It may sound cliche – but the business of selling cars is still sometimes seen as a ‘man’s world’. However, with International Women’s Day just around the corner on March 8, Snows Motor Group wants to show that it doesn’t have to be.
Snows Motor Group, based in Southampton, Hampshire, operates more than 50 franchised car dealerships and vans across the south and southwest of England – and talented and hard-working women are represented at all levels of the company.
A key part of the business demonstrating this is the BMW and MINI Snows operations, with showrooms and service departments in Portsmouth and on the Isle of Wight.
The head of the business is Diana Mackinnon, who said: ”In looking back on a career that began in 1987, I can happily say that attitudes have changed for the better. Back then, I never questioned why I had to work twice as hard as my male counterparts.
”Change began when the treatment of women in our industry began to attract attention. While I feel like male co-workers can get away with “talking the talk,” I’m always under far more pressure to showcase what I’m capable of. The old adage ‘numbers don’t lie’ is certainly a factor.
”We have to stop talking about the automotive as a male-dominated environment. This isn’t happening anymore as companies like Snows have shown. We need to be the industry of choice.”
Asked to offer a few words of advice to a potential women-trade recruit, she said: ”Look outside the car. Look at the brand, the job role, the satisfaction that working in our environment can bring. I have a team of amazing young women working for me at Snows and they all love what they do. No two days are the same.”
A key member of Diana’s team is BMW and MINI Sales Manager in the Isle of Wight, Katie Johnson, who has made impressive career progress since joining Snows two years ago.
She said: ”The stereotype still exists that motorbike trading is seen as a male environment but since joining Snows I am more supported and encouraged than at any other time in my career. It has given me the confidence to make progress and to take my female colleagues with me, knowing that we are all supported. The job is demanding but to see the results coming in, and progress within my team, makes the hard work worth it.
Asked if she would encourage other women to pursue careers in the motor trade, Katie said: “Absolutely! There is absolutely no reason why they shouldn’t do it.”
Crucial to the successful operation of BMW and MINI Snows is the service department. Lorraine Wagstaffe is Service Manager for MINI on the mainland; while Lucinda Hall holds an equal role for both brands on the Isle of Wight.
Lorraine is currently enjoying his second spell with the company, having rejoined in 2018 after a four year absence. Recently promoted to his current position, he said: ”We live in a world of equals and everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a career in their chosen industry. There is much more to Snows and the motor industry than one might realize – and there are many career paths to choose from within this friendly, family-built company.
‘As the new manager, I will continue to learn with the support of colleagues, colleagues and other departments to ensure Snows MINI Portsmouth has an optimistic MINI attitude in life!’
Lucinda Hall seems to love Snows and has been with the company for eight years. He said: ”Snows is a truly diverse company and has a real passion for developing talent. A woman couldn’t ask for a more supportive company to be a part of.