Leading decorating and DIY specialist Leyland is celebrating its thriving female workforce this International Women’s Day.
Leyland has women colleagues across all its operations, including management, marketing, HR and in the warehouse – as well as in customer-facing roles across its 33 London stores.
Catalina Ciolan, 28, admits she felt some anxiety when she started as a picker in a traditionally male-dominated warehouse role at Leyland’s Wembley distribution centre a year-and-a-half ago.
But she said: “Being one of just a few females in a warehouse was something I was aware of, but any fears soon evaporated when I started.
“The guys were very welcoming and just treated me as one of the team. The picking department and my manager have always been very supportive.
“Leyland supports us as women and is a very progressive company. I also find my Monday to Friday shifts supports my family life.”
Catalina, who lives in Hendon, has progressed from picker onto Leyland’s production team.
“I really enjoy the job,” she said. “It’s a good environment and it keeps you busy all day.”
Another female climbing the Leyland ladder Jayna Dabasia, who was nominated as the ‘Rising Star’ in the Support Centre at last year’s company awards.
Jayna, 33, joined Leyland as part of the commercial team in March last year before moving departments to work alongside Naivasha Elworthy in marketing.
The mum-of-one said: “I joined Leyland after deciding on a career change shortly after having my daughter.
“I loved being part of the commercial team, however, the creative part of me ignited when I saw the marketing opportunity.
“My mum is probably my biggest female inspiration. She’s shown me what dreaming big can achieve.
“At work there are many inspirational women and I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many supportive colleagues who encourage me to grow and be confident.
“I think International Women’s Day is important to promote inclusion and to celebrate. When women are inspired to be included, they feel valued and empowered.”
Leyland has 33 stores in prominent locations across London, stocking a comprehensive range of thousands of products across all departments, including paint and decorating essentials, building materials, electrical fittings, tools and plumbing equipment.
Some of the biggest and best-known DIY brands are available at Leyland SDM, including Farrow & Ball, Tesa, Bahco, Bosch, Purdy, Dulux Trade, Leyland Trade, Stanley, Ronseal and DEWALT.
Visit www.leylandsdm.co.uk for more information.
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