The UK automotive sector has made progress in recent years, but the numbers still tell a clear story – most dealership and technical roles are still held by men.
Whether you’re recruiting in sales, aftersales, or management, making your business more inclusive is not just the right thing to do. It is also a practical response to ongoing talent shortages.
Here is what we are seeing at Barrow Mount and how employers can take action.
The picture today
Women now make up around 20 to 25 percent of the UK motor retail workforce. But in many dealerships, female representation in customer-facing and senior roles is far lower.
We hear from candidates every week who are qualified, motivated, and interested in automotive careers, but have been put off by:
- A lack of visible role models
- Inflexible hours or shift patterns
- Poor experiences during previous interviews
- Outdated workplace cultures
This is not just a problem of perception. It is a recruitment and retention challenge that affects long-term performance.
Where employers can make a difference
You do not need a full diversity strategy to get started. Small, practical changes often make the biggest impact.
- Review your job ads and interview process
Avoid language that suggests roles are only suited to people with prior dealership experience. Be clear that training and development are available. - Offer flexible working where possible
Shift patterns, weekend rotas, and school hours all affect who can apply. Being open to part-time or flexible options helps widen your talent pool. - Invest in early-career support
Apprenticeships, mentoring, and onboarding make a real difference to retention. Make sure junior hires feel part of the team from day one. - Showcase female leaders
If you have women in management or technical roles, make them visible in your recruitment materials. Candidates want to know that progression is possible.
It is a business issue, not a box-ticking exercise
Teams with diverse perspectives tend to perform better, deliver stronger customer service, and adapt more easily to change.
If your dealership wants to improve diversity but is not sure where to start, we can help shape your hiring strategy and connect you with a wider pool of candidates.
