Diversity and acceptance in the builders’ merchants industry has improved considerably – and TG Lynes is leading the way.

That’s the view of a number of high-achieving women in the TG Lynes team, including Area Sales Manager Gemma Skelton and Warehouse Supervisor Donna Hart, as they reflect on International Women’s Day.

Gemma has worked in the industry for a decade, while Donna has also worked in warehouses for more than 10 years.

And both agree that women are more accepted in traditionally male-dominated environments than they once were.

Donna, who has been part of the TG Lynes family for a year-and-a-half, said: “Diversity and inclusion means everything to me.

“I started my career as an admin assistant and have always worked in male dominated industries.

“I’ve worked hard to climb the ladder and I’m proud to have done it and reached a supervisor position.

“I think it’s great that TG Lynes is committed to diversity and I’d encourage more women to join the industry.”

Gemma said she had experienced some prejudice when she first started out in sales.

“When I was younger and less confident, I did experience some reluctance to deal with me in a male dominant environment,” she said.

“I’ve witnessed the industry become more inclusive. It has changed over time with people becoming more respectful and accepting that women can do as a professional job as their male colleagues.

“There is still room for improvement, but the industry is certainly moving in the right direction.

“Diversity is about not discriminating against people either professionally or personally and treating everyone the same from the MD to the receptionist.

“It’s about listening and understanding everyone’s different views and opinions.”

Christine Traynor is a new recruit to the TG Lynes team having joined as a delivery driver in November.

The 38-year-old readily admits she is surprised how quickly she has settled into the business and is already eyeing a long career with the company.

She said: “I’ve been a chef for the last 20 years so I’m used to working in a male dominated industry but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started at TG Lynes.

“I have to say, it couldn’t have gone any better. My colleagues at TG Lynes have been extremely welcoming and have helped me settle in perfectly from the first day.

“When I arrive at deliveries, I think a few of our customers are a little surprised to see they are receiving their materials and products from a woman but they are all very supportive and I get a lot of people saying ‘good on you’ which is lovely to hear.”

Emelia Leszczynska is another delivery driver in the TG Lynes team and has seen major progress across the industry in her two years working with the company.

She said: “I love my job and it’s great to see more women working across the industry and in a lot of different job roles.

“The number of females working at TG Lynes and elsewhere in the industry has definitely increased over the last two years.

“I love my job. The staff are friendly and the team at TG Lynes is so supportive.”