Today, we’re thrilled to announce that we have joined The Women’s Trade Network, an initiative founded by some of the most well-known organisations in housing and property to increase the representation of women in trade roles. HMS will support the network in raising awareness of the variety of roles available to women in trade and encourage greater gender diversity across the industry.

Currently, just two percent of tradespeople in the UK are female, a statistic that has barely changed in 40 years. The trades can offer a hugely fulfilling career to women, yet there remains a gap in the number of women joining the profession. The Women’s Trade Network aims to highlight the opportunities available and provide training and support to women to help them embark on a career in trade. In addition to joining the network, HMS has signed the Women’s Trade Network Pledge, a commitment to supporting long-term change in the industry by helping to remove barriers, empower and support as well as increase access to the industry for women.

HMS Head of Customer Excellence, Gail Farley, said: “HMS is dedicated to creating roles for women and helping to support them into long-term, sustainable careers. As an organisation, we have a history of reaching out to women in our communities and over the years, have welcomed hundreds of women to the team. I’m delighted to have joined The Women’s Trade Network, and with their support, look forward to even more women joining HMS.”

Open to any women in the UK, irrespective of her age, background or experience, the Women’s Trade Network will provide two access routes for women in trade. The first will be open to women already qualified in a trade and looking for advice on training on starting a business, while the second will provide entry-level training to women without relevant qualifications.

Cem Savas, CEO of Plentific and co-founder of the Women’s Trade Network said: “The Women’s Trade Network is an important initiative to encourage women to consider a career in trade. With the backing of the wider industry, we will be able to make a big difference and we are delighted that HMS has pledged its support; not just to the network, but to aspiring tradeswomen everywhere. Together, we will enact real change.”