JANE Pocock, managing director of leasing broker  Vansdirect, says the leasing and automotive industry is missing out through lack of board diversity.

In particular Jane believes the lack of Women in Business on broker boards is particularly detrimental to fostering sustainable growth, but that this extends beyond to the wider leasing and automotive sector.

In an interview with Leasing Broker News, Jane says: “Brokerages are missing 50% of the workforce – and I think the mix is essential for sustainable growth.

“I’ve established a successful career next to successful businessmen. But it’s a stereotypical environment.”

But the industry and the BVRLA also suffer from this blinkered approach to staffing:

“Historically, it’s not been an industry that’s attractive to women. And a lot of women can be deterred by the fact that it’s a man’s world,” she says.

“Personally I’ve had a 25-year career in the motor industry – so I don’t see it as a challenge. But it is interesting how few manufacturers and leasing companies have women on their boards.

“The same goes for the BVRLA. All in all it’s a poor reflection on the industry.”

Jane has been managing director of Vansdirect since 2009, and before that had worked at the Automobile Association for 17 years in various operational roles.

However, while leasing remains male dominated, the automotive industry is beginning to change.

Recently Autocar magazine named JLR autonomous car engineer Amy Rimmer as the overall winner of the Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars accolade.

Find out more on Jane’s views on the industry and leasing brokerages – read the full interview with Jane Pocock here.