In 2022, IPAF President Karin Nars launched the 'Women in Powered Access' initiative, inviting women of all ages and different professional roles to share their stories of inclusivity. The initiative includes a number of key actions, including providing a platform to tell the stories of women in powered access in both the media and at industry events. IPAF will also use its own print, web and social media platforms to share these inspirational case studies and will also continue to invite prominent women speakers to present at IPAF events. IPAF will share a series of case studies at  www.ipaf.org/casestudy to communicate the opportunities our industry offers women. 

Michelle Long
Managing Director, The UK Tool Hire Group

How did you come into this industry, and what attracted you to it? I was working in a telesales office selling for multiple different companies and redundancies were on the cards, so I contacted Loxam, which was one of the companies we were working on behalf of, just to see if they had any vacancies. I did not completely understand the industry at this point.

What do you find inspiring about your role? I have a huge passion for powered access, and now I get to oversee training and tool hire too; I love how all of our divisions come together. I thrive on mentoring and coaching others and, as the managing director role is rather complex, I am enjoying learning so many different angles of the business.

Where do you see yourself in five years, and what do you want to achieve? I hope to still be in my role and delivering success.

What one piece of advice would you give to other women in/thinking of entering the industry? No two days are the same within the access industry, so days are always diverse and often challenging. When I joined the industry there were very very few women but the numbers are increasing, I do believe before long it will no longer be male dominated as women are just as capable as men in any role within the industry we just need to keep proving it.