espite making up more ridership than men, women are underrepresented in taxi and PVH the operations. In light on International Women’s Day, we hear from two women leading local taxi and PHV companies in the UK about how they got to where they are today and what they want to see more of in the future.
At Mileus, we know we’re not the only ones concerned about a sustainable and prosperous future for the taxi and PHV industry. We need innovative technologies, smarter regulations and policies, and more cross-sector collaboration – but we also need more diversity among the minds shaping this future.
According to the Fawcett Society, women make up 32% positions of power in society in the UK today. When we look at small and medium enterprises, or SMEs, in the UK – the number of women in senior positions drops by half to 16%.
Let’s look at the PHV and taxi industry specifically. On the customer side, women are more frequent customers than men, while on the supply side, women make up a scant 7% of drivers.
PVH and taxi industry needs more women, and not just because it’s 2022. More women working within and leading PHV and taxi businesses will better connect with and understand the market we’re serving. Furthermore, women tend to lead with more transformational qualities to help usher businesses into a new era of innovation.
Mileus had the chance to ask our two burning questions to two women leading local PHV and taxis businesses in the UK about how they got to where they are today, and what they hope to see more of in the future.
Rachel Dale.
Head of Operations, AAA Taxis
Knowing what you know now, what would you have advised yourself when you first started with your company?
Learn, Learn, Learn – get good advisors! Taxi and Private Hire law is old and outdated as well as unclear. Historically it was about learning on the job. Antony Schiller (Solicitor) and City of Wolverhampton Council helped me to better understand taxi law and since learning from them I went on to take courses to become members of the Institute of Licensing and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Most of all learn from mistakes, own them, and keep moving forward.
How do you want to see the industry improve over the next 5 years?
I want to see the Private Hire industry being recognised by the Department of Transport in a similar way that rail, bus and shipping is with national standards allowing drivers to work anywhere in the UK and be expected to meet the same standards.
I also want to see more women join the profession and routes through apprentice style training with financial support becoming available. AAA are leading a campaign to get more women qualified and anyone wanting to be involved should contact me at rachel@aaataxis.com or visit femalesinthefleet.com.
Clare Welsh.
Company Director, Wellman Cars
Knowing what you know now, what would you have advised yourself when you first started with your company?
Truthfully, probably I would tell myself to do a 180. Having started in the industry at the age of 19 years old with no previous experience in the field I have faced my share of obstacles. However at the same time it has made me into the person I am, the mother I am and the leader I would want to have. I would advise to always stay true to yourself, go with your gut feeling, and think positive.
How do you want to see the industry improve over the next 5 years?
Of course, more women in the industry, that goes without saying. To continue on the growth and advances in technology that we are seeing just now. Making the whole taxi journey experience as safe for everyone as possible.
Big thank you to Rachel and Clare for participating in this special feature!
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