Engagement Team in Action: Women in Manufacturing Conference

Written by Tabby Hanlon-Scott (Sector Engagement Lead)

Women in Manufacturing Conference 2026

One of the highlights of my October was attending the Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Conference 2026 at MTC in Coventry. It's always one of my favourite events of the year and a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and meet others who are just as passionate about the future of manufacturing, and inclusivity within it. The conversations are always honest, practical, and focused on making a real difference, which is why I leave feeling positive and motivated every year.

Takeaways from the day

This year's discussions centred around manufacturing's talent challenge and how we attract and keep talented people in the sector. The WiM team also launched their latest report: Women in UK Manufacturing 2026: Building Flexible Manufacturing Workplaces report, which highlighted the role flexible working can play in retention. 

More than half (56%) of respondents said it was very or extremely important in their decision to stay with their current employer. At a time when skills shortages continue to challenge manufacturers, it’s a timely reminder that creating workplaces where people can thrive is just as important as attracting new talent.

If you're interested in the findings, I'd definitely recommend reading the report: Women in UK Manufacturing 2026: Building Flexible Manufacturing Workplaces.

Panel discussions

I also thoroughly enjoyed joining my colleague, Maia Rowe-Sampson, on a panel alongside Laura Norton from WISE (Women into Science and Engineering) and Natalie Desty from STEM Returners. We discussed how our organisations are helping to remove barriers, broaden participation, and support people at different stages of their careers. It was such positive conversation and a great example of what can be achieved when organisations work together.

Other events

The rest of the month was packed too, from presenting to the Cardiff Capital Region Skills Partnership Advanced Manufacturing Cluster Group, to catching up with colleagues across Team Wales and attending the Petty Pool Conference to learn more about the growing challenge of young people who are not in education, employment or training across Cheshire and Warrington.

What's next?

If October was busy, November is shaping up to be even busier. I've already spent two brilliant days at Advanced Engineering at the NEC. Still to come are BRILLIANT Festival, the launch of the new North Wales Skills Plan, and a trip to South Wales for WorldSkills UK.