TWO women “in a man’s world” have joined forces to give their haulage firms a boost.

Vicki Davenport, sales and commercial director of Netherton-based The Pink Link Ltd, has teamed up with Mandy Taylor, finance director of Meltham-based Gibson Taylor Tranzol Ltd, to offer customers a global distribution service, including sea, air and road freight shipments.

Vicki and Mandy have both worked in the transport industry for more than 15 years – having met in the early 1990s when Mandy was working for another haulage firm in Slaithwaite.

Mandy said: “Vicki and I got on very well from the outset. We both have similar qualities, including paying attention to detail – and often chuckled about the trials and tribulations of working in a man’s world!”

She said: “During the early years of my career, I was constantly quizzed about my knowledge of the industry by customers and suppliers – something which I know they didn't do to the men.

“Tired of always having to prove myself, I completed my Certificates of Professional Competence, which were generally held by men and used as a base to gain a Goods Vehicle Operating Licence! For the first time in my life, the industry started to take me seriously.”

Mandy said: “While the European haulage industry was predominantly a male environment back then, the challenges of this ever-changing market appealed to me and made me even more determined to succeed. These days, being a woman in the international transport industry is a standard occurrence.”

Vicki said: “I feel that women have and continue to contribute greatly to this industry by providing the ‘finishing touch’ and setting new higher standards.”

Under the arrangement between the two firms, The Pink Link will refer customers who need to send part loads and full loads overseas to Gibson Taylor Tranzol to handle freight forwarding and export documentation.

In exchange, Gibson Taylor Tranzol will refer customers to The Pink Link for haulage services within the UK – where The Pink Link has nationwide coverage through the Palletways distribution network.

The Pink Link is well-known for its bright pink vehicles and sponsorship of a stand at the Galpharm Stadium. It was a category winner in the 2006 Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards and has raised thousands of pounds for charity. Gibson Taylor Tranzol is also a keen supporter of local charities.