International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women of Influence Across Manufacturing

Manufacturing has always been a place where innovation, problem‑solving, and teamwork come together and those strengths only grow when different voices and perspectives are part of the conversation. This International Women’s Day, we caught up with four women who play an important role in the Millers Oils community. Each brings her own leadership style and lived experience, yet they all share a belief in the power of representation, confidence, and visibility.

Deneale Green — Company Secretary, Thomas Brown Engineering Ltd. (Millers Oils Customer)

For Deneale, leadership starts with people. “I put my team and their families as my priority when making decisions,” she shared. A simple principle that shapes a healthier, more balanced workplace in an industry where the pace can be relentless.

Progress, for her, looks like walking into a room and no longer being the only woman. She’s now seeing women “represented in all areas and at all levels in manufacturing environments,” a shift that signals real change.

She encourages women entering the sector to explore the wide range of opportunities manufacturing offers. And the change she hopes to see next? Greater visibility for young people so they can discover the rewarding careers available outside the traditional university route.

Rhea Beauchamp — Championship Coordinator, MINI CHALLENGE (Millers Oils Partner)

After more than two decades in motorsport, Rhea understands what it means to work in a space where women have often been underrepresented. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in relationships, “When the team feels supported and empowered, they naturally bring their best work.”

She’s noticed a growing shift in motorsport where women are being welcomed, taken seriously, and recognised for their expertise.

Her advice is refreshingly direct: “Push yourself — take the opportunities that come your way and trust that you’ll grow into them.” And the change she’d love to see is more women stepping into motorsport with confidence, knowing they absolutely belong there.

Cara Samways — Manager, SARL Adinvenio (Millers Oils Distributor)

Cara leads with integrity, guided by the belief that you should “treat people as you wish to be treated yourself.” It’s a principle that builds trust, strengthens teams, and creates the kind of positive culture where people genuinely want to do their best.

She sees the industry increasingly recognising the value women bring, not just in skills, but in perspective and approach and believes this shift is opening doors for women to shape the future of manufacturing.

Her message to women is “To be confident and embrace your true strengths, which will open up exciting opportunities. Don’t hold back, follow your dreams!”

And the change she champions is simple: more women represented at every level, and their contributions fully acknowledged.

Kelly Fowler – Industrial Marketing Manager, Millers Oils (Employee)

Kelly focuses on clarity, support, and collaboration. She believes people do their best work when they understand the bigger picture and feel confident that their contribution matters. As she explains, “When people understand the goal and feel supported to achieve it, they’re far more likely to work together, solve problems and improve the way we operate.”

For Kelly, progress in the industry means seeing women represented across every part of the business, from entry-level positions through to senior leadership roles. Visibility matters, and when young women can see others succeeding in a wide variety of roles, it makes those career paths feel achievable and open to them too.

Her advice for women building their careers is straightforward: be confident, speak up, and never stop learning. “Take opportunities to build your knowledge across different areas of the business, as that will become a strength as you continue your career.”

Across these conversations, a shared story emerges, one of progress, but also of possibility. Representation is improving, yet visibility and confidence still matter. Leadership is evolving, shaped by empathy, integrity, and collaboration. And while manufacturing offers diverse and fulfilling careers, many young people still don’t see the opportunities waiting for them.

Women bring perspectives that spark innovation and strengthen industries. They’re not just succeeding in manufacturing, they’re helping to redefine it and secure a place at the table for those who follow.

Moving Forward Together

Progress happens when we listen, learn, and act. These conversations reinforce our commitment to championing diverse leadership, supporting women across our supply chain and customer network, creating visibility for the next generation, and building workplaces where everyone feels they belong.

A huge thank you to the women who shared their experiences with us. Your voices shape our industry, inspire future talent, and remind us why inclusion must remain at the heart of what we do.