Automotive Management launches women in dealerships programme

Automotive Management has launched the Championing Women In Dealerships programme and held its inaugural event, which organisers described as a huge success. The gathering marks the first step in a series of activities aimed at increasing female representation and support across UK dealership networks.

Key takeaways

• Automotive Management introduced the Championing Women In Dealerships programme.
• The inaugural event was praised as a huge success.
• The programme seeks to boost female participation in dealership roles.
• Organisers aim to run further events supporting gender diversity.
• Organisers plan a series of future events to continue supporting women in the sector.

Purpose of the Championing Women In Dealerships programme

The new initiative was created to address the under‑representation of women in dealership environments. By providing networking, mentorship and training opportunities, Automotive Management hopes to encourage more women to pursue careers in sales, service and management. The focus aligns with broader industry calls for greater inclusion and talent development.

Dealers that engage with the programme can benefit from access to a wider talent pool and demonstrate commitment to inclusive practices, which may enhance brand reputation among diverse customers.

Organisers indicated that the initiative will involve future events, workshops and resources to support women across the sector.

Highlights from the inaugural event

The first gathering brought together a small group of female dealership professionals and senior industry leaders. Organisers reported strong participation and positive feedback, describing the session as a valuable platform for sharing experiences and best practices.

Key topics included career development, work‑life balance and strategies for overcoming barriers in traditionally male‑dominated roles. Attendees highlighted the importance of mentorship and peer support in fostering confidence.

Participants praised the opportunity to network with peers and expressed a desire for regular follow‑up sessions to maintain momentum.

What this means for dealers

Dealers can use the initiative as a framework to review their own diversity policies and create supportive pathways for female staff. Participation may improve recruitment, staff retention and customer perception, aligning with industry moves toward inclusive business models.

Dealers can start by reviewing recruitment adverts, offering flexible working and establishing mentorship pairs within their teams.

Frequently asked questions

How can a dealership join the Championing Women In Dealerships initiative?

Dealerships interested in the programme should contact Automotive Management directly through its website or dedicated liaison team. Interested parties can request information on upcoming events, sign‑up for mentorship schemes and access resources designed to support female employees across sales, service and management functions.

What benefits does supporting women bring to a dealership?

Fostering female talent can broaden a dealership’s skill set, improve customer engagement and reflect the demographics of the buying public. Inclusive workplaces also tend to see higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover and stronger brand reputation, which together can drive sales growth and operational resilience.

When is the next Championing Women In Dealerships event scheduled?

The next event date has not been announced yet, but Automotive Management has indicated that additional sessions will be rolled out throughout the coming year as part of the ongoing programme.