Future-Proofing Your Organisation: The ROI of EDI Investment
What’s the cost of not doing this?

17th September 2025, Advanced Propulsion Centre, University of Warwick

Are you ready to lead your organisation into a more resilient, innovative future?

Join industry business leaders, HR strategists, and EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) champions for a powerful one-day event exploring the real business value of inclusive practices in the composites and manufacturing sectors.

This event is tailored for senior managers, directors, and team leaders from businesses of all size who want to understand the bottom-line benefits of EDI investment, and how to embed it meaningfully within their teams and supply chains.

What to Expect:
• Data-driven insights on the current state of EDI in UK composites
• The business case for diversity: profitability, innovation, and resilience
• Honest discussions on overcoming time, budget, and buy-in barriers
• Inspiring stories from female leaders and pioneering companies
• Actionable takeaways for recruitment, leadership, and procurement

From strategy to supply chain, discover why inclusive cultures aren’t just ethical, they’re essential.

Highlights include:
• Panel with HR and industry leaders
• Latest benchmark stats from Composites UK
• Real situation case studies from pioneering Composites UK members.
• The opportunity to sign the EDI Commitment Pledge to solidify your organisation’s intent

Programme

Session 1: Why should my business invest in EDI

  • The Numbers Today – current benchmark stats for the UK composites industry
    • Dr Sue Halliwell, Composites UK
  • The Business Case for EDI in Composites & Manufacturing – How diversity drives innovation and profitability
    • Ben Swain, Atlas Composites
  • PANEL: Managing EDI through Change- facilitated by Naomi Benjamin, The Inclusion Blueprint/Cranfield University
    • Grace Atkinson, Atlas Composites
    • Jed Richter, Syensqo
    • Vicky Bushell, Multi-Ply Composites
    • Ajay Kapadia, Innovate UK Business Connect
    • Samantha Gowan, Brookhouse Aerospace
    • Sophie Cozien-Cazuc, APC

Session 2: From Talk to Action

  • Innovations Through Inclusive Design – How diverse teams improve product development.
    • Adam Black, Multi-Ply Components
  • Leading by Example: Female Leaders in Composites – Insights from executives and pioneers.
    • Helen Doughty, SHD Composite Materials
  • Inclusive recruitment – get it right from the start
    • Edward Sell, Pegbox

Session 3: The role of EDI in supply chain procurement

  • Why EDI Matters for Industry Resilience – How EDI commitment is important in selecting a potential supply chain
    • Samantha McGowan, HR Manager, Brookhouse Aerospace
  • Companies Leading the Way in EDI – Real-world examples of successful initiatives.
    • Cathrin Smith, Syensqo
    • Vashnavi Shankar, GKN Aerospace

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Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

Want to enhance your presence at this event? We have both table-top exhibition space and sponsorship opportunities available at this event.

Download the brochure, here

Event dates & times