Gill Rice, Managing Director at Tyne Valley Plastics has been running her own business for 25 years and her hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed, winning the 2017 ‘North East Businesswoman of the Year STEM Award’. Our assistant editor Grace Nolan talked with her to find out more about her role as a woman in plastics.
Q: How did you get into the plastics industry?
I was always interested in Science when I was at school. I started a YTS Scheme at a plastics factory purely for this reason.
Q: Do you have a polymer based qualification? If so could you tell me how you received it?
I have an ONC in Polymer Technology. I was also awarded the licentiate of the London School of Polymer Technology as one of their top students.
Q: Did you always want to have your own business?
When the opportunity arose, I grabbed it with both hands as there was little planning involved. That was 25 years ago, so I guess I’ve been doing it right!
Q: What does a typical day consist of in your role?
I am very involved in the day to day running of this Business. The plan is for me to make a little side step in the next few months and concentrate on Sales and Marketing.
Q: What is your opinion on gender roles in the plastics industry?
When I was 19 I ran an Injection Moulding department of 26 machines. Although I started as a bit of a novelty I do believe that I was judged on my merits rather than my gender. I am soft spoken but also very determined which at times has been my greatest asset.
Q: Have you ever been in a situation at work where you have felt your gender has affected your progress?
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I can proudly say no. But this may have a lot to do with the fact that I have run my own Business since I was 26.
Q: What’s been your career highlight?
I am proud of what I have achieved running Tyne Valley Plastics, but there is still a lot to do to fulfil all my plans.
Another highlight is winning the 2017 ‘North East Businesswoman of the Year STEM Award’ and also being a nominee for the 2018 ‘Made in the North East awards’.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
The biggest challenge in 2015 was when we suffered flooding after Storm Desmond. We were out of production for three months and had a £300K insurance claim. Another challenge this year was moving to our larger premises and introducing new processes. Changing a culture can be really difficult.
Q: Did you have a role model growing up?
My role models were my parents, especially my mother who taught me that I could do anything if I set my mind to it.
Q: What advice would you give to women entering a male dominated environment?
Always be yourself. You don’t have to behave like a man to get on in a man’s world.
Q: Do you feel there is enough information/opportunities for the next generation to be encouraged to have a career in the plastics industry? If no-what more do you feel could be done?
There is plenty that can be done. I have spoken at career events and local schools and plan to do more in the future. There is just all that untapped talent out there!
