Global Diversity Awareness Month: Embracing the Power of Diversity at IPS Flow Systems

October marks Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to reflect on and celebrate the importance of diversity in our workplaces and communities. At IPS Flow Systems, diversity isn’t just a principle—it’s a fundamental part of who we are and how we operate. We are proud to foster a workplace where different perspectives, experiences, and ideas come together, helping us build a stronger and more innovative company.

But why is diversity so essential, and how does it contribute to business success? As a leading supplier of plastic pipes, valves, and fittings across multiple sectors, IPS Flow Systems recognises that diversity is a key driver of high-quality service and innovation.

Why Diversity Matters: The Business Case

In today’s modern workplace, diversity is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic advantage. Diverse teams deliver better results, make more informed decisions, and foster inclusive environments where creativity thrives. Research backs this up: companies with diverse leadership teams are 36% more likely to outperform their competitors .

This is because diversity of thought, background, and experience leads to more creative problem-solving and, ultimately, better business outcomes.

At IPS Flow Systems, diversity is embedded across all levels of our organisation. From our warehouse team to senior leadership, we are committed to creating a work environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued and empowered. We see diversity as a strength and are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of our workforce by ensuring every voice is heard.

Diversity in the UK Workforce: A Growing Reality

The UK is becoming more diverse year on year, and this shift is reflected in the make-up of its workforce. As businesses grow, embracing diversity is crucial for staying competitive in a changing world. Here are some key statistics that highlight the evolving nature of the UK workforce:

• Ethnic diversity: Ethnic minorities currently represent around 14% of the UK population, and this figure is set to rise significantly in the coming decades. By 2051, it is projected that nearly one in three people in the UK will be from an ethnic minority group. This shift presents a significant opportunity for businesses to tap into a broader talent pool and benefit from a wide range of perspectives.
• Gender diversity: Women account for 47% of the UK workforce. However, there remain gender disparities, particularly in industries such as manufacturing and engineering. While women make up only 24% of the workforce in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), IPS is committed to promoting gender diversity, encouraging women to thrive in all areas of the business.
• Age diversity: The UK workforce is becoming increasingly multigenerational. By 2025, millennials are set to make up 75% of the global workforce, bringing fresh ideas and technological insights. At the same time, older employees provide invaluable experience and industry knowledge. At IPS, we recognise the importance of blending generations to benefit from both the energy of younger employees and the wisdom of more experienced team members.
• Disability inclusion: Around 22% of working-age adults in the UK have a disability, but less than half of them are employed. IPS Flow Systems is committed to improving disability inclusion by ensuring that recruitment processes are accessible to everyone and by creating an environment where employees of all abilities can succeed.

How Diversity Drives Innovation at IPS Flow Systems

Diversity isn’t just a 'nice-to-have'; it is a crucial factor in driving innovation. At IPS Flow Systems, we serve industries that require complex, cutting-edge solutions, such as nuclear decommissioning, petrochemicals, and water treatment. To address these challenges, we rely on the creativity and problem-solving abilities of our diverse team.

For example, our work in nuclear decommissioning demands precision, innovation, and a long-term perspective.

By drawing on a team of people from different backgrounds and experiences, we approach projects with fresh ideas and consider multiple solutions to ensure the best outcome.

The same approach applies across all sectors we serve, from water management to the fire industry.

Additionally, diversity helps us build stronger relationships with our clients, who also come from diverse industries and sectors. Our ability to understand and respond to a variety of customer needs is enhanced by having a workforce that reflects the diversity of our clientele.

IPS Flow Systems' Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At IPS Flow Systems, diversity is not just a goal—it is a part of our identity. We understand that diversity is more than just hiring people from different backgrounds; it is about creating an inclusive culture where everyone can contribute their ideas and feel valued for who they are.

Here’s how we demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion:

1. Inclusive Recruitment and Hiring Practices

We are dedicated to ensuring that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and accessible. We actively seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds, knowing that this enriches our team and allows us to better understand and serve our customers. Our recruitment strategies include partnerships with organisations that support diverse talent pools and efforts to eliminate bias in our hiring processes.

2. Equal Opportunities and Career Development

At IPS, we provide continuous training and development opportunities for all employees to help them progress in their careers. This includes mentorship programmes, leadership training, and skills workshops. We actively encourage employees from underrepresented groups to pursue leadership roles and provide them with the support they need to succeed.

3. Supportive Work Environment

We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment where everyone feels they can bring their whole selves to work. We offer flexible working arrangements, provide mental health support, and promote work-life balance. We also have Mental Health First Aiders on-site to ensure that our employees’ well-being is always prioritised.

4. Ongoing Diversity Training and Awareness

We offer regular diversity training both at the level of IPS, but also through Indutrade Process, Energy & Water itself. Global Diversity Awareness Month is one of many opportunities for us to highlight the importance of these issues and encourage open dialogue. By fostering a culture of learning and awareness, we aim to ensure that diversity and inclusion are embraced by everyone in our organisation.

The Benefits of a Diverse Workplace

There are clear advantages to having a diverse and inclusive workforce:

1. Increased Innovation and Creativity

Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and creative. Different perspectives lead to new ideas and unique solutions. At IPS, we have seen how diversity leads to better outcomes, whether we are developing new products or finding innovative ways to engage with customers.

2. Improved Employee Engagement and Retention

When employees feel included and respected, they are more engaged and committed to their work. An inclusive culture also leads to lower employee turnover, reducing recruitment and training costs. At IPS, we strive to create a work environment where employees feel valued and motivated to stay and grow.

3. Enhanced Reputation and Client Relationships

In today’s business world, customers and stakeholders are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritise diversity and inclusion. By fostering a diverse workforce, IPS strengthens its relationships with clients, enhances its reputation, and positions itself as a forward-thinking industry leader.

4. Better Decision-Making

Diverse teams are better at decision-making because they consider a wider range of perspectives. At IPS, this diversity helps us make well-rounded strategic decisions that benefit the company and our customers.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate Global Diversity Awareness Month, we are reminded that diversity is not just a short-term goal, but a long-term commitment.

At IPS Flow Systems, we are determined to continue fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our society, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed.

We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to build an inclusive workplace where every individual, regardless of background, feels valued. Diversity is our strength, and it is central to who we are as a business.