Nick Connor – Chief Executive Officer, Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

The data tells a clear story: women currently make up just 18.6% of the automotive workforce and only 10.4% of senior roles, compared with nearly 40% across the wider economy. That gap represents lost skills, lost innovation, and lost opportunity. We must do better - and we can.

At the IMI, we’re taking practical steps to make that change happen. Our There’s More to Motor campaign is challenging outdated perceptions of automotive careers and shining a light on inspiring women working in our sector. Through the IMI’s National Skills Competitions with WorldSkills UK, we’re encouraging more young women to pursue technical excellence. And our ongoing workforce research is giving employers and policymakers the evidence they need to break down barriers in recruitment, progression, and retention.

We’re also using our voice to influence policy, including through our submission to the Government’s Parental Leave and Pay Review — to help remove structural barriers that limit women’s participation and career progression. Just as importantly, we’re determined to lead by example. Women now make up 33% of our Board and senior leadership team at the IMI, and we continue to build inclusive recruitment, leadership development, and progression into our workforce strategy.

“The automotive sector has a world of opportunity to offer women — but opportunity must be accessible, visible, and real. I’m committed to working with fellow Automotive 30% Club members to accelerate change and build a more inclusive future for our industry.”