Business Profile
Triteq: Electronic products designer takes on battle of the sexes
13th March 2008
THE technology, science and engineering areas of industry have traditionally been male dominated in the UK. Today, according to a recent DTI survey, only a quarter of the workforce in these sectors is female, with a much smaller proportion of managerial positions being held by woman.
However, Hungerford-based company Triteq is working towards addressing the balance with both its senior management team and a strong female presence in most departments.
Developing high-technology products from world-beating electronic monitoring products to innovative medical devices, the company has established a reputation as a leading independent designer of electronic-based products.
The company was established 16 years ago by Jackie Berry (pictured), now the managing director, and Steve Lane. Since those early days, the business has sustained steady growth and now employs 30 people, with an above-average female presence.
Throughout the companies history there has been a good mix of staff and with a strong emphasis on training, all employees have the opportunity to grow with the business. As an example, the company’s prototyping facility has employed staff with no prior experience of electronics and developed their skills to a highly advanced level, allowing intricate assembly work to be carried out, while at the same time checking the technical validity of the designs. This has become a valuable part of the design process with all staff being encouraged to provide valuable feedback to the senior designers and developers throughout all stages of the project.
“Triteq will take a concept to manufacture,” explained Jackie. “Clients come to us with an idea and we will take that and develop it into something real, taking the idea forward into reality. Part of that process is to provide feedback to the client on their concepts and having both male and female staff working in the company allows this view to be more balanced. A range of experience, both technically and from a user perspective, is essential in providing the customer with the most effective design.
“The main challenge to the companies continued growth has been the recruitment of experienced designers.
“I have worked in many areas of electronic design and manufacturing and all have been challenging and interesting both in terms of the work and the satisfaction of seeing a completed product which you know you have been involved in creating. It is disappointing that we do not see many female applicants when we have opportunities for designers.
“I am proud of Triteq’s achievements and much of this is due to the dedication of the team here. We continue to develop the business and our latest success is to have been named as a medical design partner specialist to one of the world’s leading electronic component suppliers, Microchip.
“This is a particularly proud moment for all of us because we are the only partner within the UK and Europe at the start of this prestigious initiative.”
Triteq
Tel: (01488) 684554
Fax: (01488) 685335
Web: www.triteq.com
Email: info@triteq.com
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