Heading
Close X
Menu
At Sandal Group, the people behind the brand are what truly make the difference. This International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the brilliant women across our teams and the wider automotive industry who continue to inspire, support and open doors for others.
While International Women’s Day gives us a dedicated moment to reflect and celebrate, appreciation for the women in our business is not limited to one day. The contributions, talent and leadership of women are valued every single day across our teams. From sales and marketing to aftersales and customer experience, women play a vital role in shaping our culture and delivering the exceptional service our customers expect. However, days like International Women’s Day remain incredibly important. They give us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the progress being made, highlight the stories and achievements of women across different industries and encourage important conversations about opportunity, representation, and support. For many people, it can also be the moment that inspires them to take the first step towards a new career path or challenge assumptions about what roles are possible.
This year’s theme is Give to Gain and it feels particularly relevant. When we share knowledge, encouragement and opportunity, everyone benefits. Mentorship, support and collaboration can make a huge difference in helping someone build confidence and progress in their career.
Across Sandal BMW, that spirit of support is something our team experiences every day. Here, four members of our team share what Give to Gain means to them and how it has shaped their journey within the automotive industry.
For Yasemin, the theme reflects the importance of mentorship and the impact that strong support networks have had throughout her career.
“I’ve working in the automotive industry for nearly 14 years now, and throughout that time I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some amazing mentors along the way. I’ve worked with some really strong female leaders who have encouraged me, supported me and inspired me to aim higher and achieve more than I thought possible".
"Those experiences have shaped the way I lead my own team today. Give to Gain is about sharing what we know, supporting the people around us and creating opportunities for others to grow. When someone takes the time to guide you or believe in you, it can completely change your confidence and direction. I think it’s important that we continue that cycle by supporting the next generation coming into the industry.”
Charlotte’s journey is a great example of how real progression is possible within the automotive industry. After starting as a BMW Genius, she recently stepped into a new role as a Sales Executive, building on the knowledge and confidence she developed along the way.
“Starting as a BMW Genius gave me such a strong foundation. The role is all about understanding the products inside out and helping customers feel comfortable with the technology and features in their car. It taught me a lot about communicating with customers, building trust and really listening to what people need. Moving into a Sales Executive role felt like a natural next step, but it was still a big change and a great opportunity to learn new skills. I’ve had to develop my confidence in different areas, from guiding customers through the whole purchase journey to understanding more about the commercial side of the business. The support from the team has made a huge difference and has helped me grow into the role".
"One of the nicest parts of the transition has been being able to mentor the new BMW Genius who has stepped into my previous position. I remember how much guidance and support helped me when I first started, so being able to share my experience and help someone else settle into the role feels really rewarding. Having people around you who encourage you to step forward makes such a difference.”
Working in Aftersales has given Lauryn a first-hand view of how many opportunities exist within the automotive sector, particularly for women who are looking to build a career in the industry.
“Being a Service Controller has really opened my eyes to how many opportunities there are within the automotive industry. It’s such a fast-paced environment and I love being at the centre of it, helping the workshop and service teams work together to make sure our customers are looked after".
"What I’ve learned is that it’s not about gender, it’s about confidence, knowledge and being willing to learn. The more experience you gain, the more confident you become in the role. I’ve been really supported by the team around me, and that makes such a difference when you’re developing in your career. It’s also really nice to see more women working across different parts of the business. When you support each other and share your experiences, it creates a really positive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.”
For Evie, working as a Service Advisor is all about people. Sitting at the heart of the Aftersales team, her role is to make sure every customer feels informed, reassured and looked after when they bring their vehicle in.
“As a Service Advisor, you’re really the link between the customer and the workshop. A big part of the role is communication and making sure people feel confident that their vehicle is in good hands. No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy. You meet lots of different people, deal with different situations and work closely with the technicians and the rest of the service team to make sure everything is running as it should. It’s a busy role, but it’s rewarding when you know you’ve helped make someone’s day easier".
"I also think it’s a great role for anyone looking to get into the automotive industry. There are so many opportunities and different paths you can take once you’re in the business. If anyone is curious about what it’s like working here or thinking about starting a career in automotive, we’d always encourage them to ask questions and find out more.”
At Sandal BMW, International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the talented women across our teams and the contributions they make every day. It is also a reminder of how important encouragement, mentorship and shared experiences can be in helping people grow. Because when we support each other, share what we know and open doors for others, we truly live the message of Give to Gain.
