INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2025: Celebrating Women’s Impact on Growth at Franks Portlock 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Franks Portlock is proud to highlight the invaluable contributions of women driving growth, innovation, and leadership within our organisation. 

This important celebration (March 8) is dedicated to the social, political, economic and cultural achievements of women worldwide and marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. 

As we reflect on these achievements, this is an opportunity to recognise the pivotal role our own female employees play in propelling our asbestos and environmental management consultancy forward. 

With almost half our 100-strong workforce now represented by women in key roles such as finance, human resources, compliance, bids and tenders and contract support, these individuals are making a profound impact on the company’s growth at every level, empowering their teams, delivering results, and inspiring future generations of female professionals. 

Director Stephen Portlock says: “The dedication and effort that goes into the day-to-day operations in all areas of our business and across every one of our regional offices, is reflected in the hard work and commitment of the women in our team.” 

He adds: “Women at Franks Portlock have been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategy, developing solutions, and driving our commitment to excellence. 

“Their perspectives and collaborative spirit have fostered a culture of innovation that has not only strengthened our market position but has also inspired creativity and problem-solving across all departments.” 

Founded in the North East in 2006, by Phil Franks and Stephen Portlock, Franks Portlock now operates nationally, with offices in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, Fife and Sellafield, Cumbria, London and the North West, offering a range of asbestos consultancy, inspection, testing, training and management services. In 2020 the business expanded its services to include a water hygiene division. 

One of those women who has been contributing to business growth for more than 17 years is Nicola Warburton. 

As one of the first women to be employed by Phil and Stephen in those early days, as a Lab Analyst, Nicola has seen her own role develop with the company, progressing to the critical position of Quality & Environmental Manager, ensuring that all products and services meet set quality standards. 

Nicola says: “I have grown and progressed alongside the company, I joined Franks Portlock in 2008 at which time I was our second Lab Analyst and since then I’ve progressed through the business to my current role. It is a very demanding role with significant challenges, but it plays a crucial part in the overall operation and success of the business.” 

In the latest appointment to join the Franks Portlock family, Antonia Briton takes up the position of Compliance Manager, reviewing implementing and maintaining the Health and Safety systems, GDPR and Cyber security. 

She says: “International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done. It’s a time to share the stories and voices of women who continue to fight for equality, but also a time to acknowledge the privilege and responsibility that comes with the opportunities we have. 

“The development of women in compliance roles is steadily improving, with greater visibility, more opportunities for advancement, and a growing recognition of the importance of diversity. However, challenges remain, and systemic changes are still needed in many sectors to ensure women have an equal shot at the top roles.” 

To find out more about the roles, responsibilities and what International Women’s Day means to the women at Franks Portlock, click here. 

At Franks Portlock, we understand that empowering women means providing opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and work-life balance. With flexible work arrangements, targeted training programs, and mentorship initiatives, we help our female employees grow and thrive, both personally and professionally. This commitment has proven instrumental in contributing to the company’s success. 

Stephen adds: “As we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, Franks Portlock reaffirms its commitment to supporting women in the workplace and creating an environment that fosters growth, equality, and opportunity. The remarkable achievements of our female employees continue to inspire the company’s vision for the future, as we look forward to the next phase of growth driven by their talent, passion, and resilience. 

“On behalf of Phil and myself, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the women at Frank’s Portlock Consulting. We truly appreciate everything you do.”