The Women in Bus and Coach “Spotlight On” initiative shines a light on the incredible contributions of women in all roles across the bus, coach, and community transport sector. From professional drivers and engineers to human resources experts and CEO’s, ‘Spotlight On’ will highlight the diverse talents and achievements of women in this dynamic industry.
Today we focus on and find out about:
Gayle North
Transport Administrator
Anthony’s Travel
How did you get to where you are today?
I had been friends with both Dawn and Richard for a long time, when a position arose within Anthony’s Travel in the office. Nearly seven years later, I am still working for the Anthony’s Travel and love being part of the team that has been built over the years.
Did you experience any challenges getting to where you are today?
None at all- Richard and Dawn are very supportive and always look to give all staff members opportunities to development themselves and their skills if they would like to.
What do you like about the sector? What inspired you to get involved?
I enjoy seeing family owned/family ran businesses succeed and support each other throughout the sector. Knowing that some companies, such as ours started in the spare room of a family home, because a young boy had a dream to start the business.
I have formed friendships with people throughout the sector, other coach companies, solicitors, insurance contacts, suppliers and their families and we all support each other in highs and lows of business and life.
Building a strong team and close bonds with my colleagues
What did a typical day look like?
Emails, invoicing/invoicing queries, quotations/bookings, logging drivers on/off, telephone enquiries, managing the diary, liaising with drivers, timesheets/worksheets, compliance, sports teams, schools, complaints, driver issues/incidents.
What advice would you give to women thinking about a career in the bus, coach or community transport sector?
As a woman in this industry, I would say to always be strong and believe in yourself. It is a very male heavy environment and belief in yourself is a must.
Always try to approach things with an open mind.
Build relationships within the sector.
What has been your bus, coach or community transport sector career highlight?
There has been quite a few!
- Building a close team in the office.
- Winning several awards with my Company and colleagues.
- Meeting my partner (through Anthony’s Travel) and subsequently the arrival of our daughter Elodie.
- Having a coach named after my daughter.
- Watching the shutters come up on the garages and hearing the roar of our sleeping lions (coach engines) after a such a long time of inactivity because of Covid, it was an emotional time watching them leave the depot once again
What three things could the bus, coach or community transport sector do to improvement the industry for women?
- Make the industry more appealing and inclusive for women.
- Actively recruit more women.
- Acknowledge the importance of women in our sector and the work and success they have.
What changes have you seen since in the sector since you joined?
- Legislation changes.
- Covid has led to changes to the business, also to work/life balance.
- Disability accessibility.
Anything else you would like to share?
Despite there being tough times throughout my time working in the sector (and still) I enjoy the sector and what our coaches and drivers bring to our community/schools etc enabling groups and families to be able to have experiences that they perhaps wouldn’t have ordinarily.
I love seeing friends and colleagues within the industry doing well and celebrating their success.
More than anything I love being part of the Team at Anthony’s Travel and feel very proud when I see our Pink Princesses out on the roads!
Thank you for sharing your story, Gayle!
To find out more about who Gayle works for, and career opportunities visit: Anthony’s Travel
