Speaking up, not fearing failure and mentorship were key topics of an industry panel discussion on empowering the next generation of women in the workplace.

Left to right: Architect and design channel manager of Blum Amanda Hughes, head of projects at Gaggenau Rachel Sargeant, interior designer Kia Stanford of Kia Designs, and commercial director of Oval Deene Gemma Creasey.

Held by Kbb Birmingham, in partnership with XTone, at its Porcelanosa showroom in London, the event was held as a celebration of International Women’s Day.

Hosted by architect and design channel manager of Blum Amanda Hughes, the panel included owner and interior designer of Kia Designs Kia Stanford, head of projects at Gaggenau Rachel Sargeant and commercial director of Oval Deene Gemma Creasey.

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It covered topics including attracting women into the KBB industry and supporting those already gainfully employed, with men as well as women attending the event.

Commenting on the need for accelerating change, Amanda Hughes of Blum said “If the industry continues at the same trajectory, we’re on today, we’re not going to achieve our goals”

The panel discussed encouraging girls at a young age into the industry, with school career days to introduce job roles in kitchens and bathrooms.

Kia Stanford of Kia Designs also encouraged young women starting out  in the KBB industry  to learn all about the industry, and to use social media to talk to accomplished industry professionals.

While to build a career in the industry, the panel agreed women should put their head above the parapet and speak up,

Rachel Sargeant of Gaggenau commented: “Let people know that you want to progress”, with the panel agreeing that women need to approach line managers for promotion and be clear about what you want.”

The panel suggested women rid themselves of the fear of making a mistake, and instead use it as a positive learning experience.

“I think we learn by mistakes and if you don’t make mistakes then you don’t progress”, said Rachel Sargent.

She encouraged women not to give up on their dreams and to ignore people who say you can’t.

Kia Stanford stated women should “fail forward”, adding: “Don’t let failure define you. Take that experience and use it to your advantage”

The KBB industry has been changing and employers are making a conscious effort to increase diversity, even at board level, Gemma Creasey of Oval Deene pointed out.

She said more women taking prominent roles in the KBB industry will inspire the next generation, because “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”

Flexibility in jobs, such as hybrid working, were reported to be key to attract women to job roles, as well as men, particularly when it came to child rearing.

B&Q has recently launched a campaign to encourage women into the industry, and the panel welcomed such initiatives but added employers should also consider “soft skills” such as attitude, as much as technical knowledge, to further broaden recruitment opportunities.

All agreed podcasts, social media and events, should raise awareness of the KBB industry to women, and said companies could consider a succession plan for those retiring from the industry, to provide a mentoring opportunity and share knowledge with young people.