Andel Plastics are excited to announce that our Owner and Managing Director Helena Flowers has been nominated for a Woman who Achieves in Leadership award, in partnership with the FSB.
"This past year has seen a lot of changes at Andel Plastics and Helena has managed the whole transition, with grace and a strong focus. The stress sometimes must have been overpowering, but she never stopped pushing, which is why we had to nominate her"
In the manufacturing and engineering industry it isn't often you find a sole woman at the helm, but Helena was born into this business which was started by her Father. "I remember dad's bridgeport machine in the garage as he was making tooling, then doing outwork for pocket money, before the teenage years of weekend working for going out money. I've been here full time for 22 years now and learnt all aspects of the business, I love it, each day is different and the bigger the challenge the more we enjoy it." Asked about her nomination she had the following to say. "Perceptions of women in engineering is changing, alot of the STEM focus these days is hopefully encouraging more girls into the industry and more respect from male peers. Though you do still get the occasion when you are only asked if you like the colour of the piece of the machinery they are trying to entice you into buying. I don't really see myself as anymore important that anyone else in the business, I can't do what I do without them. Having said that it is really a proud moment to have been nominated in the leadership category. We've had an interesting past year, lots of changes and new challenges to deal with, I'm blessed to have a really supportive team prepared to follow my vision for the business, 2019 is going to be a great year for us. "
The finalists for the Woman Who Achieves awards will be announced on International Women's day on the 8th March. We wish Helena all the best with her nomination.