In a male-dominated industry, there is a beacon of change and inclusivity in Victoria Brocklesby, Origin’s COO and Co-Founder, the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows. For over two decades now, she has played an instrumental role in bringing about changes in manufacturing towards embracing and empowering women.
When Origin was founded by Brocklesby back in 2002, the proportion of female employees working in manufacturing had declined to an all-time low. The number had plummeted to just 12% from as high as 29% recorded at the beginning of the 1970s. Despite the fact that women make up almost half of UK's workforce today, they only constitute 26% in manufacturing. This gap remains a major obstacle to be overcome if the sector is going to have more diversity; this makes it so much more important for things to change.
At inception, it was fundamental for Origin to develop a company culture that values contributions rather than gender. By doing so, it managed to break traditional stereotypes and pave the way for women into industries like manufacturing. Zero tolerance against discrimination thus enabled Origin to mainstream women into jobs that were formerly regarded as male preserves. Brocklesby has created an environment where talent and hard work are recognised regardless of sex.
Visibility plays a crucial role in challenging stereotypes. To make these changes happen, other young girls needed role models like her occupying senior positions within organisations, something which would help them find inspiration by knowing what is possible for them on their career paths at such a top-level management position. Women occupy key positions within all departments, including those who sit on the Operational Board of Directors at Origin, implying that ability or leadership cannot be defined based on one's gender. Such visibility not only serves as evidence against pre-existing prejudices but also gives guidance to prospective ladies who wish to venture into the industry.
According to Brocklesby, other manufacturing firms should focus on their company culture and ensure it aligns with their core values. However, she says that skills can be learned while a nurturing and inclusive culture is vital to her experience. She further states that a company’s attitude towards its employees has a significant impact on its ability to attract and retain diverse talent, advocating for an environment where all staff feel appreciated and supported in all ways possible. This cultural shift is essential for fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
On top of this, Brocklesby suggests that makers need to motivate more female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, as well as manufacturing-related fields like engineering, since there are still fewer women who go for these courses. Consequently, if such organisations partner with educational institutions and encourage young girls to take up STEM subjects in areas that have a low number of females, they will be able to develop future talent pipelines. The initiatives by Origin serve as benchmarks for other companies aiming at increasing women's representation in the industry.
Not only does Brocklesby aspire towards an industry that would promote gender equality but also one which will accommodate minorities better than ever before. She believes the creation of an inclusive work culture is crucial in realising this objective. Hence, through continuously championing diversity coupled with leading by example across the board, Origin Company, under her leadership, creates opportunities for a more heterogeneous and fairer manufacturing sector that includes everyone.
Thus, Victoria Brocklesby’s efforts at Origin make a huge move towards inclusivity in manufacturing. Her commitment becomes motivational and offers a template for other businesses to follow, thereby showing that industries can change to be more diverse and egalitarian. With her leadership, therefore, Brocklesby is not only changing Origin but playing a part in a wider cultural transformation of the manufacturing industry that increasingly perceives diversity and inclusion as catalysts for innovation and prosperity.