Success Stories
Helen Joyce - Owner | Riverside Resourcing & Consultancy Ltd - automotive sector recruitment
Sara Sloman Chief Strategy Officer | Paythru
Why did you start a career in automotive?
“I have been working in the automotive industry for over 30 years, always in recruitment. My recruitment career started in a High Street agency, where I supplied temporary office staff to companies locally. I loved it as it was fast-paced and exciting. Whilst working in this business, I had friends who worked in the automotive industry who explained that they had struggled to get staff, particularly in the bodyshop industry. My new career began. I set up my first business supplying temporary panel beaters and sprayers to the bodyshop industry. It was so successful, I ended up placing all of my temps into permanent roles! I was then approached to work for Sewells Training and Consultancy, setting up their automotive recruitment division. While here, I was approached by Mercedes-Benz UK to do the same for them.”
“A powerful woman in my career once said to me: No one will thank you for going alone – but they will all thank you for taking them with you - and in turn, will take you further.”
What successes have you had?
“My career started in Road Safety Teams within local councils and naturally turned to EV (electric vehicle) in 2010 when the first chargers were installed. Needless to say - my heart was ignited, because I have always fought for clean air by supporting sustainable transport initiatives. Cycling in Bath as a student (where I pulled over coughing and feeling like I was going to be sick from the fumes) I made it my mission to affect change using my brain and my voice.”
What has your career path looked like working in the automotive industry? “I spent 21 years with Mercedes-Benz. Along with my team, we were responsible for helping the Mercedes-Benz car, truck and van dealer network recruit great people. Sadly, in 2019, my position was made redundant. Having spoken with some of my Mercedes-Benz clients, I decided to go it alone and set up Riverside Resourcing & Consultancy Ltd, and here we are in 2025, still going strong, and still working with some of those businesses. As you can imagine, I have placed hundreds of people into jobs within the motor trade, whether that be managing directors, technicians or administrators. All have been a pleasure to deal with. I love helping people find their dream job; it’s what motivates me.
The automotive industry has always been predominantly male-oriented, more so when I joined the industry all those years ago! However, it is wonderful to see so many women in the business, particularly in managerial roles. The thing about our wonderful industry is that it is challenging, it is rewarding, and it is fun. There are so many opportunities available to women, whether that be working in sales or after-sales and being able to develop long, successful careers.”
Why did you start a career in automotive?
“My mother was a mechanical technician, making it into her local paper as one of the youngest and first females to complete that qualification at the time. She was told she couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to - but she did. I learned a lot from this message – by looking up to people and seeing how they achieved their success.
I knew, from a young age that the transport sector would always have my heart.”
What support have you had in this traditionally male-dominated industry?
“Challenges were as common as success, and I clung onto those people who shared my vision, and who were willing to lift one another up. In every role I have held, there has always been someone I looked forward
What have you loved about your career in automotive?
to seeing, working with, listening to and learning from. These people are typically those who are open and communicative, kind and intelligent. I respect the people who stand tall, regardless of the adversity in their way, and I firmly believe that it is our own responsibility as women to know our own strengths and have confidence in them. I believe the secret to women’s success boils down to being bold, being seen and heard.”
“Whilst with Mercedes-Benz UK, I had the opportunity to travel with my role, which was fascinating, seeing how other cultures recruit, train and develop their people. I have also loved working on the numerous projects to recruit trainee sales executives into the Mercedes-Benz network, particularly when we introduced smart into the UK and helping create the Mercedes- Benz Van Talent Programme and the Trainee Truck Sales Executive Programme. Some of those trainees have gone on to fantastic things within Mercedes-Benz, which makes me very proud.”
Copyright Rygor Group 2025
Copyright Rygor Group 2025
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