![Karen Bellairs, Chief Customer Officer and MD of Garages at Halfords [photograph]](https://www.automotive30club.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Karen-Bellairs-Chief-Customer-Officer-and-MD-of-Garages-at-Halfords-1-1.jpg "Karen Bellairs, Chief Customer Officer and MD of Garages at Halfords")
“I’m incredibly proud to announce that I’ve joined The Automotive 30% Club as a Patron Member, aligning with Halfords' commitment to champion gender balance within the automotive industry.
This partnership reflects a vision that we hold dear: creating a more inclusive workplace where women can thrive and advance in a sector where they have been historically underrepresented.”
The automotive industry, like many others, has traditionally been male-dominated, and while progress has been made, we still have work to do to ensure women are empowered to excel in every role, from apprentices to executive leadership.
At Halfords, we believe that diversity leads to better innovation, decision-making, and business performance. But more importantly, it creates a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. I’m proud of the women in our business who have already made an incredible impact, but I recognize that we have to keep pushing forward. As part of The 30% Club, we’re committed to not only recruiting more women but also ensuring that we evolve our culture, practices, and leadership to sustain these changes.
“Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but together, we can create an industry where gender balance is the norm, not the exception.”
I’m excited to be part of a collective effort that is sparking reflection, encouraging action, and inspiring the next generation of women in the automotive industry. This is a journey we are all on together, and I look forward to the progress we will make as we continue to challenge norms and champion diversity in all areas of our business.