Accelerating Action at Roberts Travel Group
The team here at Roberts Travel Group, are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 with this year’s theme being:
#AccelerateAction. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible contributions of women in all industries, including our own, and to push forward in creating an even more inclusive and equitable future, both within working life and out there in everyday life.
Here at Roberts, we are fortunate to have an incredible team of women across all departments, each bringing passion, expertise, and dedication to their roles. They are drivers, planners, managers, cleaners, leaders and individual contributors - each one playing a vital part in our success.
To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of the remarkable women at Roberts Travel Group about their journeys, their experiences, and their advice for women looking to enter or thrive in the industry.
Sophie, Marketing Manager
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m the Group Marketing Manager at Roberts Travel Group and joined the company in 2022. I’ve always had a creative mindset, which led me to a career in Graphic Design after university. Over time, I realised there were other skills I wanted to develop, and that led me to this role, heading up the marketing function for a thriving travel business! It was a step up and a challenge, but one that I’ve truly enjoyed. Outside of work, you’ll either find me watching The Real Housewives with a glass of wine or enjoying a round of golf (when the British weather allows!).
What do you find special about the women here at Roberts Travel Group?
The women here at Roberts really do help to make it feel like a community, filled with like-minded women ready to support one another in a male dominated industry. We have women across all departments within our business from site maintenance and operations to sales and finance, and they are all dedicated to their individual roles. More than that though, we all act as a much-needed support system for one another, and the friendships I’ve formed with so many women here are ones I will cherish for life.
What are your top tips for women in the coach industry today?
My top tips for women in the coach industry (and generally) would be to never stop learning. I have always believed that once you stop learning, you’re one step behind everybody else, so the most powerful thing you can do is keep refreshing your knowledge. Whether that means spending time with different departments, reading up on industry knowledge or undertaking training for personal skills, never stop putting your knowledge first.
Amanda, Service Manager (PTS)
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Having dedicated much of my life to raising and supporting two strong, independent daughters with the belief that they can achieve anything regardless of gender, my own time to shine eventually arrived. Although I never initially aspired to move into management - having worked part-time for years to support and raise my family, life took another path, and at 50, I was faced with the challenge of supporting myself. With experience gained from working in various sectors, my skills and knowledge were recognised, presenting me with an incredible opportunity not only to prove that the time invested in my family had prepared me well for leadership but also to embrace a new challenge I had never previously considered. Through it all, my daughters have been my greatest supporters, proud of what I am achieving and reminding me that the same encouragement and self-belief I instilled in them, I also deserve to apply to myself
What do you find special about the women here at Roberts Travel Group?
The women at Roberts Travel Group are incredibly supportive, offering friendship, mentorship, and encouragement. They understand the unique challenges women face in a predominantly male industry, balancing work, family life, health issues, and the pressures of proving ourselves to be recognised as equals. Their strength and determination are shaping a new era for women in transport, paving the way for future female leaders, drivers, transport planners, managers, and professionals across all departments - from Sales and Marketing to Data Analysis, Accounting, HR, Operations, and Holiday and Tour Planners. They are an inspiration and a big part of why I enjoy coming to work every day. I also take great pride in supporting and uplifting the younger female generation, helping them achieve their goals and progress in their careers. It’s inspiring to already see the change happening, with a new wave of strong, capable women entering the industry and shaping its future.
What are your top tips for women in the coach industry today?Expect the unexpected. Roadworks, breakdowns, and difficult situations will arise—it’s how you handle them that defines your success. Remember, the coach industry is evolving, and there is space for every woman who wants to be here. Accept help when you need it, share knowledge, and always believe in your own capabilities.
Sally, Sales Director
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Just over three years ago, I took on the role of Sales Director at Roberts Travel Group, leading our Private Hire and Holidays divisions. My role is very varied, from developing business and growing our customer base to supporting and motivating our team to help drive the business forward. Before that, I spent 17 years in the Sports and Entertainment Hospitality sector, so stepping into a new industry was a big change, but one I’ve never looked back from! I absolutely love my role and the incredible progress we’ve made as a team. Outside of work, I enjoy running, making the most of life in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, and unwinding with a glass of red wine!
What do you find special about the women here at Roberts Travel Group?
We have an incredible team of Woman at Roberts Travel Group, from our wonderful female driving team to woman in managerial positions. What makes our ladies so special is their incredible dedication, resilience, and dedication for what they do. Across all areas of the business, whether its Operations, Sales, Customer Focused roles or Driving, our ladies bring a fantastic mix of professionalism and a real commitment to delivering the best experience for our customers. Its inspiring for me to work alongside such talented ladies who go above and beyond, but also who support each other and make a difference to the business.
What are your top tips for women in the coach industry today?
Embrace the diversity and go for it with confidence! Its such a dynamic and rewarding sector with so many opportunities, whether its Sales, Operations, Driving or Management! Its good to be pushed outside of your comfort zone, and there are many people with such valuable knowledge that you can learn from, so never be afraid to ask questions to learn from those around you. The industry is evolving and there is never a better time for us ladies to make our mark!
Yvonne, Holidays Advisor
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’ve been with Roberts Travel Group for nine wonderful years. I started by preparing driver packs and booking excursions before moving into holiday reservations - a role I absolutely love. These days, I work part-time, but my favourite part of the job remains the same: helping our customers book their holidays and welcoming them as they set off on their adventures.
On a personal note, I celebrate a milestone this year as I officially become a pensioner! But after 50 years in the travel industry, I have no plans to retire just yet. I have been married for 46 years, with three children and seven grandchildren keeping me busy outside of work.
What do you find special about the women here at Roberts Travel Group?
The women in our Holidays team are incredible - they are multi-skilled, dedicated, and always put our passengers first. It’s a privilege to work alongside such hardworking and supportive colleagues.
What are your top tips for women in the coach industry today?Believe in yourself, and know that Roberts will support you. If you have a passion for travel and customer service, this is a fantastic industry to be in. The key is to stay adaptable, work as part of a team, and have faith in you own abilities.
Final Thoughts
The women of Roberts Travel Group are proof that the coach and travel industry is full of some truly great women. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements, their resilience, and their commitment to shaping a more inclusive future, both within our industry and everywhere, all over the world!
Let’s continue to #AccelerateAction, championing women in our industry and beyond!
Read more about International Women's Day here!