Pet recruitment specialist Lynda Ward has revealed that the pet industry is a great place for women to build a career, and claims that females now account for approximately 45% of field sales staff in the trade.
Lynda, who utilises her 30 years’ experience in the trade for dedicated recruitment and marketing solutions, says that women in the pet trade fare well compared to other industries.
“The lack of good jobs for women is controversial right now, especially within the political arena and the City, so I think we should pat ourselves on the back as an industry with equal opportunities for women and men,” said the owner of Pet Trade Solutions.
“When I first came to the pet trade there were only three women, including myself, in field sales roles and it appeared very much a closed shop in favour of male candidates. However, open-minded employers gradually saw the benefits that female sales people could bring and the momentum gathered speed. Now my estimate is that overall in the UK trade women account for approximately 45% of field sales staff.
"At management level the numbers drop off at 20%-30% – possibly due to women not enjoying management or choosing to take a career break at some point – and at director level in the larger companies even lower at 15%-20% – again partly due to the career break aspect. Yet interestingly, women own the highest proportion of independent SMEs supplying or allied to the trade.”
Lynda concludes by saying: “The figures show there is still a great deal of scope for career-minded or entrepreneurial women to make their mark in the industry. With so many examples of success (just take a look around) they should perhaps be more aspirational. Today’s progressive employers are not looking for men or women to join their teams...they are looking for PEOPLE to help make their company a success.”
Lynda is always happy to personally advise on any aspects of recruitment and marketing strategy and can be contacted on 07946 743784 or at lyndaward@pettradesolutions.com
There is also a growing trend of more women setting up their own business in the industry like Sarah O'Sullivan (Seahorse Atlantic) and Barbara Hanly (Soopa Pets).
Seahorse Atlantic produces a range of products called Kelp Care – 100% natural kelp feed additives formulated from different species of seaweed grown in the purest of the Atlantic Ocean. Veterinary trialled and recommended with 100% positive feedback, Kelp Care products are tailored to the nutrient requirements of individual animals.
Meanwhile, Soopa Pets has quickly become known for its 100% fruit and vegetable dog chews with flavours including papaya, sweet potato and coconut.
Sarah and Barbara are both from Ireland and they exhibited together at PATS Harrogate in September last year. The trip worked so well that they have agreed to return to PATS Sandown next month.
