Barbara Cox Awards 2022
nominees: Emma Loveday

of AA DriveTech

Brief biography of you and your career

Emma Loveday works at DriveTech (part of The AA) as their UK Commercial Development Manager, specialising in fleet and driver risk consultancy. She works with DriveTech’s larger commercial clients to recommend relevant and effective driver risk management programmes. Prior to her time at DriveTech, Emma spent 8 years working in fleet operations for two of the largest and diverse fleets in the UK – Thames Water Utilities and Mitie. At both organisations she was responsible for the management of the business occupational road risk – looking after the road safety of more than 3,000 employees for Thames Water and 8,000 employees for Mitie, driving a diverse range of vehicles including 4×4s, tankers, plant machinery and LCVs. During her tenure at Thames Water, she achieved a 20% reduction in vehicle incidents, resulting in significant reduction of incident and insurance premium costs, improving road safety awareness and the overall road safety culture of the business. For her work at Mitie, the organisation was awarded two Brake Fleet Safety awards.

Emma is a member of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFF) and acts as Deputy Chair for their Risk and Compliance Committee and will shortly be joining their newly formed Training, Education & Leadership committee – headed up by Lorna McAtear. The AFP is the fleet industry’s premier membership organisation providing advice and guidance regarding the key issues of the day within the fleet and transport industry that are impacting on efficiency and effectiveness of vehicle operations and also offers personal development and career prospects via its highly acknowledged education and training programmes. She is a member of the Deloitte’s Women at the Wheel working group, having been invited to the inaugural event in 2018, and is also a member of Women in Transport (an independent professional network showcasing the diversity of careers in transport, providing access to senior decision makers and supporting the professional development of women working in transport).

As well as being passionate about the inclusion, advancement and recognition of women in the fleet and transport industry, Emma is also committed to the progression of sustainability in our sector, with specific focus on electric vehicle transition and adoption, having recently been recognised as an ‘EV Champion’ in 2021 for her work around highlighting the importance of driver education, training and positive mindsets of drivers when transitioning fleets to electric vehicles. Driver mental health and wellbeing, and its importance in being able to drive safety is another topic that Emma champions and is passionate about, having had her own experiences with mental health in the past.

Outside of work Emma is an active member of the performing arts community, directing, choreographing and performing with the esteemed and award winning Tring Theatre Company. Having most recently co-directed and choreographed Calendar Girls the Musical, she will shortly be performing on stage, taking the lead female role in the hit musical ‘Kinky Boots’.

Tell us what this nomination means to you?

I’m honoured to be included among such an amazing group of nominated women for this award and to be among a group of professionals who value the work that we do and strive to positively impact the industry as it continues to evolve. Being shortlisted has been an incredible confidence booster and has demonstrated to me how powerful and important it is to recognise and celebrate great work that is being done by women in our industry. There are many more intelligent, strong, and talented women working in automotive and this award has inspired me to find ways to recognise, champion and celebrate the work of these women. I’m also thankful to have a new network of women and industry professionals who I can collaborate with as I continue my professional journey. Being shortlisted for the Barbara Cox Women of the Year Award is a professional and personal milestone that carries with it great responsibility. I’m determined to be a worthy advocate for successful women in our industry and I’ll continue to share my story and knowledge with more women looking to enter or grow within automotive. Being recognised by my industry peers for the work that I have done in the 10 years that I have worked in the automotive, fleet and transport industry is truly humbling. Thank you.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in automotive?

I never anticipated a career in automotive – however the passion, knowledge and support of people that work in this sector is definitely a great reason to consider working in this industry. Our industry is going through rapid and important changes – what with sustainability and net zero high on all agendas – social, political, environmental – that if you want an industry that is innovative, challenging, face-paced and important – this is definitely the place to be. For a woman considering a career in automotive I would advise, don’t be quiet. It’s an industry that needs collaboration, new ideas, and people to challenge the status quo. And from my experience, it’s an industry and collection of people that will welcome and want to hear it.

What advice would you give your younger self on having a successful career?

A few key things spring to mind that I wish I knew, or someone had told me when I first started my career. Some of these I’m still trying to listen to and live by now! Don’t limit yourself to one line of work, or specialism. The scope of fields in automotive is broad, and the types of jobs in these fields are diverse. If you can, try and get experience and take opportunities in as many areas as you can. Ultimately find an area, or a field that allows you to exercise your strengths, while still motivating and energising you. Be patient. Your first job is unlikely to be the job that you’ve always dreamed about. And that’s ok. There will always be things to learn, opportunities to develop, and skills to hone in any role that you have. You will grow and it will prepare you for better opportunities in the future. Cultivate good relationships with a wide variety of people in the industry. People matter. You don’t and won’t know everything and can’t do it all on your own. Find people that inspire you, challenge you to think differently about things and develop an inner circle of trusted advisors that can support and guide you through your career. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s ok. Really!

About the Barbara Cox Award 2022 Nominees: