Lakhvir Sanghera, Managing Director for Toolstation UK and Benelux, has spent over 14 years building a remarkable career across the Travis Perkins Group. Her journey—from a degree apprenticeship in banking to leading major businesses in the construction sector—embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day: courage, curiosity, and the power of representation.
Lakhvir joined the industry in 2011 on a six-month contract supporting the Wickes business. What began as a short-term opportunity quickly became the foundation of a long and fulfilling career. Before entering construction, she built a strong professional grounding at Barclays, where she completed a degree apprenticeship, qualified as an accountant, and gained four years of hands-on experience. This early investment in her development set the stage for her future leadership roles.
Her interest in construction was sparked much earlier, shaped by her father’s hands-on approach to every DIY task imaginable. Those early experiences instilled a practical curiosity that later encouraged her to bring her transferable skills into a new industry—stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing growth.
Throughout her career, Lakhvir has been supported by inspiring leaders and high-performing teams. She has always approached her work with authenticity and a commitment to doing her best, values that have guided her through some of her proudest achievements.
One standout moment was leading the Travis Perkins Merchant business as Commercial Director during the COVID period (2020–2022). Under her leadership, the business delivered record sales and market share growth while navigating unprecedented challenges, from supply shortages to global disruptions like the Suez Canal blockage.
Another milestone close to her heart is her role in developing and introducing enhanced parental policies across the Travis Perkins Group in 2020. Working alongside other senior female leaders, she helped shape industry-leading policies that continue to positively impact thousands of colleagues. For Lakhvir, this achievement represents the kind of change that transforms lives and strengthens the industry’s ability to attract diverse talent.
Today, she sees a sector that has made significant progress in female representation at all levels. For her, construction is simply another industry—one where results, contribution, and character speak louder than stereotypes. She believes strongly in the importance of visible role models and is proud to see so many women shaping the future of the industry.
Her message for women and young people considering a career in construction is simple: stay curious and keep an open mind. Opportunities often appear unexpectedly, and the skills gained along the way can open doors you never planned for.
A motto that inspires her is: “You be You, It makes Us, Us.”
As the industry continues its journey toward greater inclusion, Lakhvir champions the belief that creating genuinely inclusive cultures will attract diverse colleagues far more effectively than targets alone. Progress has been made—but momentum matters.
On International Women’s Day, her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and representation come together.
