Senior managers, directors, and team leaders from across the UK’s composites and manufacturing sectors are invited to a powerful one-day event revealing the tangible business benefits of investing in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).
Future-Proofing Your Organisation: The ROI of EDI Investment, to be held on 17th September at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, University of Warwick will explore how inclusive practices can deliver measurable returns in profitability, innovation, and organisational resilience.
Recruiting and retaining skilled staff is a challenge faced by everyone across the UK Composites sector. Research shows that when young people consider potential employers, 77% base decisions on a company’s diversity efforts – they expect equitable and inclusive workplaces. If we want to secure the future of our businesses and our industry, we must show we take this seriously.
Hosted by Composites UK this event will provide attendees with:
• Data-driven insights into the current state of EDI in UK composites
• Compelling evidence of the commercial benefits of diversity
• Real-world strategies to overcome time, budget, and cultural barriers
• Inspiring case studies from pioneering companies and female leaders
• Actionable takeaways for recruitment, leadership, and supply chain management
The day will also feature the opportunity to sign Composite UK’s EDI Commitment Pledge, signalling an organisation’s intent to embed inclusive practices throughout its operations.
Sue Halliwell, Operations Manager at Composites UK, said: “In our industry, EDI isn’t just about doing the right thing – it’s about creating stronger, more adaptable businesses that are attractive places to work. This event will give leaders the tools and insights they need to make inclusion a strategic advantage.”
Programme Highlights:
• Benchmark Insights: Latest UK composites EDI statistics presented by Dr Sue Halliwell
• Why EDI Matters for Industry Resilience: How EDI commitment is important in selecting a potential supply chain from the perspective of Samantha McGowan, HR Manager, Brookhouse Aerospace
• The Business Case for EDI: How diversity drives profitability and innovation – Ben Swain, Atlas Composites
• Practical Change Strategies: Overcoming barriers in EDI adoption – HR and industry leader panel, led by Naomi Benjamin, EDI Knowledge Exchange Forum
• Inclusive Design in Action: How diverse teams fuel product development – Adam Black, Multi-Ply Components
• Leading by Example: Lessons from pioneering female executives – Helen Doughty, SHD Composites
• Inclusive Recruitment: Ideas from someone how recruits daily – Edward Sell, Pegbox
• EDI in Supply Chain Procurement: Case studies presented by GKN and Syensqo
Registration is live and attendees are welcome from both Composites UK member and non-member companies, with a discount, as always, available to those within our membership.