Young woman launches Borders haulage firm to tackle gender gap in industry
A young woman has launched her own haulage company as she aims to tackle gender and age imbalances in the industry.
At just 21-years-old, Lilly Fox has followed her dream by setting up L.J Fox Haulage after studying mechanics at Northumberland College and business at Borders College.
During her time at college, Lilly won both the Scottish Wild Card EDGE competition and The Curtis Fund which helped kickstart the company.
Based in the Scottish Borders, she now provides a goods delivery service to the Berwick, Eyemouth, Coldstream, Duns, St Abbs, Chirnside and Coldingham areas.
"From a young age, I have always been interested in cars,” she said. “I wanted to be my own boss, thrive, and work for myself.
"Winning these competitions and getting a bit of funding really helped me get off the ground.”
As a female business owner, Lilly is determined to break through the barriers that come with entering into a male-dominated industry, and hopes she can inspire other women to do the same.
"There is a massive gender imbalance in the industry,” she added. “I want to change the industry and show people women can do it. Women are powerful.”
As Lilly’s business continues to grow, she hopes to provide employment opportunities for both young people and women to help bridge the gap.
“It’s hard for young people to get into it because insurance premiums are so high,” she added. “I want to create jobs in the Borders and eventually go into schools and universities and show people what I do.”