Celebrating International Women’s Day at ICL: Building an Industry Where Everyone Thrives

This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate the women across ICL who contribute their expertise, insight and dedication to every part of our business. International Women’s Day in the UK is not only a moment to recognise achievements, but also an opportunity to reflect on how we continue building a workplace — and an industry — where everyone can thrive on merit, capability and ambition.

Manufacturing, engineering and operations have traditionally been male-dominated sectors. But the future of our industry depends on attracting, supporting and developing the very best talent — regardless of gender. When we create an environment where people are encouraged, heard and given equal opportunity to grow, we strengthen not only our teams but the industry.

Different Perspectives Drive Innovation

Cassie, our Maintenance Scheduling Manager, has been with ICL for 13 years. She manages the company’s Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS), working closely with maintenance, engineering and operations teams to improve schedules and efficiencies across both new and existing plants. She also supports system users through training and troubleshooting, ensures asset registers remain accurate, and collaborates with Health and Safety colleagues to keep maintenance schedules aligned with legislation and guidance — ultimately helping to keep everyone safe.

For Cassie, supporting women in industry is about recognising the value of perspective:

“I think that supporting women in any industry is important – women can help provide different perspectives to problems, and these are often not heard or considered if they are not supported. These different perspectives and views can lead to further innovation and growth for both the business and person.”

Innovation depends on diversity of thought. When all voices are encouraged and considered, businesses are better equipped to solve complex problems and adapt to change.

Widening the Talent Pool for a Stronger Future

Charlotte, Management Accountant and Treasury Lead at ICL, plays a vital role in the day-to-day running of the Group treasury, alongside leading monthly management accounts reporting. Her work ensures financial stability and informed decision-making across the business.

She highlights the broader impact of supporting women in manufacturing:

“I believe supporting women in manufacturing is fundamental to the future of our industry. When women are encouraged to step into roles such as engineering, production and operations, it widens the talent pool for manufacturing businesses to stay innovative. This strengthens the industry which is important for future growth.”

At its core, supporting women in industry is about ensuring opportunity is open to everyone. By widening the talent pool, we strengthen resilience, capability and long-term sustainability.

Progress Based on Capability, Not Gender

Michelle’s journey at ICL reflects the power of opportunity and growth. Since joining in 2012, she has worked across Accounts and Transport, and now serves as Energy, Utilities and ESG Support Manager. Her current role supports ICL’s sustainability commitments and Net Zero ambitions — an area of growing importance for the future of manufacturing.

Michelle shares:

“Supporting women in our industry is important to me because gender equality is a core part of ESG, and I’ve always felt my views and contributions are valued at ICL. In my current department especially, it’s a team effort, with genuine opportunities to progress based on hard work, dedication and capability — not gender. We’ve already achieved so much, and I’m proud to be part of shaping what comes next.”

Her experience reinforces something fundamental: true inclusion is about fairness. It is about ensuring that progression, recognition and opportunity are driven by merit, effort and ability.

Creating an Environment Where Everyone Thrives

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women across our business — but we also reaffirm our commitment to building an environment where everyone can succeed.

Supporting women in our industry does not mean supporting one group at the expense of another. It means removing barriers, encouraging participation, valuing different perspectives and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. When we do that, we create a culture where talent rises, innovation flourishes, and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.

At ICL, we are proud of the progress we have made — and we know there is always more to do. By continuing to champion equality, inclusion and merit-based progression, we help secure a stronger, more innovative future for our business and for the wider manufacturing industry.