Automechanika Birmingham, in partnership with the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), has celebrated the success of its latest industry networking event, with a strong focus on supporting the Women in Automotive programme and driving greater inclusion across the sector.

With women making up 49% of the UK population but just 25% of the automotive industry, the event highlighted the importance of attracting more people from all backgrounds if the aftermarket is to meet future workforce demands. As the industry looks ahead to 2030, initiatives like this are playing a vital role in broadening its appeal and building a more representative workforce.

Held at Padel Box in Bermondsey, the invite-only event welcomed a full capacity audience of 60 attendees, reflecting strong demand from across the sector and highlighting the appetite for fresh, engaging ways to connect within the industry.

Combining Automechanika Birmingham’s established Women in Automotive initiative with the IAAF’s Gender Balance Community, the event created a dynamic and inclusive environment that encouraged meaningful interaction across all levels of the aftermarket.

Attendees took part in a professionally hosted padel session, followed by relaxed networking in the sunshine, providing a unique format that balanced activity with the opportunity to build relationships. The result was an energised and highly engaged audience, with participants praising the format for breaking down barriers and creating more natural, open conversations.

Alex Jones, Marketing Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham, said: “It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout and level of engagement at this event. Bringing people together in a different environment really changes the dynamic and allows for more genuine connections. Just as importantly, it’s about creating an industry that reflects the world around us, and ensuring we’re attracting talent from all walks of life.”

Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF, added: “This event perfectly demonstrated the power of collaboration within the aftermarket. By creating an inclusive and enjoyable space, we were able to bring together a wide cross-section of the industry and encourage meaningful networking. If we’re serious about the future of the sector, we need to continue opening it up to a broader, more diverse talent pool.”

The event also reinforced the shared commitment of both organisations to supporting a more inclusive and representative aftermarket, with the Gender Balance Community playing a central role in encouraging wider participation and engagement across the industry.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, the success of the event highlights the growing demand for innovative networking formats that go beyond traditional industry gatherings, creating environments where relationships can develop more organically and the industry can move forward together.

Automechanika Birmingham continues to champion initiatives that bring the industry together. The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event returns this year to the NEC, Birmingham, on 3^rd and 4^th June 2026, bringing together leading brands to showcase the latest tools, technology and training for the garage, bodyshop and detailing sectors. Registration is open now and free for trade visitors, for tickets visit here.

For more information and to register for a free ticket to the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, visit: https://forms.reg.buzz/uk-garage-and-bodyshop-2026/impression .