Commercial lighting manufacturer, Whitecroft Lighting, has appointed Julia King as its new UK Head of Human Resources, in a move that will help deliver the company’s vision of a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
King not only brings a wealth of experience, having been responsible for HR divisions across Adidas’ North Europe territories but also a sharp commercial acumen, shaped by a career path that has included vast experience in retail.
With a clear mandate of attracting more diverse talent into the business, particularly within engineering and managerial roles, she also plans to create pathways for existing female employees to thrive and progress within the company.
However, her commitment to inclusion goes beyond gender. Whether it’s neurodiversity or disability, King believes that individuals with different skills, perspectives and experiences should be valued and welcomed, reinforcing Whitecroft’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all.
King said:
“I’m thrilled to be part of Whitecroft during a period of growth and transformation.
“For me, HR is about opening doors and creating opportunities and judging by the investment and commitments made by Whitecroft in recent years, it’s already clear that inclusivity is already a top priority. It’s one of the reasons I was initially drawn to the role, but I know that together, we can take things even further.”
“I’m committed to building a work culture that truly embraces diversity—whether that means attracting more women and girls into what have traditionally been seen as more male roles, nurturing existing talent, or championing inclusivity for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
“It’s important that everyone feels included and has the right tools to reach their full potential.”
Whitecroft is committed to building social value and works closely with The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to develop and enhance careers education in the area, supporting young people to thrive in the local economy.
The company has also hosted a programme of special tours for young people in the local area, including special needs as well as students from all-girls’ schools.
These initiatives provide valuable insights into the manufacturing sector, helping to spark interest and showcase the diverse range of roles and career pathways available.
It’s also invested heavily in its Social Hub and HQ – a space designed to foster community, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among employees. Additionally, the hub plays a role in their social outreach efforts, offering a venue to engage with young people and school groups.
“Julia’s background and clear vision for advancing diversity in our workplace made her the ideal candidate for this role,”
said David Serif, Whitecroft Lighting’s Managing Director.
“Her experience and insight will be invaluable in developing strategies to bring more women into engineering and leadership positions; while also ensuring we continue to harness the talent we already have. Julia’s approach to inclusivity, across every spectrum, aligns perfectly with our mission to create a more welcoming environment for everyone at Whitecroft.”
https://www.whitecroftlighting.com/