SUCCESSFUL WOMEN IN WIND
SHARON MAINPRIZE
When I left school I went to college and worked towards achieving my BTEC National Diploma in Business and Finance. Once achieved, I then went onto working with finances at a local Building Society and worked my way up the ladder and stayed there for 10 years.
I got together with my husband, Bob Mainprize in 2001 and we got married in 2004.
OUR COMPANY
2004 was a busy year for us as we also bought out the family business, Mainprize Trawling Company Limited (now re-named as Mainprize Offshore Limited). We ran the business side by side. I took on the finances and shore based roles and my husband continued to go to sea as captain.
MASSIVE CHANGE
It was a huge change around to my normal day to day routine and comfort zones. It was a challenge which I thoroughly enjoyed, and as the business grows, the challenges just keep coming.
WOMEN AND WIND ENERGY
When WISTA-UK (Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association) started investigating the topic and the relation and involvement that shipping ladies could have on the wind industry, we realised that wind energy is a subject not widely known, and when trying to relate wind energy and women, the involvement of women is not impressive and practically nil.
OPEN DOORS
Women have been successful in the shipping industry, and demonstrate their contribution to the sector. Now the doors are open for women to enter the wind energy world. Within the members of WISTA-UK, we have lawyers and logistic specialists, as well as naval architect and engineers, biologists, environmental experts to name a few. The wind energy sector needs experts and can offer good opportunities for professional women in this industry. Women need to be attracted and captivated.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
GROWING INTO OFFSHORE RENEWABLES
We decided that our offshore experience, dedication and attention to detail could be used in the offshore renewable industry and therefore decided to commission 3 vessels. A 17m South Boats design followed by an order for two 25 metre Teknicraft design vessels, all built at the Buckie Shipyard. The overall investment totalling over £5 million.
We also moved into new offices and have taken on staff.
OFFSHORE WIND
The Dalby Derwent, 17 metre South Boats design, went straight on to charter with Dalby Offshore Limited on the Greater Gabbard site, and has since worked on the Prinses Amalia Wind Park and is currently working at the Kentish Flats.
CONTINUED GROWTH
We are soon to take delivery of the MO1 a radical 25m Teknicraft vessel with some quite unique capabilities. It is a very exciting time for Mainprize Offshore Limited as we are taking on the management of vessels, delivery of new vessels and expanding our operations to offer clients a one stop shop for a growing number of operations.
MENTORING
Here is where mentoring will play a pivotal role in attracting talent and leadership potential for women as the industry develops.
In the ranks of WISTA-UK we have, among all our members, two very important members, dealing with environment and climate changes, but internationally the list grows. However, the wind energy sector will also benefit with the presence of specialised lawyers, naval engineers/architects, and logistic experts that will interface in wind energy projects.
PROJECTS
Recently we read of two major headlines in shipping, one was how a mast for a yacht was built in Spain and sent by plane to Hong Kong, the other was how a shipbuilder in Turkey diversified by building and exporting masts for wind energy. Throughout the energy sector there will always be a place and a partnership opportunity between science
Sharon Mainprize
Mainprize Offshore Limited
www.mainprizeoffshore.co.uk
Click to view more info AND A FAMILY…
We now have two children, Mollie and Jack who are 6 and 4 years old. I love to spend time with my family whether it be fine dining, days out, holidays or just relaxing a little at home. Running a business, and a family home, unfortunately does not give you a lot of time for relaxation!
and shipping/logistics and of course, ideally we should have women involved.
WOMEN OF WIND
In the USA there is even an organisation devoted to women and wind, so yes, the bottom line is, women are involved in the wind energy, directly or indirectly, but there is a need for more opportunities, mentoring and programs that will help more women to develop and contribute to the sustainability, the environment and social responsibility that the wind energy industry offers.
Maria Dixon - President WISTA-UK
www.wista-uk.net
Personality of the year award 2012 presented to Katharina Stanzel fifth from left
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