WOMEN IN LIFTING Ӏ INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Sister act: Hayley Sutch and Andrea Lowrie
What advice would you give to a women considering a career in the lifting industry? Go for it! This industry offers incredible opportunities, job satisfaction, and career progression. Be confident, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step into roles that may not traditionally have been filled by women. Find mentors, ask questions,
Are there any particular areas you see as being most accessible for women to work in? And are there certain areas you think need more women in them? Women are already excelling in areas such as project management, engineering, health and safety, and logistics. However, we’d love to see more women in hands-on operational roles, including crane operation and site management. But you can't just jump into the biggest crane out there. You have to earn your stripes like anyone else and at John Sutch Cranes we wouldn't have it any other way. While we want women in the roles, we know it's about being the best person for the job. There's areas in our business
that offer fantastic career opportunities, and increasing female representation would help break down outdated stereotypes.
Have you noticed an increase in women working in crane operation and lifting? Yes, though the numbers are still relatively small, we are seeing more women pursuing careers in crane operation, engineering, and site management. The growing focus on diversity in the industry is encouraging, but there’s still room for improvement.
How does John Sutch Cranes support diversity and inclusion in the workplace? We actively promote an inclusive
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culture where talent and capability are valued above all else. We invest in training, encourage career progression for all employees, and promote a workplace environment where everyone feels respected and supported.
What skills or qualities do you think women bring to the industry that may be underappreciated? Women often bring strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and attention to detail. These qualities that are essential in high- stakes industries like crane hire. Additionally, communication and collaboration are key strengths that contribute to safer and more efficient site operations.
Can you share any memorable experiences – good or bad – that highlight what it’s like to be a woman in this industry? One of the most rewarding experiences has been mentoring and supporting other women entering the industry. Seeing more women step into leadership and operational roles is a sign that things really are changing.
On the flip side, there have been moments where we’ve had to challenge outdated assumptions, but every challenge has made us more determined to drive progress. We've been around a long time and the manufacturers, other crane operators and our customers know us.
and always strive for excellence. There's so many great people in our industry. We love working in it and we've learnt so much from some of the best. We've had some great people in our business, people who have been around for a long time and they've passed some great knowledge on to us.
Where do you see the future of crane hire and lifting heading in terms of gender diversity? The industry is evolving, and we expect to see more women taking on roles at all levels. Companies are realising that
diversity strengthens businesses, and initiatives to attract and retain female talent will continue to grow. We’re hopeful that in the
coming years gender diversity in crane hire will no longer be a discussion point - it will simply be the norm. Having said that, I don't think there's currently another female MD in the whole of the UK crane rental industry; and the same applies for an HR Director. We are few and far between.
How would you make the industry more welcoming for women? More visibility and support networks for women in construction and lifting. When women see others thriving in the industry, it encourages them to pursue similar paths. Creating mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and ensuring inclusive workplace cultures would make a huge difference.
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