Women from across the transport industry came together in parliament on Tuesday 6th September at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Transport’s Summer Reception to build vital networks and share best practice in supporting women in transport.

Attended by senior industry professionals and parliamentarians, the cross-sector networking event, sponsored by West Coast Partnership, enabled attendees to share ideas about how best to recruit and retain women into careers across transport’s many sectors. We know from our own shared experience how crucial networking is in instilling confidence in women working in the industry, to help get women into the decision-making rooms and get their voices heard, and in creating essential support networks.

We were pleased to have in attendance then Minister of State in the Department for Transport, Trudy Harrison MP, who gave a keynote speech showing her support for women working in transport.

Speaking after the event, Vice-Chair of the APPG and host of the reception, Baroness Jenny Randerson said:

“With women making up only 20% of the transport workforce, events like these are so important to build necessary support networks for women and to raise the profile of women working across all levels of the transport industry.

“Ensuring the transport industry includes and supports women not only increases representation, but is an essential step in ensuring transport decisions are influenced and representative of the public that uses it.”

Philippa Creswell, Executive Director of On-Board Customer Experience at West Coast Partnership, said: “This was a wonderful event to be part of and to meet so many talented women in our sector. I have been in transport for over two decades witnessing the industry change for the better with more roles in rail filled by women than ever before.

“The West Coast partnership is at the forefront of this ensuring we continue to support women in our workplace and this was great opportunity to celebrate this.”

Jo Field, President of Women in Transport and Secretariat to the APPG for Women in Transport, said: “This summer reception built on our successful International Women’s Day event on recruitment and retention of women in transport.

Joining ‘Women-in’ groups from across the transport sector to celebrate and support women in our industry helps us all to strengthen our networks and build connections.

We also need allies at all levels from across the sector to support women in their career journeys and enable us to build a diverse and inclusive transport workforce for the future.”

Parliamentarians were joined at the event by senior industry professionals, Women in Transport members and members of Women in Rail, Women in Maritime, Women in Aviation and Aerospace, the Automotive 30% Club and the Railway Industry Association.

More information on Women in Transport and the APPG can be found on the Women in Transport website.