International Women’s Day at SERE!

It is widely recognised around the globe, that women are still very much underrepresented in certain industries and sectors, especially in the motor trade. 

This International Women’s Day, we want to show our support for women in the car industry by acknowledging some of the girl bosses that help keep SERE ticking!

Say hello to Meghan, Gabrielle, Fiona, Irina & Rachel!

Meghan Ireland – Service Advisor

“I have worked in the motor trade for just over 6 months now. I chose this industry because I have always admired fancy, fast cars and now I’m getting to learn more about the backgrounds of cars and not just turning the key and driving away – it’s good to learn the basics of what goes on under the bonnet.”

Which famous female inspires you?

“JK Rowling inspires me, as I am a massive bookworm. The Harry Potter series was one of the first set of books I read by myself when I was younger and I still read them all these years later.  I admire her imagination and her creativity and the entire new world she created for book lovers like me.”

What do you enjoy most about working in the motor trade?

“I love getting to know more about cars, I learn something new every day I work here and it broadens my knowledge of the vehicles I’m dealing with on a day-to-day basis, which makes life so much easier.  It’s a really interesting environment to work in.”

Tell us your favourite quote or motto to live by…

“As a massive bookworm and Harry Potter fan, one of my favourite quotes has to be from Albus Dumbledore himself… “But you know, happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Gabrielle Scott – Sales Executive

“I’ve worked for SERE, for 2 years this month…how exciting!  Before joining the motor trade as a sales executive, I previously worked in hospitality but wanted a change… car sales allows me to have the fun of a customer facing job, but is also demanding… I like a challenge.”

When you were growing up who was your role model?

“My mum has always been my role model growing up! She done an amazing job as a single parent and I couldn’t pick a better role model to be honest.”

What’s been your proudest moment since starting your career at SERE?

“My proudest moment since starting at SERE has been hitting the 2 year mark, as I got through my trainee position and sold the amount of cars needed in my first year.”

Tell us your favourite quote or motto to live by…

“My motto to live by is - Never Quit!”

Fiona Watterson – Warranty Administrator

“I’ve been in the motor trade for over 24 years and growing up I always had a keen interest in cars.  Over the past 24 years, I’ve had different roles and I’ve enjoyed gaining experience and knowledge in all aspects of the trade. It’s a stable industry and I enjoy the interaction with the general public.” 

Which woman has been the most influential in your life?

“My mum.  No matter what life has thrown her way, she always has time for her family.”

What’s been your proudest moment in your motor trade career?

“I successfully qualified as a SEAT specialist service advisor. It was a great achievement and I was really proud to be awarded this after lots of hard work.”

Tell us your favourite quote or motto to live by…

“It’s nice to be nice.”

Irina Bespalko – Marketing Manager

“It’s been already more than 2 years since I started my journey in the world of motor trade.  Prior to joining SERE, I was working for leading companies in IT and Telecom industries.  When I was considering my next career move I thought about a dynamic, customer-focused industry which is undergoing digital transformation.

It is a very exciting time to be in the automotive industry now – it’s all about customer experience and the change in the way consumers search, connect, buy cars and use services.  I am really enjoying my time within the motor trade and being part of this huge transformation.”

If you could walk in one woman’s shoes for a day, who would you pick?

“I love to create experiences and initiate changes.  So…I would love to spend a day being Coco Chanel.  She completely changed women’s fashion and established the new canon of style and elegancy.”

What’s been your proudest moment in your motor trade career?

“The best day in the motor trade yet, was last July, when our SERE website won the ‘Dealer Website of the Year 2019’ award at the Motor Trader Awards for the best customer facing dealer website in the UK.

I was so proud that our hard work as a team to create a seamless customer experience was recognised across the Motor Trade industry.”

Tell us your favourite quote or motto to live by…

“The It’s never too late to be what you might have been” – George Elliot

Rachel Torrens – Bodytech Reception

“I’ve worked in the motor trade for over 2 years but recently joined SERE Bodytech.”

Which famous female inspires you?

“A woman that inspires me is Malala Yousafzai, she’s a female activist who speaks out on behalf of girl’s around the world and fights for their right to learn”.

What do you enjoy most about working in the car industry?

“I love the fast-paced environment of the motor trade.  I love meeting new people and everyday is always different.”

Tell us your favourite quote or motto to live by…

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”