On Wednesday 8th October 2025, the ALFED team attended the 2025 Women With Metal Conference at the ICC Birmingham. The event marked the third edition of this inspiring gathering, which united women and allies across the metals, manufacturing, and engineering sectors for a day of dynamic talks, professional development, and networking opportunities.
As an Association Partner of the conference, the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) was proud to play a significant role in supporting the conference, which aims to strengthen the presence and influence of women in an industry traditionally underrepresented by female professionals. ALFED’s partnership reflected its commitment to fostering inclusivity, promoting role models, and encouraging new talent to join and thrive in the metals sector.
The event featured a line-up of influential speakers, including conference founder 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 shared invaluable insights on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and personal growth, inspiring delegates to build confidence, strengthen knowledge, and expand their professional networks.
A range of insightful discussions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within the metals industry. The proceedings opened with a collaborative session by last year’s speakers, Steph Snade and Jeremy Stockdale, who examined gender, unconscious bias, and the scientific research behind obstacles women often encounter in the workplace.
Katy Deacon and Dr. Eun Sun Godwin emphasised the importance of collectively fostering an inclusive work environment, sharing strategies to ensure that inclusion is embedded across organisations.
An interactive panel featuring Paislei Godley and Katie Nutting explored the practical implications of inheritance tax, providing valuable guidance for industry professionals.
The conference concluded with a dynamic, industry-focussed panel discussion addressing the effects of US tariffs on aluminium and steel, featuring ALFED CEO Nadine Bloxsome, UK Metals Council Chair Rachel Eade MBE, and British Stainless Steel Association Chief Executive Rob Cooper, who analysed the challenges and wider impact of these trade measures on the UK metals sector.
The conference was made possible thanks to the support of a wide range of sponsors and partners from across the industry. Lloyds Business & Commercial Bank served as the Headline Sponsor, with 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 itself was proud to be the Association Partner. Media support was provided by AL Circle and Aluminium International Today, with The Technology Supply Chain as Innovation Partner. Together, these organisations demonstrated the breadth of commitment across the metals community to driving diversity, innovation, and collaboration.
Throughout the day, the ALFED team engaged with delegates and industry leaders, highlighting the Federation’s work on sustainability, skills development, and diversity initiatives within the UK aluminium sector.
Reflecting on the event, Chief Executive of ALFED, Nadine Bloxsome said: “Women With Metal isn’t just another date in the diary for me – it’s the day I know I’ll leave with new ideas, new connections, and real energy for the year ahead. From practical sessions on running better meetings to thought-provoking talks on wellbeing and performance, the programme gave me, and the ALFED team, plenty we’ll put straight into practice! We’ve been proud to support the conference as Association Partner since its first year in 2023, and we remain committed to championing role models, widening opportunity and helping the next generation thrive across the UK metals sector.”
About ALFED
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is the unified voice of the UK aluminium industry, dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability, and growth across all sectors from production and processing to recycling and trade. We advocate for our members by engaging with policymakers both domestically and internationally, championing fair market conditions, and supporting research and development. Through collaboration, we provide strategic direction, industry insights, and a platform for members to influence policy and drive positive change. ALFED is committed to safeguarding the future of the aluminium industry, ensuring its continued contribution to the economy and society.
