ACR Journal/Heat Pumps Today
Women in Coolings: Include me in the International network for Women in Cooling
I started within the HVACR industry 19 years ago, when we purchased ACR Today magazine. It was a heady time and the press were forever out and about on press launches and visits. There was much to write about, advertise and demonstrate in those days.
At the time, I was the Ad Manager of ACR Today and spent 12 months sat in front of movers & shakers of the industry to try and understand the wants and needs of our readers and advertisers. Subsequently I realised we needed to differentiate ourselves and carve out a niche whereas our title could better support…, the time was nigh to rebrand as ACR Journal.
The brand and team swiftly became known as ‘friends of industry’. I joined committees, attended every event I could and started to implement processes where we could be more supportive of the industry. I joined the BSRA (Birmingham Society of Refrigeration) followed by the IOR and in later years, was elected on to the IOR Dinner Committee and then voted on to the Board of Trustees.
More recently, I have been appointed Director of ACRIB, alsupport FETA with their annual luncheon and of course IOR Scotland with their networking events, along with other regional bodies/associations like the HRS (Hampshire Refrigeration Society)
During those first 12 months I just knew I would always stay in this exciting industry. I set my sights on achieving the Publisher role within 5 years, in fact achieved this in 4 and have not looked back.
It was during that time we identified Heat Pumps needed to come to the fore. I launched Heat Pumps Today magazine and National Heat Pumps Awards… suffice to say; the government did much damage to the sector not long afterwards with the implementation and subsequent withdrawal of the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive)
I was very focused on the promotion of training. It became apparent very quickly we were on the verge of a shortage of skills within the industry. I was asked if I would consider running an apprenticeship luncheon, something which if we did right, would ultimately benefit the training sector and trainees.
My caveat for doing this was ensuring it was a not-for-profit event and all profits made went back into training. This event was subsequently launched at the Belfry and was fondly referred to as TOTY (Trainee of the Year Awards). We gave back to industry in excess of £60,000 over a 10-year period.
Further to this, we have now picked up the mantle and organise the RACHPSKills UK competition in conjunction with WorldSkills UK.
I was also proud to be involved with the launch of the RACHP Women Group, introduce the Women in ACR articles for ACR Journal and of course select the ACR Woman of the Year at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards.
