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October may be wrapping up, but this week we continue to celebrate the incredible women at Porter Group - and to acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect, support, and raise awareness for women’s health.

This week, we caught up with Tania Wakeman, Team Leader / AML Compliance Officer at Porter Finance. She shares her journey from the travel industry to finance, the inspiration she draws from her team, and the energy she brings to keeping our operations running smoothly - while reflecting on what Breast Cancer Awareness Month means to her personally.

Tell us a little about your role at Porter Group - what does a typical day look like for you?

As part of the Finance Team, our main objective is to support Porter Equipment in achieving their sales goals and to enhance the overall customer experience with innovative and efficient finance solutions.

In my role as Team Leader, I’m responsible for overseeing and maintaining these processes while always looking for opportunities to improve. The Finance Team works closely with Sales, Customers, and other departments across the Porter Group, such as Logistics, to coordinate and finalise finance arrangements efficiently.

As AML Compliance Officer, I ensure Porter Finance remains fully compliant with all government regulations and legislation relating to Anti-Money Laundering. This includes managing ongoing reporting, monitoring, and auditing, and ensuring our procedures meet the highest compliance standards.

What advice would you give to other women pursuing a career in this industry?

I stepped into this role after 35 years in the travel industry, making the transition post-Covid. Although I came in with no prior experience in finance - and the two industries seemed worlds apart - I quickly discovered they share core values of teamwork and customer care.

My advice to other women is to set your goals and aspirations but also be open to change. Sometimes life takes you in a new direction - embrace it, ask questions, and make the most of every opportunity. Challenge yourself, and trust that every new experience adds to your growth.

Being part of the Finance Team at Porter Group has expanded my knowledge not only in finance and compliance, but also in the buying, selling, and building of heavy machinery - and I’m absolutely loving it!

What helps you recharge outside of work?

Definitely spending time with family and friends - sharing meals together and memorable adventures. I love travelling and experiencing new places, but I also really value the peacefulness and comfort of home.

Who or what has been a source of support or inspiration for you in your career?

I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by people who continually support and inspire me - my wonderful family and friends. They all work hard and follow their own dreams, which is a constant source of inspiration for me.

Within Porter Finance, I’ve been extremely privileged to learn from my manager, whose extensive knowledge and experience has made him a great mentor and encourages me to keep challenging myself. I’m also very grateful to be part of such a supportive and collaborative team - thank you, Michael and Minry!

What does Breast Cancer Awareness Month mean to you, in your own words?

It’s a meaningful reminder to prioritise awareness, early detection, and support for those affected by breast cancer. It’s a chance for us as a workplace to contribute to a culture of education, community action, empathy, and health.

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