A TRAIL-BLAZING Winsford company is making strides to help empower women in a male-dominated industry.

Women make up 47 per cent of the general UK workforce, however they make up only 20 per cent of the workforce in the transport sector.

Now Tiger Trailers has joined Women in Transport as a corporate member to help 'bring about positive change' in the industry, in communities and the environment.

The HGV trailer and rigid bodywork manufacturer, based off Road One in the Winsford Industrial Estate, employes around 280 people, of which eight per cent are women across both office and factory roles.

Women in Transport is a not-for-profit organisation which empowers women in the industry to maximise their potential in predominantly male careers.

Tiger Trailers chose to join the organisation as it focuses on the employment, career development and retention of women in the industry.

Men can also enrol in Women in Transport and an initial four male members of the trailer-builder’s workforce have done so a week after the membership was announced.

Claire Shenton, Tiger Trailers’ HR manager, said: "Organisations such as Women in Transport are crucial in shaping the future for women working in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Northwich Guardian:

"I am so proud of the four men in our business who have joined us in membership so far, as they all recognise the importance of having women in the workplace, and I am looking forward to us all collaborating in both the development and the retention of women within our manufacturing roles."

Women in Transport offers a free mentoring programme which matches people all over the country, presenting a fantastic opportunity for career development.

Sonya Byers, chief executive officer of Women in Transport, added: "Women in Transport is delighted to welcome Tiger Trailers as a partner.

"It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and passion from the Tiger team. The commitment to making a difference is clear from the actions Tiger are taking across their corporate social responsibility initiatives including this new partnership.

"We look forward to working together to attract more women into roles where they are currently underrepresented, supporting our new members through the opportunities we offer for career progression and networking and collaborating on industry wide initiatives on diversity and inclusion in transport."