STEM leaders stress that gender diversity in UK Manufacturing is “a key driver for growth”
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Despite the UK having one of the lowest proportions of women in manufacturing among the world’s top 15 economies, industry leaders argue that breaking gender stereotypes and showcasing female success stories is essential to changing perceptions and encouraging more women into the field.
Camilla Hadcock, chairman of Made in Britain and director of Roach Bridge Tissues, said: “We need to challenge outdated views of manufacturing and highlight its creativity, problem-solving, and the many opportunities it offers. Women aren’t intimidated by machinery – in fact, they thrive in technical environments. Advances in automation and robotics have made the sector more accessible than ever. By increasing visibility and representation, we can inspire more women to consider careers in manufacturing and engineering.”
Alison Orrells, CEO of The Safety Letterbox Company, emphasised the importance of early engagement with young women to ensure they see manufacturing as a viable career path: “The UK has a great opportunity to reshore manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening domestic industry. However, we must ensure that women are not excluded from the sector by failing to showcase the diverse roles available. From apprenticeships to AI-driven innovation, manufacturing offers vast opportunities for talented women.”
Shalom Lloyd MBE, founder and managing director of Naturally TIWA Skincare, reinforced the importance of visibility: “You can’t be what you can’t see. My factory is entirely female-led, and seeing women at the forefront of operations is powerful. We need to spread this visibility to young women passionate about creating and innovating so they can see the manufacturing sector as an exciting and fulfilling career choice.”
Amanda Coffman, commercial manager at Thor Hammer Ltd, highlighted the need to change perceptions of manufacturing: “There’s a lingering stereotype that manufacturing is ‘dirty’ work, which can put women off. In reality, it’s a diverse and dynamic industry with countless career paths. More needs to be done in education to not only provide equal access to STEM courses but also to showcase successful women in the sector.”
As the UK manufacturing industry looks to the future, industry leaders are calling for increased collaboration between businesses, education providers, and policymakers to ensure a more diverse and inclusive workforce, driving innovation and growth across the sector.