B&Q TradePoint Celebrates Tradeswomen Breaking Barriers

• B&Q TradePoint is launching ‘Do The Lift Thing’ to celebrate tradeswomen breaking barriers in the industry
  
  
• Working with internationally acclaimed photographer, Sane Seven, B&Q TradePoint’s campaign showcases women trade professionals and is a call to action for more girls and women to choose a trade profession
  
  
• The research⁽¹⁾ highlights that a lack of women role models is a critical barrier to girls and women choosing to be trade professionals, with just 2% in the UK being women⁽²⁾
  
  ○    Three-quarters of girls leaving school aren’t aware of any women who work in the trade sector
  
  ○    Half of girls surveyed between the ages of 16-18 don’t believe they receive the same career opportunities in trade industry as boys
  
  
• With the UK on course to face a shortfall of 250,000 tradespeople by 2030⁽²⁾, B&Q is committed to encouraging as many women as possible to explore careers in trade and has pledged £1 million to fund trade apprenticeships. 

Today, B&Q TradePoint, the leading home improvement retailer’s trade brand, has launched ‘Do The Lift Thing’ - an initiative to showcase the tradeswomen breaking down barriers within the industry.  

B&Q TradePoint has collaborated with internationally acclaimed photographer, Sane Seven, to showcase 10 tradeswomen who are role models within their industry and highlight the new movement of women in trades, whilst spotlighting the barriers preventing more girls and women entering the field.  

The striking images of the women - encapsulated in a contemporary group portrait - stands as a call to action for more girls and women to choose a trade profession. This follows B&Q research identifying that three-quarters of girls leaving school aren’t aware of any women who work in the trade sector - and how a lack of women role models in the trade industry stands as a critical barrier to more girls and women choosing a trade profession.  

Speaking about the campaign, B&Q Director, Amelie Gallichan-Todd, said: “With only 2% of trade professionals being women(2), B&Q is committed to tackling this gender imbalance and has pledged £1 million to fund trade apprentices across a variety of sectors, including carpentry, plumbing, painting and decorating - amongst others. This initiative aims to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women in trades, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. 

“I’m a firm believer that 'you cannot be what you cannot see' and so through the ‘Do the lift thing’ campaign, we’re elevating more role models for girls and women to look up to in the trade sector. By showcasing successful women in these roles, we hope to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in trades, challenging stereotypes and changing perceptions.” 

In addition to the tradeswomen role models, the initiative shows mentorship in action through a short film of women and girls collaborating to build the set, while the girls talk about their enjoyment of traditionally ‘boyish’ activities and how this inspires them to consider choosing a trade profession.

Central to the ‘Do The Lift Thing’ visuals is a symbolic yet stylish lift set, serving as a metaphor for sending the lift back down to help others rise. Sane Seven, photographer, said: “Gender balance is the destination, and the lift is the process. To achieve balance, we need to lift barriers and elevate role models. When people rise to success, it’s important to send the lift down to help others, rather than keeping it to protect the ‘penthouse’ of success. This is how we achieve balance.”

Image : Women in Trades - Dee - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Emma - Sane Seven

 Image : Women in Trades - Esme - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Gemma - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Hannah - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Jess - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Karen - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Marge - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Sally - Sane Seven

Image : Women in Trades - Victoria - Sane Seven

1) + 2) Tradespeople Shortage To Cost UK Economy £98bn Of Missed Growth By 2030

Source : B&Q

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