Trust, empathy, influence and the power of small changes. Our MD, Gary Sheader, shares his reflections from the Women in Manufacturing UK 2026 Conference.
On 21 October, our Managing Director Gary Sheader attended the fourth annual Women in Manufacturing UK Conference, held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.
Bringing together more than 250 participants in person and online, including industry leaders, policymakers and researchers, the event explored how the manufacturing sector can create more inclusive workplaces, attract and retain talent, and support people to thrive.
This year’s theme, Shifting the balance: flexing the future, focused on flexible working and its role in shaping the future of manufacturing. The event also saw the launch of the Women in UK Manufacturing 2026 report, Time to flex: Building flexible manufacturing workplaces.
As an organisation passionate about purposeful leadership, people and the impact leaders have on those around them, it’s a conversation that resonates strongly with us.
Here, Gary shares the insights that stayed with him and why he believes flexibility is about much more than workplace policies.
Flexibility is a mindset
By Gary Sheader, Managing Director, The Alliance
I had the privilege of attending yet another inspiring Women in Manufacturing UK Conference.
The theme of this year’s report and conference was flexible working, but one of my biggest personal takeaways was that flexible working is far more than adopting a workplace policy.
Flexibility is a mindset.
Based on the event and many other experiences over the past few years, the future of leadership feels less about authority and more about trust, empathy and influence.
Some of the insights from the speakers and panels that have stayed with me:
- Trust is the foundation of great culture.
- Innovation requires an attitude of flexibility and adaptability.
- Small changes, not just big transformations, can create powerful ripple effects.
- Listening to understand is an underrated skill.
- Flexibility in the workplace is for everyone and looks different for different people.
- The best organisations start with the business challenge and work backwards to find solutions, which for many has been the adoption of flexible working.
Trust, autonomy and leading by example
All the speakers were excellent, and one of the highlights for me was hearing Fran Ball from Arla Foods discuss how flexibility is embedded in their culture through the lens of their purpose, Feed Life.
Her view of trust was simple but powerful: give people the autonomy to get the job done.
She shared her own flexible approach to leadership, from starting work after walking the dog to completely switching off whilst on holiday and encouraging her team to do the same.
Flexible working is a business strategy
The newly launched Women in UK Manufacturing 2026 report provides compelling evidence that flexible working is not simply a people initiative. It is a business strategy.
According to the report, 57% associated flexible working with improved work–life balance, while 40% reported reduced stress or fatigue.
Women currently represent 28.2% of the UK manufacturing workforce, with the sector aiming to reach 35% by 2035.
The panel discussions around unconscious bias, inclusive recruitment, role models, coaching and psychological safety reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time.
Everyone experiences life events where they need greater flexibility, support or understanding.
This isn’t a women’s issue. It’s a human issue.
Creating workplaces where everyone can thrive
The future workplace will belong to organisations that trust people, focus on outcomes rather than presenteeism, and create environments where everyone can contribute at their best.
And that starts with leadership.
What is one thing your organisation could do in 2027 to create a more flexible and inclusive workplace?
As a senior leader, how are you creating a culture where people feel trusted, supported and empowered to do their best?
Our Senior Leadership Peer Groups bring together progressive leaders in a safe, confidential environment where they can step away from day-to-day pressures, challenge their thinking and gain fresh perspectives from others who just get it.
It’s a space built on trust, where leaders can explore challenges, share experiences and draw on the collective wisdom of others facing similar decisions.
A place to gain clarity, build confidence and discover new ways of thinking that can make a real difference to their people, their culture and their organisation.
Experience the power of thinking together. Register for a free taster session at one of our upcoming Leadership Peer Group meetings.
