Celebrating International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, Hedingham & Chambers is proud to reaffirm its commitment to increasing female representation in the bus industry. As part of the celebrations on 8th March, the company is opening its Sudbury Depot doors on 7th March, inviting women to explore the many advantages of a career as a bus driver.

Driving Change: Breaking Gender Stereotypes

Traditionally a male-dominated field, the transport industry is evolving, and Hedingham & Chambers is at the forefront of this transformation. Through targeted recruitment efforts and educational outreach, the company is actively challenging gender stereotypes and encouraging more women to consider a career in the sector.

A key part of Hedingham & Chambers’s strategy is engagement with the younger generation through educational initiatives. By visiting schools and colleges as part of the Generation Go programme, Hedingham & Chambers introduces young people to the wide range of opportunities available within the industry - whether in driving, engineering, or marketing. This initiative aims to dispel common misconceptions and inspire a more diverse workforce for the future.

A Commitment to Increasing Female Representation

Hedingham & Chambers has set an ambitious target of reaching 20% female representation by 2025, a milestone that is well within reach as the current figure stands at 17%. With determined efforts, the company aims to surpass this goal by the end of the year.

Rupert Cox, Managing Director of Hedingham & Chambers/Go East Anglia, expressed his pride in the progress made:

“Over the past year, I’ve been delighted to see more women joining our team. There are so many great female role models within our depots, undertaking a variety of jobs. Behind every successful journey, there’s a driver paving the way. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who steer us forward and inspire others to take the wheel.”

The Benefits of a Bus Driving Career

Women attending the Sudbury Depot open day on 7th March will have the chance to hear from female bus drivers about their experiences, learn about flexible working arrangements, and discover how they can earn while they learn through Hedingham & Chambers’s comprehensive in-house training programme.

All that is required to apply is a valid UK driving licence held for at least 12 months, strong people skills, and a desire to learn. Hedingham & Chambers’s “The Right Route” initiative highlights the potential for career progression in the industry, offering structured training and development opportunities in an inclusive working environment.

Inspirational Stories from Women in the Industry

Yvonne Johnson, a long-serving Hedingham & Chambers driver, shared her enthusiasm for her role:

“I love driving buses! I feel privileged to have been in this career for 17 years, and I love it just as much as I did when I started. It’s fantastic to see more women joining the industry each year - it’s a wonderful achievement.”

Educating the Next Generation

Beyond recruitment, education plays a crucial role in Hedingham & Chambers’s mission to challenge industry stereotypes. Davina Langley, Head of Marketing and Commercial for Hedingham & Chambers, emphasised the importance of outreach efforts:

“We are dedicated to inclusivity, ensuring equal career opportunities for everyone. By engaging with young people through our Generation Go initiative, we aim to broaden their understanding of the diverse roles in the bus industry and challenge outdated perceptions. There is a wide range of opportunities available to both women and men, and we want to showcase that.”

This International Women’s Day, Hedingham & Chambers is not just celebrating women - it’s taking action to ensure the future of the bus industry is diverse, inclusive, and open to all.