2 July 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Business Magazine
Women discover hands-on careers
SUMMARY
Currently there are more men working in industries such as building, plumbing and electrical engineering than women, but this a changing trend, according to Checkatrade.
PRESS RELEASE
Currently there are more men working in industries such as building, plumbing and electrical engineering than women, but this a changing trend, according to Checkatrade, which helps people avoid cowboy builders by providing a free transparent and impartial directory of vetted tradespeople and service providers across the UK. And the variety of trades women in the South East are going into is increasing.
Kevin Byrne, managing director at Checkatrade, is delighted: "Its is great to see more women opting for hands-on careers. It means the number of independent female traders registering with Checkatrade will rise over the coming years, especially with university fees set to increase again. We have seen a rise in the number of female run businesses, not just in industries like electric engineering and plumbing but also unusual trades such as tree surgery and locksmithing".
Locksmith Lucy Robinson registered with West Sussex based Checkatrade after setting up her own business 'Lucy Locksmith' four years ago. After eight years as an estate agent and working her way up from secretary to sales negotiator, she needed a fresh challenge. Accoompanying a friend on a few locksmith jobs she loved it so much she approached businesses to discuss employment options following her training. Most laughed outright at the suggestion that a woman could make it as a locksmith.
I was quite shocked at the negative reaction I got from male locksmiths - in this day and age I found it realy quite surprising", admitted Lucy. "But I didn't let it put me off - in fact it spurred me on even more to succeed. I immediately enrolled at an academy to get trained up and served as an apprentice with a trainer." After gaining police accreditation and qualifying with the Green Oak Locksmith Agency Lucy set up Lucy Locksmith in May 2007 and took on her first job within a month.
Since then and despite economic conditions business has boomed and Lucy's client base spans residential and commercial properties. Many of her customers, in particular women living on their own and the elderly, say they feel more comfortable with a female trader.
Just a few months after starting up, Lucy Locksmith was given a mojor boost after being nominated by a customer for Checkatrade and Bright FM's Top Trader Competion. She beat off 400 other businesses to scoop the accolade. Lucy said; "The growth of the business has been phenomenal, I'm especially proud that I have proved wrong the men who first turned me down as an apprentice.
Lucy agrees that the number of female traders is on the rise; "While it's still very much male dominated, I'm coming across more and more female traders. In fact my sister-in-law has just set up a painting and decorating business. I'm spreading the word. She added; "I'd encourage women to condsider a career in the trades. If you can market yourself effectively and find a niche there are tremendous opportunities. I love my job so much and it's so liberating being your own boss. When the time is right I'm sure I'll grow my little empire and take on another Lucy!
Robinson is delighted to be a part of Checkatrade. She comments: " Customers are increasingly aware of the problem of rogue traders and cowboys out there. I come across so many instances where locksmiths have charged astrnomical prices. It's just giving the trade a bad name. Checkatrade is such a great vehicle for customers to find genuine, reliable tradespeople".
Kevin Byrne founded Checkatrade in 1998 when a tornado devasted his hometown of Selsey and cowboy builders scrambled to rip-off people trying to re-build their homes.
Details: www.checkatrade.com www.lucy-locksmith.co.uk
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Checkatrade helps combat the UK's rogue trader problem by continuously vetting and monitoring local traders such as builders, plumbers and electricians. The idea was born in 1998 after a tornado hit the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Traders poured in from as far away as Liverpool and Manchester. Unfortunately, some ripped off the inhabitants of the town. Local businessman, Kevin Byrne, realised there was nowhere to check out the traders’ credentials and the company that became Checkatrade was formed.
Since then, Checkatrade has grown to include over 6,300 genuine trade members, growing by an average 120 new members every month, and, via the Royal Mail, distributes 5.9 million directories a year into communities throughout Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Berkshire, while the website includes traders from across the UK.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PR / Marketing, Checkatrade
5 - 6 Sherrington Mews, Ellis Square, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0FJ
Tel: 01243 601234
Fax: 01243 601246
info@checkatrade.com
