Barbara Cox Awards 2025 nominees: Amy Marsden

 Barbara Cox Awards

2025 nominees:

Amy-Jane Marsden

 

Brief biography of you and your career

I began my journey as the youngest female HGV driver in the UK, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. After working at the DVSA, where I met my husband and future business partner, Leigh, a trip to the USA sparked our shared vision to reshape training in the automotive industry. Together, we founded Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, driven by a mission to support, empower, and upskill individuals with the right qualifications. While Leigh manages day-to-day operations, I lead the strategic direction of the business, ensuring that everything we do reflects our values of inclusion, quality, and integrity. Our academy stands out through its innovative, learner-focused approach, small class sizes, and commitment to helping individuals with additional needs. Despite facing industry challenges and setbacks, our belief in raising standards has never wavered. As someone profoundly deaf, I’ve never allowed limitations to define me, instead, I’ve used them to fuel a purpose-led business that now delivers training across the UK and beyond, collaborates with the IMI, and is pushing toward B Corp and accessibility accreditations. Through advocacy, community engagement, and mentoring, I aim to inspire a new generation, especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence and courage. 

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

If you’re a woman considering a career in the automotive industry, my journey is proof that determination and an open mind can lead to incredible success—even in fields where women are underrepresented. Starting as an HGV driver and rising to lead my own company in automotive training, I’ve learned that embracing new opportunities can open doors you never expected. Despite being profoundly deaf and told early on that I wouldn’t succeed in mainstream education, I overcame those odds with support and persistence. The key is to be clear about your goals, stand firm in your values, and choose your moments of advocacy wisely. This industry has space for passionate, resilient women ready to make their mark, and your unique challenges can become your greatest strengths. Let your journey be driven by purpose, and don’t be afraid to lead. 

What advice would you give your younger self on having a successful career?
If I could offer advice to my younger self about building a successful career, I would say this: stay open to unexpected paths, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power of resilience. My journey—from being a profoundly deaf child told I wouldn’t thrive in mainstream education, to leading my own automotive training company—has shown me that determination and purpose can overcome even the most entrenched barriers. I would remind myself that success is not just about individual achievement, but about making a broader impact. Through ProTech, I’ve come to see how vital our work is in protecting public safety and shaping the future of the motor industry. I would tell myself that collaboration, especially with industry bodies like the IMI, is key to creating meaningful and lasting change. I’d also encourage myself to champion others—particularly women and underrepresented communities—because true success lies in lifting others as you rise. Most importantly, I’d say: be bold, lead with integrity, and let your journey inspire the next generation.