Building a More Inclusive Future in Engineering and Manufacturing
At CPD Bodies, we’ve always built our foundations on reputation for innovation, quality, and customer service. But we also know that the future of engineering and manufacturing is about more than the vehicles we produce - it’s about the people who design, build, and deliver them.
For too long, industries like ours have struggled with a lack of female representation. Engineering and manufacturing are filled with opportunities for skills development, creativity, and career growth, but they’ve often been seen as male-dominated fields. We believe that has to change.
That’s why we’ve committed ourselves to building a more inclusive workplace and actively encouraging women to pursue careers in our sector. The results are beginning to show: between May and September 2025, we’ve grown our female workforce from 9% to 16%. This is an important milestone, but more importantly, it’s a reflection of our ongoing investment in culture, skills, and people.
Removing Barriers and Supporting Dignity
Representation is just one part of the challenge. To truly support women in the workplace, we also need to remove barriers and create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
A key part of that journey has been our new partnership with Hey Girls UK, a social enterprise that tackles period poverty and promotes period dignity. Through this collaboration, we’re providing free, sustainable period products across our workplace. It’s a simple step, but an important one - because no one should feel excluded, embarrassed, or unsupported at work because of something as natural as their period.
By taking this approach, we’re not only supporting dignity and wellbeing for our current team, but also helping to make engineering and manufacturing a more accessible and appealing career choice for future generations of women.
A Commercial and Cultural Commitment
Our commitment to inclusion isn’t just about values - it’s also about strengthening our business. As Tom Pearson, Commercial Director at CPD Bodies, explains:
“Encouraging women into engineering and manufacturing is essential for the future of our business and our industry. Supporting women in the workplace isn’t only about fairness — it strengthens our culture, our innovation, and the commercial value we bring to our customers. Through our partnership with Hey Girls, we’re turning that belief into action, creating an inclusive environment where talent can flourish.”
By combining social impact with commercial focus, we’re ensuring CPD remains a forward-thinking business that delivers value to customers, employees, and communities alike.
Looking Ahead
We know this is only the beginning. Our aim is to continue increasing female participation in our workforce, provide development opportunities for all employees, and build a culture that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Partnerships like the one with Hey Girls remind us that change is made through practical, everyday steps - and that when businesses act with purpose, they can create real impact. At CPD, we’re proud to be part of that journey.
