The Women in Fenestration Network (WFN) has launched with overwhelming support from across the fenestration industry following its inaugural Professional Development Day, held in Bristol on 25 June.
More than 75 women from every corner of the country, representing every part of the fenestration supply chain, came together for a day of learning, networking and honest conversations, hearing from an inspiring line-up of speakers, including keynote speaker and former England Rugby Captain, Catherine Spencer.
While the event marked the official launch of WFN, it also confirmed something much bigger. Women across the industry are looking for opportunities to connect, develop professionally and support one another throughout their careers.
Ahead of the event WFN carried out its first Women in Fenestration Industry Survey to better understand the experiences, challenges and opportunities facing women working across the sector. The findings helped shape the programme for the day and highlighted confidence, imposter syndrome, mentoring and career development as some of the key areas women wanted WFN to focus on.
Those themes became some of the most powerful conversations throughout the event, with delegates continuing discussions long after the final session had finished.
Sarah Ball, Founder of the Women in Fenestration Network, said:
“When I first shared the idea for WFN, I hoped it would resonate. I never imagined quite how many people would share the same passion for creating something that genuinely supports women across our industry. Seeing that vision become a reality has been incredibly special.”
“None of this would have happened without the support of our fantastic sponsors: Access Marketing, Aluminium Fire Systems, DoBetter Businesses, Emplas, FIT Show, Glass & Glazing Federation, Glass News and Fire Door Journal, REHAU, The Residence Collection and Yale, speakers and everyone who believed in what we’re trying to achieve.”
“What made the day so special wasn’t just the quality of the speakers. It was seeing women openly sharing their experiences, making new connections and leaving with greater confidence. It reinforced exactly why WFN was created.”
“This was never about delivering one successful event. It’s about creating a community that supports women throughout their careers through professional development, mentoring, networking and shared experiences, while helping to build a stronger industry together.”
Sioned Yates, who is working in partnership with Sarah Ball to develop the long-term vision and growth of the Women in Fenestration Network, added:
“One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing the conversations continue throughout the day. Despite falling on one of the hottest days of the year, people weren’t rushing home. They were introducing each other, discussing future collaborations, talking about mentoring and already planning how they could stay involved.”
“We’ve also been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from across the wider industry. Businesses have already signed up as Founding Corporate Members, individuals are joining as Founding Members and we’ve received so many messages asking how they can get involved.”
“What excites me most is where WFN goes next. The Professional Development Day was just the beginning. Together, we’re building a community that will continue to support women through mentoring, networking, professional development and shared experiences, while working with our partners to help build a stronger fenestration industry for the future”
The event also saw the official launch of the WFN Mentoring Programme, led by former Epwin Window Systems Managing Director Clare Bailey. With decades of industry experience and a passion for developing future talent, Clare will lead the mentoring programme as it supports women throughout their careers. The day also marked the launch of Founding Membership for both individuals and businesses.
The response since the event has been equally encouraging, with businesses already signing up as Founding Corporate Members, individuals becoming Founding Members and growing interest in the WFN Mentoring Programme.
Looking ahead, WFN has already confirmed an exciting programme of activity for the remainder of 2026, including the launch of the WFN Podcast, a Building Our Skills training day, a Lunch & Learn networking event in London focusing on confidence and imposter syndrome, further networking events across the UK and the continued rollout of the mentoring programme.
Founding Membership is now open for both individuals and organisations, giving members the opportunity to become part of a growing professional community focused on connection, collaboration and career development.
Sarah Ball added “This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to create a community where women can develop their careers, businesses can invest in their people and, together, we can help build a stronger fenestration industry for the future.”
The Professional Development Day may have been the beginning, but it is only the first chapter. With a growing membership, an expanding programme of events and a shared commitment to supporting women across the industry, WFN is building a community designed to inspire careers, create opportunities and help build a stronger fenestration industry together.
For more information about the Women in Fenestration Network, upcoming events or becoming a Founding Member, visit:
