Gurcu Karakurt has spoken of her pride of being the first female member of TG Lynes’ senior management team in the business’ history.

Gurcu was promoted to Commercial Manager last year after seven years at the company.

It meant she became the first woman to sit at the table for the regular meetings of TG Lynes’ five-strong leadership team.

It is further evidence of the significant strides TG Lynes has made around inclusion and diversity in recent years, particularly since becoming part of the Grafton Group in 2015.

Gurcu said: “I am very proud to be making a little bit of history within the company. I hope it paves the way for more women to be part of the senior management team in the future.

“I am fortunate to have never felt disadvantaged as a woman in work – but I am very aware that is not the case for everyone.

“International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the achievements of women – and to accept there is still more to be done to reach true equality.

“Diversity at TG Lynes has improved noticeably even during my seven years with the business, and that can only be a positive.”

Gurcu started at TG Lynes as Procurement Executive/ Data Analyst before being promoted to Commercial Supervisor and later Commercial Manager.

Her current role focuses on procurement as well as managing buyers, suppliers, prices and margins.

Gurcu praised TG Lynes for its support when she had her twins in 2019.

“I began my maternity leave in 2019 and then Covid meant I couldn’t return to my job at the time,” she said.

“TG Lynes agreed to extend my leave and then, when I could finally return, they were flexible with hybrid working.

“TG Lynes is so supportive as a business. I never felt excluded, and my input was always valued.

“If anyone wants to work, regardless of gender, race or any other difference, they should be able to. TG Lynes puts that belief into practice.”

Gurcu said she is enjoying her new role and is happy at the business.

“I have much more responsibility now and it is more challenging, but feel more content than ever before,” she said.

“Despite being an industry leader and part of a larger group of businesses, TG Lynes has still retained its family feel. Everyone is close and it’s a good place to be.”