In celebration of International Women’s Day, Franks Portlock is proud to support organisations that make a real impact on the lives of women in the local community.  

As part of their ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, the business is spotlighting its collaboration with charities such as Love Amelia, that provides vital support to families in need, and most recently North East’s housing association, believe housing. 

Through volunteering efforts at Love Amelia, Franks Portlock has been actively involved with helping to ensure that vulnerable mothers and children have access to essential items such as baby clothes, nappies, and equipment. 

Love Amelia was founded by Steph Capewell following the heart-breaking death of her daughter Amelia in January 2018, who died just 12 minutes after being born. The charity now transforms the lives of families by providing essential items and equipment for children aged 0-16 years, who are experiencing poverty and hardship throughout the Tyne & Wear and County Durham area. 

Prior to International Women’s Day, Franks Portlock staff were inspired to commit 80 hours a year to volunteering within the Sunderland area.  

To date, eight members of the environmental consultancy’s team, including Director Stephen Portlock, have committed 66 hours working in the Love Amelia warehouse, organising coats for children, as well as helping to sort clothing donations.

“Supporting women and children in our community is something we’re deeply passionate about,” said Stephen. “Through our volunteering with Love Amelia, we’ve been able to provide tangible support to those who need it most, and it’s been a rewarding experience for our team to directly contribute to such a meaningful cause.” 

It’s not just volunteering that Franks Portlock is providing, that has a real impact on women’s lives, but support for local women’s refuges and lifeline community action this International Women’s Day.  

A call-out from believe housing to all its contractors, went out asking for donations of toiletry packs for women and Easter eggs for their children, baby items (nappies, milk, food pouches etc).   

Franks Portlock responded, organising up to a dozen care packs as well as a financial donation.  

Nik Welsh, Executive Director of Communities and Customer Services at believe housing, said: “At believe housing, we believe in life without barriers and we support talented, dedicated people to succeed. On International Women’s Day, we celebrated the many women in important roles across our organisation, alongside the men who champion them. We also took the opportunity to make a positive impact on our communities by supporting women through various charities, with the generous support of colleagues and partners such as Franks Portlock.”

These partnerships are examples of how Franks Portlock is working to elevate women’s voices and foster a more equitable community.  

Director Phil Franks says: “We believe that small actions can have a big impact, and we’re proud to play our part in creating a more supportive and inclusive community for women and families. 

“This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the incredible work charities like Love Amelia and Believe Housing do, and encourage others to get involved and give back.” 

Steph Capewell, Chief Executive at Love Amelia, said: “We are a small team but face a big task of responding to the needs of our community and supporting thousands of children living in poverty each year. The help we receive from volunteers is vital in letting us achieve this – we couldn’t do it without them.  

“We are so grateful to the team at Franks Portlock for stepping up, giving back, and wholeheartedly embracing the mission and values of our charity. Their commitment to giving back to the Sunderland community is admirable.” 

“I’ve gained so much knowledge, and Franks Portlock has been instrumental in this growth” 

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we discover how a team of women at Franks Portlock are shaping our industry now and into the future. 

We asked our female employees, working in a cross section of roles, what it takes to be successful in the environmental sector, their own experiences, what they’ve achieved in their careers, and what International Women’s Day means to them. 

Philippa Ogden, Senior Bid Writer, celebrates her one-year work anniversary with Franks Portlock next month. Before joining the business, she worked as a bid writer at a consultancy and has a background in marketing and PR, writing for B2B and B2C clients across the construction, sustainability, technology, and entertainment sectors. 

Commenting on how she feels she has progressed in her role, Philippa explains: “I’m constantly learning, and I believe this is reflected in my progression. Moving from a consultancy to an in-house role has been a valuable experience, giving me the opportunity to develop my writing style, navigate tender portals, and deepen my understanding of the company and its services. 

“Over the past year, I’ve gained so much knowledge, and Franks Portlock has been instrumental in this growth. They trust my approach to tenders, are on-hand to give me additional support, and it’s incredibly rewarding to feel valued in my role.” 

So how does Philippa see her role developing within this industry? 

“I feel like bids and tenders play an instrumental role in enabling our company’s growth – so I like to think I’m valued! For the future, I hope to keep learning and securing new opportunities for the business. With our rapid growth, it’s an exciting time to be here! I’d also love to see our Bids Team expand alongside the company’s success.” 

And what does International Women’s Day mean to Philippa? 

“For me, it’s a chance to celebrate the strong women I encounter in both my personal and professional life. While we’ve made great progress, there’s still a long way to go – so it serves as both a reminder of our achievements and a call to keep pushing for true equality and recognition.” 

Administration Manager Nicola Turnbull celebrates five years with Franks Portlock this year, having joined the company just two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past five years, she has played an integral role in the administration team, contributing to the company’s operational efficiency and success.

