The Women With Metal (WMM) Conference, held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on 29th October 2024, marked another milestone in fostering inclusivity and innovation within the manufacturing and metals industries. Spearheaded by Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services, the conference brought together 300 delegates for a day of engaging discussions, impactful presentations, and meaningful connections.
A platform for inspiration and growth
This year's event featured a series of keynotes and panel discussions tackling themes central to advancing equity in the workplace. Topics ranged from financial empowerment and effective communication to allyship and stress management. Control Energy Costs’ (CEC) Nigel Addison-Evans led an interactive panel that delved into the challenges facing the achievement of gender equity in the workplace. This prompted discussion around the business and societal benefits of gender equity and ways we can work towards this via allyship and working together. A second panel addressed the Government’s recent Green Paper on the proposed industrial strategy, with industry experts discussing the implications of this strategy on the metals industry to support growth, innovation and sustainability.
Driving change with purpose
As Platinum Sponsors, the attendance of CEC’s team members, including Nigel, Lisa Winstanley and Teresa Webb, underscored their commitment to gender equity. They had an impressive stand showcasing their 360-degree service model and engaging animation to explain their services in an easy-to-understand way.
CEC also supplied a sustainable and recyclable wildflower-growing kit gift for attendees - a symbolic gesture reflecting growth and resilience. CEC’s sponsorship aligns with its internal ethos of providing a balanced, inclusive workplace, as highlighted by its 50:50 gender split in technical roles.
Key takeaways
The conference left attendees with actionable strategies to enhance inclusivity and professional success in their organisations such as embracing allyship and mastering networking.
Steph Snade, Business Psychologist and Founder of Steph Snade Leadership highlighted valuable lessons on avoiding “walkie-talkie” communication in business. As she explains,
“Many people communicate as if they are using a walkie-talkie, pressing the button and relaying information with no thought for the recipient and failing to include or engage the other person. It’s like they’ve hit ‘send’ on their own message and believe that is the primary purpose of the communication, rather than the action that they expect to follow from the other person.”
Looking ahead
The 2024 event exceeded expectations, building on the momentum of previous years. Attendees praised the WMM team, including Kirsty and Alexis Kaelin, for delivering an event that united professionals and inspired change. The day also allowed ample networking opportunities over lunch and post-event drinks, enhancing new collaborations and connections.
As Kirsty reflected on the event’s success, she expressed gratitude for the sponsors, speakers, and participants who made the day memorable. With plans already underway for 2025, the conference continues to be a cornerstone for shaping an inclusive future in the metals and manufacturing industries.
Here’s to breaking barriers and “fabricating the future” together!
Image courtesy of Women With Metal and Comton Group (2024)