Business woman Clare Chidlow has well and truly made her mark on a industry which traditionally lacks diversity.
The HaulTech director began her professional career promoting and selling two-way radio systems to hauliers and later moved into the haulage technology solutions sector when she joined the company, which is based at Lymedale Business Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme, in 2000.
Sixteen years later Clare became an executive director at the firm following a management buyout.
She has co-owned the business with her colleague Craig Lamont since 2018.
Today she leads HaulTech’s 20-strong workforce, which is, unusually, 25 per cent female – compared to an industry average of just eight per cent – and has successfully proved that women belong in the haulage and technology industry.
Clare admits she has experienced negative situations regarding her gender, but says she managed to fight stereotypes – both personally and professionally – with “time, patience and confidence.”
She added: “I had to create opportunities and capitalise on them to get to where I am today. I am incredibly proud of the journey the business is on and the gateway it gives me to inspire, motivate and empower others.”
HaulTech, which has been trading for 28 years, specialises in transport and warehouse management solutions and vehicle CCTV and tracking hardware solutions.
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Last year, Clare helped to spearhead a record-breaking 2020 for the company, which enjoyed a 63 per cent uptake in new business, as well as volunteering at a coronavirus centre in her spare time.
Her advice for any budding entrepreneur is: “Set goals for the short, medium, and long term, don’t give up, believe in yourself and eventually you’ll find your path.
“But don’t forget to give back, when you can make a change and a difference, you should.”