This week the UK celebrates International Men’s Day.
Despite some exciting initiatives lead by some of the largest employers, the British tyre industry still remains dominated by men who now make up 83% of the UK’s motor vehicle industry. You might then ask, ‘Do men in the tyre industry need celebrating?’ The short answer is yes.
The mental health statistics for men are not stacked in their favour. Men make up three in every four suicides and 85% of rough sleepers. COVID has hit men harder too, with more than double the covid mortality rate compared to women.
In a year where we’ve been asking others to #BeKind, it seems more than reasonable to spend 24 hours focussing on supporting and improving men’s health and wellbeing. It seems fitting on International Men’s day to shine a light on the positive male role models in our hardworking industry - every day men who are living decent, honest lives and making positive contributions to our wider society.
We’ve been spoilt for choice, but we’re pleased to introduce 5 of UK’s tyre industry’s finest male role models, demonstrating their contribution to society on International Men’s Day 2021:
As the IT Manager at Group Tyre Wholesale – one of the UK’s biggest tyre wholesalers, John Kingman’s expertise ensures the IT driving the firm’s tyre logistics is always running smoothly. So when John looked for a sporting endeavour to fundraise for Diabetes UK, a charity that supported his late father, it seemed fitting tyres were involved!
“Undertaking three 100 mile bike races in 12 months was a real challenge, but fundraising in memory of my Dad has kept me focussed and motivated.”
“When you push yourself, it’s amazing what you can achieve and I hope I am setting that example to my daughter in memory of her grandad.”
John completed the Prudential Ride London 100 for 2 consecutive years, adding in the Velo Birmingham and Midlands 100 mile ride for good measure in between. Kingman’s sporting tribute to his father raised a huge £3000 for Diabetes UK, British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society.
As the 2021 MINI Challenge champion you’d be forgiven for thinking that Dan Zelos spent his off track time leisurely. But behind the glamourous racing profile is an ambitious grafter that is helping young warehouse operatives successfully make their transition from education into the workplace.
“By day I am the Operations Manager at We Sell Tyres and I manage 50+ staff across a group of tyre wholesale depots. For some of the team, this is their first real job. It’s part of my job to develop them and help them make that transition from education to employment.”
“In reality running tyre depots is no different to running a race team. It’s all about the team work and empowering every member of the team to appreciate and utilise their unique skills.”
Sometimes being a role model is about having an ambition and chasing that dream. ETB’s tyre technician Liam Williams definitely sets that standard. From a young age Liam knew he wanted to work with cars, an ambition that was crystalized when his dad attempted to scrap a car that he wanted to repair. Now working his “dream job”, Liam’s enthusiasm remains and is evident in his huge tyre knowledge.
“The technology behind tyres has evolved so much, too. The compounds, tread patterns and wet-braking performance characteristics have advanced so much, not to mention noise, dry handling and the arrival of EV products.”
Liam’s customers at ETB Malvern clearly benefit from his passion and expertise.
“I love to chat to people. I get a lot of satisfaction from my job in that regard. Sharing my tyre knowhow can help my customers make a more informed decision.”
Currently undertaking his level 3 mechanic apprenticeship, Seb is one quarter of the mechanics team at Sunnyside Garage. At work full time as well as attending college 1 day a week, Seb is described by his fellow mechanics as “eager to learn” and “hard working.” But his enthusiasm for vehicle maintenance and safety doesn’t stop at work.
“It started with my grandad. He lives in sheltered accommodation. Originally I went round to help him with his routine tyre safety checks. But I’ve now got a little group of regulars who all need a little help with their regular car safety checks that get a bit trickier as you get older.”
Monday to Friday, Dave Jones is a Technical Delivery Consultant at CAM, specialising in the tyre retail sector. At the weekend, Dave volunteers as the manager and coach for the Seneley and Garswood Juniors Under 10’s!
“It started 3 years ago when my daughter joined the Warrington Junior Football League Under 7’s. I took up a coaching position which led me to gaining my Level 1 FA coaching qualification. I’ve worked with that same group of young players ever since.“
“My role as a coach is all about modelling the behaviour I expect and want to develop in our young players. Teaching them about sportsmanship, instilling into them it’s about participation and effort. Winning isn’t everything, but 100% effort and positive attitude is.”
Seneley and Garswood Juniors Under 10’s are sponsored by CAM as a part of our Match Me promise to our staff. We match their time spent volunteering and the money raise fundraising for charities that are important to them.