Reflecting on her career progression, Nicola explains: “I have worked within the industry for 10 years, starting as an administrator and, through hard work, skills development, and growing in confidence, progressing to Administration Manager overseeing a team of seven.

“I thoroughly enjoy the increased responsibility and job satisfaction my role brings, as I feel I’m helping to shape the direction of my department and the company as a whole.”

So, what does International Women’s Day mean to Nicola?

“For me, it’s a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world while also accelerating gender equality. It’s a time to remember my roots, express gratitude to the women who raised me and shaped my life through mentorship, friendship, and inspiration, and celebrate the talented, intelligent, and inspirational women around me—both personally and professionally.”

Financial Controller Sara Johnson joined Franks Portlock 18 months ago, having worked in senior management roles for 14 years. She believes that being a woman has not held her back and thinks the industry has come a long way since she first began her career. 

So, how does Sara feel her current role is developing? 

“I am extremely proud of what I have achieved and the senior management roles I’ve held in various businesses. However, I do not take for granted that when I started my career, there were very few seats at a board meeting for women.” 

She adds: “I feel that the management at Franks Portlock does an excellent job of addressing individuals based on their job role and authority rather than their gender. My role at Franks Portlock has developed as the business has grown, with increasing information requirements and more intensive decision-making responsibilities.

“I feel like a valued member of the senior management team. I feel that I am listened to and that my gender does not affect the integrity of my opinions or abilities. My qualifications and experience are valued and appreciated.” 

Prior to joining Franks Portlock four months ago, Marketing Manager Louise Craig, specialised in pay-per-click and content creation for a digital marketing agency, before becoming a generalist and managing the marketing function for an accountancy and finance recruitment agency. 

Despite achieving career success in her own field, she still believes there is a long way to go before women worldwide achieve true gender parity. 

“International Women’s Day is a chance to remind our society that there is still a long way to go and that is why this year’s theme is so important,” she explains. “When I read that, at the current rate of progress, we will reach full gender parity by 2158, I was shocked. It saddens me that both future generations and I will not see true equality in our lifetimes.  

“That is why this day is important to me, because though we fight every day, this dedicated day allows us to have a platform to be heard. It is an international day which commands attention. 

And how does Louise think she’s progressing in her own role? 

“I have gained a lot of experience in my career so far, the majority as a solo marketer which has allowed me to easily step into this role.

“However, I have learned so much more already. The directors here at Franks Portlock trust me and give me autonomy in my role, something which has helped me to evolve as a marketer already.” 

She adds: “Franks Portlock is an award-winning, national company that is highly rated by its customers, so my role is key in making sure more of our ideal customers actually know about us. I look forward to building the Franks Portlock brand and generating new business to help us thrive.” 

The newest member of the Franks Portlock family is Antonia Briton, who becomes the consultancy’s new Compliance Manager. 

Antonia reflects on what International Women’s Day means to her, as well as her own industry experience. 

“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.” 

Antonia adds: “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.”  

She adds: My role has progressed over the years from working in a financial environment to administration to now working in Compliance. I have gained vast experience in various industries and have a strong understanding of the legislation and the impact change in the law has on business.  I have experience in setting up managing and maintaining management systems which helps with my knowledge of compliance and legislative requirements.” 

Although very new to Franks Portlock as their Compliance Manager, Antonia sees her role initially reviewing implementing and maintaining the Health & Safety systems, GDPR and Cyber security.  

She says: “With the support of the team, I know in time we will be able to demonstrate full compliance in all areas of the business.  I can also draw on my previous 15 years of experience in a similar industry and apply and positive changes that may be required.”

One of the longest serving members of the Franks Portlock team is Nicola Warburton – Quality & Environmental Manager. 

She highlights the progression she has made since joining the organisation. 

“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 of Quality & Environmental Manager. 

“It is a very demanding role with significant challenges, but it plays a crucial part in the overall operation and success of the business.” 

Carmel Hodgson, Human Resource Manager, has worked at Franks Portlock for almost three years and spotlights her role as a mother as a motivating factor to succeed in her career. 

“International Women’s Day holds great significance for me,’ she says. “As a mother, I want my children, especially my daughter, to grow up in a society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunity.” 

Carmel adds: “Being a mother and working is all about balance. My role is a challenge at times, but it’s also super rewarding. I connect with my colleagues as I understand what it is like to juggle priorities. I have learnt how important it is to speak up and establish myself in the workplace. I have gained the ability to speak confidently, follow my own instincts, and stand up for what I think is right.” 

So how does Carmel see her role progressing at Franks Portlock? 

“I see my role at the company as someone who’s making a real impact, even if it’s not always easy to find the balance between work and home life. I feel valued when I see the work I do making a difference, whether it’s helping the team or supporting a positive work environment.  
“Ultimately, my job is to make sure that our employees are content, involved, and supported to assist the business succeed. And when that occurs, I feel as though I am making an impact.”