Managing director of Venson Automotive Solutions, Samantha Roff, has been shortlisted for the 2013 First Women ‘Business Services’ Award.

In their eighth year, the First Women Awards, created by Real Business and the CBI, acknowledges trailblazing women whose achievements inspire future generations. Samantha Roff has been recognised for being the only female managing director in the fleet management sector, combined with a commitment to giving women the confidence to achieve on equal terms to men. She joins a shortlist of 56 inspirational candidates across 10 different award disciplines.

Samantha joined Venson in 1996 and became managing director in 2006. She turned the business around from a loss-making proposition to achieve year-on-year profit since 2007. Her clear focus on staff retention, in order to deliver a consistent high quality service to its customers, alongside a firm belief in the value that women can bring to the fleet and leasing sector, is at the heart of Venson’s continued success. 

She said: “I am truly honoured to be shortlisted for this award, which recognises so many remarkable women. At Venson, experience and loyalty is highly valued and we maintain a flexible attitude to all employees. However, rather than focusing on ‘gender quotas’, we believe in putting the right person in the job, regardless of their gender. This fair-minded attitude means more opportunities are being created for women in the Venson business. Indeed, our philosophy is to make the fleet industry as a whole, a more appealing career option for women, not just in the sales and customer services sectors, but also technical workshop roles.”

The First Women Awards ceremony takes place at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square on Wednesday June 12, 2013, hosted by broadcaster and sports presenter, Clare Balding.