Jardine Motors Group HR director Clare Martin, NFDA director Sue Robinson and JCT600 brand director Beryl Carney are among the six finalists in the UK automotive industry's inaugural Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award.

Joining them in the final shortlist are Mary Dopson-Taylor, customer services director at Grosvenor Leasing, LeasePlan UK account director Carrie Knox and Sam Watkins, sales and marketing director at C Walton, the company which owns Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground.

The finalists were agreed by a judging panel that included Auto Trader operations director Catherine Faiers, Fleet News deputy editor Sarah Tooze, Marshall Motor Group chief executive Daksh Gupta, and Cox Automotive’s UK chief executive Martin Forbes and HR director Alison Fisher.

Fisher said: “The Barbara Cox Award is named after a business pioneer who served as a director of Cox Enterprises – Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA – and recognises a woman who shares the traits and accomplishments of its namesake.

“Based on the nominations we received, it’s clear there are some great role models for women seeking a career in our industry, and I’m delighted to announce such an impressive shortlist.”

The winner will be announced on March 8, which is International Women’s Day.

The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award is part of Cox Automotive’s Women with Drive programme, which aims to inspire women to reach their career goals within the automotive industry.

The winner will receive £5,000 to spend on personal development, and will be invited to be part of the Women with Drive programme over the next twelve months.