FIT Show & Women in Fenestration launch ‘Give to Gain’ campaign for International Women’s Day

FIT Show is proud to partner with the Women in Fenestration network to launch a new ‘Give to Gain’ campaign for International Women’s Day (8 March), celebrating the women who are shaping the future of the fenestration, glazing and installation sectors and the businesses that actively support them.

The collaboration will see FIT Show and Women in Fenestration shine a spotlight on female talent from across the industry, share practical ways for companies to support gender balance, and use FIT Show 2027 as a live platform to continue those conversations on stage, on stands and across the show’s wider community.

Nickie West, Event Director for FIT Show, said: “FIT Show has always been about bringing the industry together – fabricators, installers, systems houses, component suppliers, machinery manufacturers and more. If we want a stronger, more innovative and more sustainable sector, we have to make sure women are fully represented and visible in every part of that picture. ‘Give to Gain’ is a simple idea: when we give our time, platforms and networks to support women, the whole industry gains in return – new ideas, better decisions and a richer talent pool.”

“International Women’s Day is an important moment, but for FIT Show this is not a one-day campaign. We’re committed to working with Women in Fenestration right through to the 2027 event and beyond – from how we shape our speaker programmes to who we commission for case studies, interviews and mentoring opportunities. We want FIT Show to be recognised as a place where everyone can see themselves represented and where the next generation of women can picture a future in our industry.”

Founded by Sarah Ball, Women in Fenestration has quickly grown into a dedicated community for women working in all roles across fenestration and glazing – from the factory floor and onsite installation to technical, design, marketing, leadership and ownership. The network provides peer support, mentoring, learning opportunities and a platform to share experiences that are often under‑represented in mainstream industry forums.

Sarah Ball, founder of Women in Fenestration, commented: “When industry leaders like FIT Show choose not just to talk about diversity but to share their stage and their channels with women, it sends a powerful signal. It tells women already in the sector that their contribution matters, and it shows new entrants that there is a place for them here. ‘Give to Gain’ is about recognising that every introduction, every speaking slot, every offer of support has a ripple effect – women gain confidence and opportunity, and businesses gain loyal, skilled people and stronger teams.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with FIT Show because of the reach and influence the event has across the supply chain. By working together on content, speaker line‑ups and visibility for Women in Fenestration members in the run‑up to, and during FIT Show 2027, we can move beyond celebration and into real, practical change.”

As part of the ‘Give to Gain’ activity, FIT Show and Women in Fenestration will run a series of stories featuring women from across the show’s community – including installers, exhibitors and suppliers – and explore how acts of “giving” translate into shared success. Examples include:

• Installers who give their time mentoring apprentices and new entrants, and gain the reward of seeing the next generation grow in skill and confidence.

• Sales and commercial leaders who share their networks with women moving into customer‑facing roles, and gain stronger partnerships and more diverse teams.

• Technical and training specialists who give their knowledge through CPD sessions and toolbox talks, and gain fresh perspectives and better solutions by working with mixed teams.

These stories, which will be shared across FIT Show’s and Women in Fenestration’s channels throughout the year, form the foundation of a wider programme that will feed directly into FIT Show 2027. Plans include:

• Encouraging exhibitors and partners to nominate women for speaking slots, panel discussions and case studies as part of the show’s learning and content programme.

• Creating more visible opportunities for women to contribute to debates around skills, standards, sustainability, digitalisation and business growth.

• Showcasing Women in Fenestration at FIT Show 2027 as a hub for networking, mentoring and peer support.

The initiative builds on FIT Show’s position as a key platform for the industry – a place where businesses launch products, form partnerships and discuss the issues that will shape the market over the next cycle. By weaving ‘Give to Gain’ into its communications, exhibitor support and seminar programming, FIT Show aims to help the sector move from talking about inclusivity to embedding it in everyday practice.

Nickie West added: “Whether you’re a business owner, a team leader or a colleague on site, everyone can do something to ‘give to gain’ – recommending a female colleague as a speaker, making an introduction, offering mentoring, or simply making sure women’s voices are heard in meetings. Our role at FIT Show is to amplify those efforts, celebrate the positive examples and keep the conversation going long after International Women’s Day has passed.”

Sarah Ball concluded: “The fenestration industry has incredible women at every level; what we’ve lacked historically is the visibility and connectivity to bring them together. This partnership with FIT Show helps to change that. We’d encourage anyone who believes in a more inclusive, future‑ready sector to get involved – by joining Women in Fenestration, by nominating speakers and case studies, and by using FIT Show 2027 as a chance to show what genuine collaboration looks like.”

Women in Fenestration Network (WFN) is a dedicated community created to connect, support and inspire women across all roles in the fenestration and glazing industry – from manufacturing and installation to sales, technical, marketing and leadership. Founded by Sarah Ball, WFN aims to tackle the under‑representation of women in the sector by providing space for professional development, visibility and peer support, and by challenging outdated perceptions about who belongs in fenestration.

The network will host its first Professional Development Day on 25 June 2026 at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol – an industry‑first, women‑only event featuring headline speaker Sara Harling, structured learning sessions and valuable networking opportunities focused on women’s progression and confidence. Order your Early Bird ticket for just £75 plus VAT here. 

For more information about the “Give to Gain” campaign, Women in Fenestration and how to get involved in FIT Show 2027’s content and networking programmes, please contact jess@fitshow.co.uk.