UK automotive sector ‘risks missing out on skills and talent’

Written by: Marion Hanson, Last updated:10th September 2024

UK automotive sector

Members of the UK’s automotive industry risk missing out on essential skills and talent if issues of diversity and inclusion (D&I) are not addressed.

This was the warning posed by attendees of the ‘Making Diversity and Inclusion a Business Reality’ event earlier this month.

D&I must be a top priority for businesses

Held in London and organised in partnership between Auto Trader and executive search specialists Ennis & Co, the one-day conference saw a range of industry leaders take part in panel discussions around the subject of D&I.

Three key themes were touched on during the day: selective focus, brand engagement and commercial benefit.

Speaking at the event, Auto Trader’s manufacturer and agency director Rebecca Clark said: “D&I isn’t simply a ‘nice-to-have’. Without a diverse, representative workforce with the skills, the talent and fresh thinking to help businesses adapt to future technologies and customers, they will be at a huge disadvantage in an already highly competitive marketplace.”

Ms Clark added the number of high-ranking attendees at this year’s event – now in its second year – highlights just how seriously the automotive sector is taking this issue.

Indeed, more than 80 HR directors, managing directors, CEOs and change leaders from many of the UK’s major automotive retail and manufacturing brands took part.

Jenny Smith, general manager for Tele-Gence, commented: “Organisations across the automotive sector must act to ensure they are placing diversity and inclusion at the top of their agenda. Failure to do so could see businesses missing out on top talent, and the industry at large suffering as a result.”

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