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Women in manufacturing; why inclusion isn’t optional for manufacturing SMEs
With nearly a quarter of the UK’s manufacturing workforce nearing retirement - most of them men - the sector faces a talent cliff. Inclusive leadership isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s a competitive advantage.
Read time: 3 mins Added: 28/10/25
Manufacturing is a man’s world, right?
Looking at the data, you’d be forgiven for thinking that manufacturing is a man’s world. The proportion of women in the manufacturing workforce has sat at around just one in four for the last 20 years.
That’s manufacturing’s loss, because women have an important contribution to make. We all know that manufacturing firms, like many other sectors, are facing a shortage of skills, so it’s a missed opportunity not to recruit from as wide a talent pool as possible.
A recent report ‘Women in UK Manufacturing 2025’, sponsored by Lloyds, shows that some progress has been made. Women’s participation in manufacturing rose to 28.4%, and leadership roles hit 24.8%. Representation of non-White women jumped to 13.5%. Progress, yes - but barriers persist. 75% of women who leave the sector say they feel undervalued. Menopause, caregiving, and flexible working remain under-supported. With women who have a disability facing even greater exclusion.
Eleanor Moorhouse Women Entrepreneur Lead, Social SustainabilityIt’s vital that the next generation sees not only that there’s a place for them in manufacturing, but that they can thrive, advance their careers, and reach the very highest levels of success.
Inclusive leadership
The report highlights that inclusive leadership must steer the sector forwards – from the boardroom to the shop floor. It identifies five key principles to promote more inclusive workplace cultures:
- Fairness and equity in treatment and opportunity.
- Open communication and valuing individual uniqueness.
- Support for wellbeing and life stages, including menopause and caregiving.
- Equitable career development, with clear pathways and mentoring.
- Social impact, aligning business goals with community and environmental responsibility.
SMEs are uniquely positioned to lead on inclusivity by embedding equity into everyday practice. It starts with co-creating inclusive visions and regularly tracking progress, ensuring all employees have equal access to resources and recognition.
Let’s build a manufacturing sector that works for everyone - and thrives because of it.
Women in UK Manufacturing 2025
A review of best practices for advancing inclusive leadership.
Changing Perceptions
Changing Perceptions is an event bringing together women and industry bodies to challenge improving gender representation and the benefits this can bring. We took the opportunity to speak with some of the attendees to hear firsthand about the challenges women face in the industry and the opportunities that inclusion can unlock.
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