When you think of the electrical contracting industry or solar technology, a female managing director might not be the first image that comes to mind, but our MD Alicia challenges that perception every day.
As we celebrate our 50th year in business, Alicia marks 18 years of her own journey within the organisation, a journey marked by drive, growth, and ground-breaking leadership. In an industry where female voices are still vastly under represented, she stands out not only as a leader but as a hands-on professional who still works “on the tools” when needed.
“It’s responsibility, pressure, and a lot of pride,” she says when asked what it’s like to be a female MD in the industry. And that pride is earned, not just from making high-level decisions solo, but from a deep understanding of every aspect of the business. From quoting and test sheets to HR, budgeting, negotiation, discovering new cutting edge solutions, and being a spark on site, Alicia has done it all.
As a mother of three, she also knows what it means to juggle personal and professional pressures. Yet her message is clear: ‘There’s room for everybody.’
“I’m not here to prove to anybody anything about being female,” she says. “I want more people, more women to see women in industry and to think it’s not a barrier for them; that they can do this too.”
In the evolving world of electrical power and solar technology, businesses like Tomlinson Longstaff are proving that diversity and experience go hand in hand. Female electrical contractors and management like Alicia are not just rare, they’re role models, showing the next generation that success in trades isn’t limited by gender.Whether you’re a young woman exploring your future in STEM or a business looking to support inclusive hiring, Alicia’s story is a testament to what’s possible when skill, determination, and passion come together.
Tomlinson Longstaff Ltd is an electrical contractor based in Country Durham, north east England. We offer a wide range of electrical services including design, testing, installation and maintenance.