ACR Journal

Coolair supports women in ACR Coolair.indd 1 02/02/2021 11:32 have helped me on my career path, many who I am still in touch with today. Career highlights 1. My first year sales turnover at Lennox secured me an all-expense paid trip to their HQ in Dallas, Texas 2. Securing the largest Mitsubishi Electric VRF order at that time (The Tower, Vauxhall Bridge, 2011) which involved the development of bespoke products which are still being used today. 3. Becoming a Member of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) (MInstR) How would you like to see your career developing? I have been in the industry for over 34 years and I am grateful for how my career has developed. There are many changes happening within our industry and I will continue to train for new skills that will help me in my role. I have recently attended AUTOCAD training, gained an IOSH certificate and been on a ductwork design course. We are working towards our MCS accreditation and I will work with our suppliers to continue to improve my knowledge and awareness. What is the best piece of advice you were ever given? The best piece of advice I would give to a younger Nicky is not to pretend to know something you don’t as you will dig yourself a hole! If you don’t know, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know but assure the customer that you will find the answer and come back, you will earn greater respect in the long run! I pride myself on repeat business through good customer service. What do you see as the challenges facing the industry? 1. Making ASHP’s more affordable when it comes to replacement systems. I believe contractors are being put off quoting replacement systems as the price is generally so much more then the client wants to pay and the pay back on the investment is too long in a lot of cases. 2. Young people wanting to join the industry. They need to improve apprenticeship schemes and give the option to cover both heating and air conditioning (Incl. ASHP) at the same time rather than a split course. I can only speak for Southampton and Eastleigh College. What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry? There are so many different exciting opportunities for women in the industry and my eldest daughter has moved into project management within the construction industry and gets involved in ACR. I never had the opportunity to go to university, but I did have the tenacity and determination to succeed in a time when it was a very male-dominated industry. It is great to see so many great women in the industry and new ones quickly coming up the ranks. Is there a little-known fact about yourself that would surprise other people (secret skill, unusual hobby etc)? I wouldn’t say unusual but when I am not working, I enjoy socialising with my family and friends, doing escape rooms (the competitive part of me!), cooking and baking, going to the gym to do Zumba and spin classes. I am also a fair-weather golfer who gets worse year-on-year! CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk 35 SPONSORED BY COOLAIR