In days gone by, most scrap metal businesses would traditionally have been passed onto male family members. Now, following the path of trailblazers such as Jane Waugh and Noreen Pratt, and in the face of ever-increasing equality, more and more women are getting involved with the family business. Indeed, the BMRA’s President, Susie Burrage, who became Managing Director of Recycled Products Limited in 2001, is the first female President in 100 years

SAVING THE FAMILY BUSINESS  >

In 1894, Jane Waugh took over Edinburgh-based William Waugh following her husband William’s death. She inherited an inventory that included 60 tonnes of metal as well as two horses and two carts. Aged just 36, with three children under 13, Jane was faced with the prospect of raising a family on her own while running the scrap business. She very nearly sold the yard for £150 but declined the offer and persevered. She retired from the business in 1922. Today, William Waugh is run by Jane’s great great grandson Alan and processes around 20,000 tonnes of metal annually.

< WEARING ALL THE HATS

Noreen Pratt founded Southwark Metals in the  early 1980s. Starting in her garden shed in South London, she had no prior knowledge of scrap metal. Alongside raising six children with her husband Thomas Pratt, she worked six days a week from 6am-7pm. Noreen’s children and grandchildren still continue to run the business along with loyal employees who joined Noreen on her journey. Noreen still continues to be a huge support to the company with her knowledge and wisdom, teaching her daughters and granddaughters that you can have it all, family and a good career.

 

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Hayley Mellor of Mellor Metals and current Young British Metals Recyclers co-chair is now working at the Great Ellingham-based family

business. Encouraged by her father Shane to gain skills and experience in other industries, she completed a bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Youth studies and worked part-time in a nursery before teaching autistic teenagers at a local specialist school.

However, Hayley, who was born on the yard, just couldn’t stay away from the family business. “I had always enjoyed being in the office, helping on the weighbridge and interacting with the staff and customers, so when Shane asked me if I wanted to join full-time, I couldn’t refuse. I wanted to learn more about the work that my father has always been so enthusiastic about. I very quickly realised that it was the best decision I had ever made. Plus, working with family has brought us much closer together.”

Fellow YBMR members Lucy Tee and Jo Johnson have recently taken over the running of Phoenix County Metals, following Paul Johnson’s retirement. (Paul is Jo’s dad and Lucy’s uncle.) Lucy says, “It has certainly been a sharp learning curve for Jo and myself, but one that has been enjoyable as well as challenging.” Jo adds:

As a 26-year-old woman, starting out in scrap was pretty daunting.

"As a 26-year-old woman, starting out in scrap was pretty daunting; it was, and still is to a certain extent, a male-dominated industry. Yet, I can honestly say that I have been treated with nothing but courtesy by everyone. As with most industries, there are people that have been in scrap for many years and it is a pleasure to learn from them, adding this knowledge to our new ideas in order to move forward successfully.

Over the past 10 years, we have seen many positive changes and diversifying the industry will encourage the younger generation to actively seek careers in this exciting sector. Personally, I have enjoyed following Susie Burrage as BMRA President, and admire her knowledge and tenacity to improve our industry.”

JOINING THE BUSINESS

Donna Rogers joined T.R. Rogers & Sons, Oxford in August 2004, shortly after relocating to the UK from Australia and marrying Simon Rogers. She had, however, grown up around metals, spending her childhood ‘sorting’ various car parts for her dad in the family’s VW mechanic business. Donna has occupied various roles throughout her time at T.R. Rogers & Sons: Cashier, Accounts Manager, Compliance Officer and HR Manager.

In 2018, a succession plan was enacted, and Rogers Metal Management LLP was formed by Simon and  Donna Rogers. Donna says: “These are exciting times for being a woman in the metals recycling industry as there have been significant changes in attitudes with improvement in openness and equality. As recycling and climate change issues are increasingly on the public agenda, in the political arena and the media, attitudes towards our industry are changing as is the approach to gender roles. There are great career opportunities within all aspects of the circular economy, and I would encourage women to consider this as an option.”

A CAREER IN SCRAP

Away from the family led small/ medium businesses (although you are hard pushed to find a business in metal recycling without strong  family links), many of the larger companies in membership are looking at initiatives to increase and retain the women in their business. EMR is actively encouraging more women into scrap. 

“I don’t believe that gender should discourage any woman from considering a career within this industry. It’s a complex business, with many career paths available.

Lisa Delaney has a background in scrap metal recycling and waste management via her family’s business, Arthur Wright & Son. Started in 1964 by Lisa’s father and grandfather, she later joined the business. Her father retired nine years ago, and the decision was taken to sell the business to EMR who offered Lisa a position as Depot Manager with the company. “It was a fantastic opportunity for me and the chance to 
learn and develop personally, while working with the UK’s largest ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycler. Training and development is an area that is actively promoted within EMR and benefits any employee, including myself, immensely.

"I don’t believe that gender should discourage any woman from considering a career within this industry. It’s a complex business, with many career paths available. What’s essential in my opinion, certainly for my role, is an entrepreneurial flair, a passion for metal recycling and a strong work ethic. The hours can be long and the job is demanding but meaningful, so I find it satisfying and most definitely worthwhile. Personally, I have never regretted joining this industry and am proud of what I do.”