The IfM has hosted the second Women in Manufacturing: Changing Perceptions conference at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry. Co-organised by Innovate UK Business Connect and High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, the event brought together over 160 delegates to discuss gender diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector.

 

The Changing Perceptions conference is the flagship event for the Women in Manufacturing UK (WiM UK) initiative, established in 2022. Led by a dedicated network of academics, practitioners, and industry professionals, WiM UK’s mission is to offer networking opportunities, peer support, thought leadership, industry expertise, and policy advocacy to create a more inclusive manufacturing landscape.

 

As a founding partner of WiM UK, the IfM brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers for the conference to explore the vital role of women in driving innovation within the manufacturing sector. Through dynamic discussions, interactive workshops, and inspiring keynote sessions, the event focused on breaking down barriers, fostering diversity, and highlighting the transformative potential of women in manufacturing.

 

Tackling gender disparity in manufacturing

The gender imbalance in the manufacturing sector is stark: although women comprise nearly half of the UK's workforce, they only represent 26.1% of the manufacturing industry. Deep-seated stereotypes and norms have perpetuated this divide.

 

Against this backdrop, the conference kicked off with a keynote session from the IfM’s Jennifer Castañeda Navarrete and Zoi Roupakia. They presented key messages from their new report "The Women in UK Manufacturing 2024: Addressing Labour Shortages and Bridging the Gender Gap," co-authored with Dr. Viktória Döme and Guendalina Anzolin.

 

 

The report highlights the slow progress of women's representation in manufacturing. It explores the critical challenges faced by the industry today, specifically addressing two of the most pressing challenges faced by the industry: labour shortages and gender disparity. The report includes a review of the progress and setbacks in women's participation over the past year, principles for building a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and case studies showcasing best practices from across the UK and beyond.

 

The keynote set the tone for a day dedicated to challenging existing perceptions and creating pathways for greater inclusivity in manufacturing.

 

Key speakers included prominent industry leaders (from organisations including Siemens, the UK BioIndustry Association, the Department for Business and Trade, Innovate UK Business Connect, Almond Engineering, Engineers Insight and Defankle Innovation) who shared their insights on the current state of gender diversity in the sector and the road ahead.

 

Inclusive innovation

Conference panel discussions delved into the challenges and opportunities women face in the manufacturing sector, with a particular emphasis on fostering inclusive innovation. One session focused on reimagining manufacturing processes and workplace environments to better support and empower women. Case studies from companies that have successfully implemented inclusive practices were highlighted, demonstrating the tangible benefits of diversity in driving innovation and enhancing productivity.

 

 

Later sessions showcased industry and government initiatives aimed at making workplaces more inclusive, sharing best practices that are shaping the future of manufacturing. Additionally, early-career women in the field offered candid insights into their experiences, exploring both the opportunities and hurdles they’ve encountered in their professional journeys.

 

Allyship: A catalyst for change in manufacturing

One of the key themes of the conference was allyship, highlighting its role in driving gender diversity across the manufacturing sector. Sue Johnson (Managing Partner of Inclusion and Diversity, Odgers Berndston) led a dedicated breakout session on becoming an active ally in the workplace. She guided attendees through the five essential types of allyship — Sponsor, Student, Support, Strengthen, and Speak Up —equipping them with actionable strategies to foster inclusivity and support women in manufacturing.

 

David Lott, CEO of IfM Engage, who attended the conference, underscored the vital importance of allyship: "As leaders in the manufacturing sector, we have a responsibility to actively support gender diversity and inclusion, not just through policies but through genuine allyship. It’s not enough to acknowledge the barriers women face—we must be advocates and collaborators in dismantling them. This conference has highlighted the transformative power of allyship, where men play a crucial role in empowering women and fostering a culture of innovation through diversity."

 

Beyond allyship, the conference also featured a series of interactive workshops that provided practical tools and strategies for promoting gender diversity within organisations. These sessions covered topics such as addressing gender bias through AI and digital technologies, exploring flexible working models, and leveraging social media to raise awareness of manufacturing careers for women.

 

Networking and collaboration were core aspects of the event, with dedicated spaces for attendees to connect, share best practices, and explore potential partnerships. The day was designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming individuals from all genders and backgrounds. Male speakers, including Tom Flude (Engineers Insights), Chris Needham (Made Smarter Innovation), Paul Tallon (LYVA Labs), Christopher Pilgrim (Innovate UK Business Connect), and Mark Weymouth (PLUS Automation) actively engaged in discussions, further promoting diversity and inclusion within the sector.

 

Engaging virtual experience

In addition to in-person attendees, more than 100 participants joined the conference virtually. With the help of a roaming robot, they were able to fully engage in all plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops. During networking breaks, virtual attendees enjoyed live exhibition tours and had the opportunity to ask questions through a chat feature that was actively monitored.

 

 

“I attended the conference virtually; this was by far the best virtual conference I have attended. The online host was amazing; she made us all feel very connected and involved with the conference. The Bella bot roaming robot was also a great feature and very inclusive for everyone online, enabling us to 'meet' the stands and ask questions. The variety of speakers and topics, with a broad perspective, was great,” said Amy Miles, Head of Operations Actisense and Women in Manufacturing Industry Advisory Board member.

 

The conference wrapped up with a closing session that reaffirmed IfM and its partners' commitment to driving change in the manufacturing sector.

 

“I hope that attendees left the event equipped with new insights, tools, and a renewed sense of purpose in their efforts to make manufacturing a more inclusive and equitable sector,” said Conference host Kate Willsher, COO, IfM Engage. “The IfM is proud to have hosted this pivotal event and looks forward to continuing its work in empowering women and advancing gender diversity in manufacturing.”

 

The conference generated high praise for its inclusivity. Nicola Ballantyne, Head of Customer Services at MESTEC said: “Wow! What a great day – full to the brim with great content and food for thought.”

 

Abigail Hird, Founder and director, Defankle: “Being in a room full of people who share a passion for inclusive innovation is a buzz. The work the IfM, HVMC and Innovate UK have done to formalise the Women in Manufacturing community is phenomenal.”

 

 

Dr Ruby Pillai, Founder & CEO of iWarranty: “It was nothing short of inspiring!  The room was filled with industry leaders, all driven to break barriers and reimagine the future of manufacturing. From powerful workshops on diverse roles, and leveraging digital technology to shaping the future of manufacturing jobs, the event sparked vital conversations on how we can create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in the industry. One message resonated deeply: women belong in manufacturing—not as the exception, but as leaders, innovators, and changemakers. The under-representation of women in this sector is a challenge we must meet head-on by raising awareness, mentoring future talent, and transforming the narrative around manufacturing careers.”

 

For more information on the event or to get involved in future initiatives, visit: https://engage-events.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/WomeninManufacturing#/

 

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The WiM UK conference was made possible through the support of the High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, Innovate UK Business Connect, and Lloyds Business and Commercial. It is part of a series of activities organised by the Women in Manufacturing initiative, a network of industrial and academic professionals dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector.