subaru (UK) Ltd recently announced the appointment of Lorraine Bishton, the first female Managing Director for the brand in the UK, who is also a significant member of the IML Senior Management Team. To further help commemorate the day, Subaru (UK) Ltd will celebrate the women of their dealer network across the brand’s social media channels.
Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director, Subaru (UK) Ltd commented “Having recently joined IML as Subaru MD, it is fantastic to see so many women employed by the company, many of whom are in senior management roles. Within my direct report staff members, I have a female representation of almost 64%, which far exceeds the industry average and reflects IML’s commitment to diversity across the organisation.”
Jo McHale, HR Manager at International Motors Ltd said “IML is a gender and culturally diverse organisation, which is continually evolving its hiring processes and procedures. The automotive industry has a historic reputation for being a male-dominated business, but this is something that International Motors has strived to change over the years, and it is encouraging that the industry is looking to evolve and strive for a 30% representation. Women currently make up 29.6% of our automotive workforce and increasing this further is not just the right thing to do, but it is evidently positive for business.”