An established Southport company which prides itself on developing careers for women in construction and engineering is proud to support this year’s International Women’s Day celebration in the town.
EFT Group, based on Cobden Road, consists of EFT Systems, EFT Construction and EFT Electrical, a combination of businesses that provides a unique partnership to build, protect and maintain clients’ property, life safety and security assets.
EFT Systems was founded in 1974 and the family-owned firm works hard to champion opportunities for women and men, including through its own two academies.
Senior figures at the business include Kyla Watts, HR Director for the past 10 years, and Jordan Duggan, a company director who has been with the firm for 23 years.
EFT Group is taking a table at the International Women’s Day event organised by Queenscourt Hospice at The Grand, on Lord Street, Southport, from 12pm onwards on Friday, 7th March 2025.
You can book tickets through the Queenscourt Hospice website here or email: fundraising@queenscourt.org.uk
EFT is an integrated security manufacturer, designer, installer and maintainer across the North West which has seen a rapid transition in recent years.
Jordan Duggan said: “This is a brilliant business to be part of! We love working here. We are constantly pushing ourselves to be the best we can be.
“As a business we have just celebrated our 50th anniversary, which is a proud landmark for a second generation family-run business like ours.
“We are very invested in our local community and love doing all we can to support brilliant local charities such as Queenscourt Hospice, which has such a positive impact on the lives of so many families locally.
“Last year, loads of us really enjoyed taking part in the Star Trekk walk through Southport to raise funds for Queenscourt.
“We also turned out in numbers to support our CEO, Adam Watts, as he took part in the Strictly Come Queenscourt dance competition!
“We operate our EFT Foundation, which enables us to make a positive difference in many ways.
“As a business we have grown so much in recent years! We now have over 140 members in our team. When I started there were 10.”
Kyla Watts said: “We offer fantastic career opportunities for people who want to come on board with us and progress their skills and their careers.
“What remains vital are the values we hold as a company.
“We have a Training Academy, where people develop their knowledge and experience; and a Top Gun Academy, where colleagues develop their management skills, creating aspiring leaders and succession planning.
“We have three women on our board, and two men. Opportunity has to filter all the way up.
“For us, diversity in the workplace is changing the landscape of the industries in which we operate.
“We are very much an industry leader in that respect. We’re proud that EFT is such a forward thinking business.
“Giving more opportunities to women in careers like this is so important. Women can aspire to anything they want to be.
“There should be more women in construction and engineering and we are doing all we can to help that change to happen.
“It is brilliant when our young employees qualify and then go back into schools to speak with girls in the classroom to say ‘look what I’ve achieved – and look what you can become’.”
International Women’s Day in Southport will see guests entertained by three inspirational speakers and some fabulous entertainment.
It is sponsored by Financial Planning Corporation (FPC) and LeaseCar UK.
Tickets are £50 each or £500 for a table of 10 and include a delicious two course meal, live music, and a glass of fizz upon arrival sponsored by LWC.
All funds raised during the day will go towards Queenscourt Hospice, a local charity that delivers exceptional care for people with life-limiting illnesses in West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.
Speakers are:
● Serena Silcock, Head of Operations, Silcock Leisure Group
● Alan Adams, General Manager, Southport Flower Show & Victoria Park Events
● Tammy Burgess, Southport Football Club Sporting Director
Entertainment will be provided by superb local singer Kelly Bond.
Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley said: “International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to recognise the role of men in supporting equality and helping to drive positive change. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ reminds us that progress requires collective effort.
“On a local level, we have the power to make a real difference – whether through supporting the women in our lives or working together to ensure everyone has equal opportunities.
“As we come together to celebrate and raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice, we also honour the strength, resilience, and unity of our entire community – women and men alike – working side by side to create a more equal future.”
- For more details about opportunities within EFT Group please visit: eftgroup.co.uk
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