On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the ALFED team attended the “Women With Metal 2025” conference at the ICC Birmingham. This event marked the third edition of this inspiring gathering, which brought together women and allies from the metals, manufacturing, and engineering sectors for a day of dynamic presentations, professional development, and networking opportunities.
As an association partner of the conference, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) was proud to play a key role in supporting an event that aims to strengthen the presence and influence of women in an industry where female professionals have traditionally been underrepresented. ALFED’s partnership reflected its commitment to promoting inclusion, supporting role models, and encouraging new talent to enter and thrive within the metals industry.
The event featured a series of influential speakers, including the founder of the conference, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, Managing Director of Professional Polishing Services and host of the “Women in Industry” podcast. Other speakers included Jeremy Stockdale, Steph Snade, Katy Deacon, Dr. Eun Sun Godwin, Sally Twisleton, Lily Samuels, Felice Ayling, and Alan King. Each of them shared valuable insights on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and personal growth, inspiring participants to build confidence, deepen their knowledge, and expand their professional networks.
Through a series of thought-provoking discussions, both the challenges and opportunities within the metals sector were highlighted. The event began with a joint session from returning speakers Steph Snade and Jeremy Stockdale, focusing on gender issues, unconscious bias, and the scientific research on barriers women often face in the workplace.
Katy Deacon and Dr. Eun Sun Godwin emphasized the importance of collectively fostering an inclusive work environment and presented strategies to embed inclusion across all organizations.
An interactive panel discussion with Paislei Godley and Katie Nutting explored the practical implications of inheritance tax, providing valuable insights for industry professionals.
The conference concluded with a dynamic, industry-focused panel on the impact of U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel, featuring Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council, and Rob Cooper, Managing Director of the British Stainless Steel Association. The discussion analyzed the challenges and wider consequences of these trade measures on the UK metals sector.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of numerous sponsors and partners from across the industry. Lloyds Business & Commercial Bank acted as the main sponsor, Optimised as platinum sponsor. Gold sponsors included Professional Polishing Services Ltd, Hydro, and Browne Jacobson. Silver sponsors were HubTel IT, The British Stainless Steel Association, Prime Accountants Group, and Warwick Manufacturing Group. The Comton Group supported the event as drinks sponsor, while ALFED proudly served as association partner. Media support came from AL Circle and Aluminium International Today, with The Technology Supply Chain as innovation partner. Together, these organizations demonstrated the metals industry’s broad commitment to diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
Throughout the day, the ALFED team engaged with delegates and industry leaders, showcasing the federation’s work on sustainability, skills development, and diversity initiatives within the UK aluminium industry.
Reflecting on the event, Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said:
“Women With Metal is not just another date in my calendar – it is the day I know I will go home with new ideas, new contacts, and genuine energy for the year ahead. From practical sessions on running better meetings to thought-provoking talks on wellbeing and performance, the programme offered me and the ALFED team many takeaways we can put directly into practice. We are proud to have supported the conference as an association partner since its first year in 2023, and we remain committed to promoting role models, expanding opportunities, and helping the next generation flourish in the UK metals sector.”
About ALFED
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is the unified voice of the UK aluminium industry and is dedicated to driving innovation, sustainability, and growth across all areas, from production and processing to recycling and trading. ALFED advocates on behalf of its members by engaging with policymakers at home and abroad, promoting fair market conditions, and supporting research and development. Through collaboration, ALFED provides its members with strategic guidance, industry insights, and a platform to influence policy and drive positive change. ALFED is committed to safeguarding the future of the aluminium industry and ensuring its continued contribution to the economy and society.
Source: www.alfed.org.uk
