Focusing on gender equality in male-dominated industries is the future for creating happy, balanced places to work. This is why in The Arabian Tent Company’s range of tents, themed interiors, props and furniture – you’ll find a perfectly balanced group of both Men and Women who have been basking in gender equality for years... In the past almost all construction jobs were part of a closed, men-only world. Not anymore. Around half of ATC’s rigging crew are women and an integral part of the team and the men on the crew are delighted to have the women involved.

1. WEDDING MARQUEES FIT FOR #HeForShe

2. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a marquee that has been hired
for a wedding must be in need of an Erection Specialist to set it up.
But, unusually it won’t just be a crew of lads that arrive with
sledge-hammers, tool-belts and string vests to set-up The Arabian
Tent Company’s range of tents, themed interiors, props and
furniture – you’ll find a perfectly balanced group of both Men and
Women who have been basking in gender equality for years..

3. These sumptuous creations require brawn,
brains, as well as technological and creative
flair to conjure up magical wonderlands in
venues that range from gardens in the
home counties to fields in the Scottish
highlands.
As Team Leader and one of ATC’s female
crew members, Lushka Mengham, says:
“It's kind of like a removals, event
production, and interior design job all
rolled into one.”

4. Skills required include physical strength and
stamina during long days on the road,
knowledge of building, roofing, flooring and
general construction techniques, electrical
know-how, the ability to work in a hard-working
team, problem solving, and an eye for
the detail and style of the furniture, draping,
ornaments and accessories that all go into
creating ATC’s sumptuous interiors.
Not to the mention the people skills required to
soothe the jangling nerves of the bride’s mum.

5. “I was very much a tomboy when I was a
kid, climbing trees, BMX biking, that sort of
thing,” says Katherine Hudson, ATC’s
founder.
“So when I bought my first old Pakistani
marquee, it never even crossed my mind
that it wasn’t going to be me setting it up.
And it’s been exactly the same with every
other element of the business - driving vans,
packing trucks, lifting heavy weights,
whatever needs to be done - and if I can do
it then so can other women too.”
“It’s the fact that all our girls are equal to the
men that matters.” says Operations Manager,
Jennie Stogden. “So the guys respect the fact
that they are perfectly capable of doing
exactly the same job as them”

6. Jennie has been pushing aside the boundaries of stereotypical roles all her working
life with a degree in stage management which often took her to the main stages of
music festivals.
“I’ve never had an issue working in a boy’s environment,” she says. “Anyway, it’s
not really down to gender, it’s the temperament of the people themselves, not
whether you’re a boy or a girl that matters. In this job you just need to be a
practical hard-worker and they come in both blue and pink flavour!”
“I find that women discuss more
beforehand about the method of doing a
job,” adds Katherine, “women want to
be involved more in the decision making
process. I also think women can be just
as strong as men if they use their
strength with a bit of thought…if they
lift properly and work out the best
methods for doing things.”

7. But are there any differences in the way women and men go about the job?
“Although everyone is different, women can be more perfectionist with finishing
touches and tend to be more lateral thinkers,” says Jennie.
“But at the same time they can quite often get distracted by discussing in-depth
the best way to do something, whereas what is often quite handy
with the men is that they single-mindedly just get on and get the job done.
However, girls are very good at putting clients at their ease.”

8. “Our clients on wedding jobs are often
women and I think they like to see
women in the crew,” agrees Leah
Thomas, Electrician and HGV driver for
The Arabian Tent Company.
“It’s very reassuring for them as they
often feel we have a shared sense of
style and an eye for detail. That’s not
to say the boys don’t have that too,
because they do, it’s just a perception
thing more than anything else, but it
certainly helps. Women can also bring
a sense of calmness to the team.
Having both men and women on a
team helps create a great team spirit
and we’re all very upbeat people.”

9. So what’s the final score? Is it three cheers for the girls and two cheers for the boys?
Let Lushka Mengham have the last word: “I've thought hard about this and it's my
personal opinion that there is no desirable or undesirable trait that isn't
demonstrated by both sexes, be that height, strength, attitude, graft, technique or
initiative. As long as you care then you're gold.”
Pull Quote: “Having both men and women on a team creates a great team
spirit and we’re all very upbeat people.” Leah Tomas.

10. The Arabian Tent Company designs, creates and develops the most
extraordinary marquees.
The collection of eight exquisitely themed marquee interiors ranges from the
subtle and romantic to the bold and beautiful with ornaments and furniture to
compliment each style.
The showroom is based just outside Lewes, East Sussex – calls are
welcomed to arrange a visit or for more information - 0800 88 15 229.

11. Contact Sheet
Website: http://www.arabiantents.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/arabiantentco
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathhudson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/arabiantents
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ArabianTentco
Email Address: info@arabiantents.com