IT firm Fujitsu is set to share valuable lessons for motor retailers on how to ensure firms have a diverse workforce able to manage the rapid changes to our sector.

Its client executive Val Risk will share her experience in the IMI People Theatre at Automotive Management Live on November 8.

Drawing parallels with the IT sector and the challenges faced by the automotive industry, Risk has worked for companies with similar attributes to automotive, such as:

·         A focus on operational excellence

·         Tough investment decisions with long term returns

·         Strong global regulation

·         Demanding shareholders

·         Traditional customer relationships based on brand, trust and local presence

·         Homogenous workforces

·         A competitive landscape they understand well

She said: “Both IT and automotive companies are now faced with a rate of change and complexity from much more demanding customers and workforce, with new competitors, business models, technologies, product innovations, digital channels and digital disruption in the mix. Expectations have never been higher.

“We have entered the era of mass personalisation and it brings with it many opportunities and challenges. Those retailers who can adapt to this era of mass personalisation will thrive.”

Risk’s seminar focuses on the need for a diverse workforce in order to meet the demands of consumers and their changing behaviour. Having driven gender diversity initiatives at Fujitsu, which was named a Times Top 50 Employer For Women earlier this year, and served as a role model for others, she won the Gender Champion award at the Business in the Community Gender Equality Awards 2018.

She will be joined by Lynda Ennis, co-founder of automotive specialist executive search firm, Ennis & Co, which, in partnership with Auto Trader, has driven the #diversityinauto initiative, exploring diversity requirements in the industry and creating a culture of diversity and inclusion.

The IMI People Theatre at Automotive Management Live will also host presentations about leadership and management from GMD People’s director Nigel Banister, and IMI chief executive Steve Nash and his expert team will discuss apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Levy.

For more information on the free Automotive Management Live exhibition at Birmingham NEC on November 8, which is hosted in conjunction with the National Dealers Franchised Association (NFDA), visit www.automotivemanagementlive.co.uk