North East Industry Body Launches Region’s First Women in Manufacturing and Engineering Group
The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF), the North East’s leading membership group for manufacturers and engineers, has officially launched the region’s first dedicated Women Of Manufacturing, Engineering (WOMEN) group – a major step forward in supporting gender representation in one of the UK’s most vital sectors.
This bold new initiative creates a space where women from across AMF member companies can connect, grow and lead with a shared goal of improving representation, progression and retention of women across the sector.
Currently, women make up just 26% of the UK manufacturing workforce – a statistic that highlights a lack of representation and a missed opportunity for greater diversity of thought and problem solving across the sector. The WOMEN group aims to challenge that figure by focusing efforts across three core pillars:
· Engage: Inspiring women and girls to build their awareness of the sector and see a future in engineering and manufacturing, by increasing visibility, representation and access to industry role models.
· Develop: Supporting career progression through skills development, training and confidence building opportunities.
· Retain: Promoting inclusive cultures and practical support that helps women thrive, stay and lead in the sector long term through key life stages such as parental leave.
The initiative is led by two influential industry figures – Rachel Mansfield, Vice Chair of the AMF and Managing Director of Responsive Engineering, and Rachel Skeoch, Board Director and specialist marketing consultant for the sector.
“We’re creating a network that reflects the ambition and potential of women already working in our industry – and encourages more to join them,” said Rachel Mansfield. “This isn’t about tokenism. It’s about building a sustainable, inclusive future for North East manufacturing.”
Rachel Skeoch added: “We know the value of connection and visibility – you can’t be what you can’t see. This group is a place for women to share ideas, build confidence and create change not just for themselves, but for the next generation too.”
With more than 75 member organisations – including industry giants such as Komatsu, Liebherr, Turntide Technologies, AkzoNobel, Ebac and American Air Filters – the AMF has been a champion of regional industry for over two decades. The new WOMEN group will run a series of engaging events throughout the year, collaborate with local and educational institutions, and champion practical initiatives that help close the gender gap in engineering and manufacturing.
To find out more or get involved, visit www.advancedmanufacturingforum.co.uk or follow AMF on LinkedIn.
