Furniture News continues to explore women’s changing role in the furniture industry this year, asking leading female professionals for their views on equality and the trade’s likely directions. Here, Shackletons' Donna Bellingham offers her take …
Having worked across retail and manufacture, and led boards through acquisition, recession and growth, former Sofa Brands International mainstay Donna is now the CEO of British handmade furniture vertical Shackletons.
Day to day, how aware are you of the furniture industry’s gender balance? Is equality important to you?
The furniture industry was historically male dominated, but I have seen a significant shift in that balance over the last 15 years. Today, I see women in senior roles, leading businesses and teams across multiple disciplines. Role models for those looking to join the industry are visible across so many parts of the sector today. I personally believe that equality, diversity and a rich blend of experience and background are essential to building first-class teams that succeed, and help the industry prosper.
At the start of your career, were you made to feel welcome by the trade, or did you have more obstacles to overcome than a man might?
I came to the industry having been in retail since the start of my career. I had been a clothing and homeware buyer for M&S, and was approached to help my previous furniture supplier improve the way they worked with their other retail customers. I was made very welcome by the teams in both manufacturing and retail.
From there, I was then asked to head up the commercial and brand roles for a joint venture with Conran, and then latterly moved on to develop and run three leading consumer brands for Sofa Brands International.
I have always worked hard, believed in building strong working relationships with my colleagues, and firmly believe that you will be judged by the results that you deliver. When I joined the sector, I was balancing my career with having a very young family, and the challenge was more about balancing those!
Is there anything you know about women and the workplace now that you wish you’d known sooner?
Believe in yourself and trust your instincts. I came to understand that women may approach things from a different perspective, whilst sharing the same goal as their colleagues. Diversity in experience, skills and approach are key to high-performing teams.
Can you share an anecdote/example of a time you felt held back or discriminated against due to your sex?
No, I honestly can’t.
Conversely, can you identify any stand-out gestures of fairness/equality?
To be honest, all my major career roles were given to me by men in senior positions, who believed in me, and gave me the opportunity to take on new challenges. From Parker Knoll to Collins & Hayes, and now Shackletons, I have relished every challenge, and been trusted to deliver for both the business and its customers. I have since been able to recruit, promote and mentor highly capable women into senior roles, who went on to have very successful careers in the industry.
Do you feel things are generally heading in the right direction? How can other people/the industry make a difference?
I do genuinely believe that the industry today is more inclusive and accessible. There is still room to progress more, and better reflect the consumers of our products and services. View every individual on their own merits, and support emerging talent. It is critical for the balance and future of our industry.
What would you tell young women who are thinking about entering the furniture industry?
I’ve had a fantastic and varied career in the sector and would highly recommend it to anyone. I feel excited about the opportunities for young, talented people coming into the industry today. Build your contacts and your networks, and never hold back from asking for help and mentoring from those who can support.
Read more views on women's changing role in the industry in the March issue of Furniture News.
