Interview


stemming from the pressures experienced during Covid-19 and now the cost-of-living crisis. We have focused on reducing the stigma associated with mental health, which has contributed to the uplift in cases the charity has had the opportunity to support the industry with. We are no longer the ‘best kept secret’ in the industry, and continue to support more and more industry members each year, which is a testament to the great champions of the charity and our industry partners. One big shift in the industry has been the focus on mental health, and providing a foundation of knowledge and support to help prevent the amount of colleagues reaching crisis point. We continue to see this with the increased uptake of our training programmes, and the opportunities we are given to work with industry partners in shaping support off erings and awareness for industry members.


Who has infl uenced you the most professionally?


I was very fortunate early on in my career to be a part of a company who prioritised graduates/ apprentices and professional development. This was around the time Sheryl Salzburg released her


Industry Event


Smart Buildings Show 2023 Registration is open for Smart Buildings Show 2023.


T


he fl agship event for the smart buildings industry will take place on 18-19 October 2023 at ExCeL London,


and is free to attend.


Smart Buildings Show connects visitors to the latest information and technology in the smart buildings industry, aiming to give visitors the information they need to arrive at an informed decision on how to make their buildings more economic for owners and more functional for occupiers.


Smart buildings deliver services that make occupants productive at the lowest cost and environmental impact over the building lifecycle. To do this requires adding intelligence from the design phase through to the end of the building’s useful life. Smart buildings use information technology during operation to connect subsystems, which typically operate independently, so that these systems can share information to optimise total building performance.


The 2022 Smart Buildings Show boasted over 70 exhibitors showcasing the latest product innovations designed to deliver smarter buildings. Over the two-day event 2,283 visitors packed into the exhibition hall and took in presentations from more than 50 leading speakers discussing a diverse range of industry hot topics – from sustainability and ESG to smart building networks and infrastructure.


Ian Garmeson, event director, said: “We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the leading event in the smart buildings industry calendar. Feedback on last year’s event from visitors and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive with a 40 per cent increase in attendance compared to the 2021 event. We expect a high level of interest once again in 2023 as the value of smart buildings is recognised more and more in the race toward Net Zero.” Visit https://smartbuildingsshow.com register for a free ticket to Smart Buildings Show 2023.


ewnews.co.uk August 2023 electrical wholesaler | 27


‘Lean In’ book. My company at the time created monthly insights - Ted Talks allowing people within the company to share their inspiring stories. This period has infl uenced my career in ways I would have never expected. I fi nd myself often referring back to the insights and tools shared during these talks. From personal experience, I also value the importance of developing and nurturing the next generation. I truly believe without the exposure I was given during these early stages of my career I would not be where I am today. It is so fi tting now to be a part of an industry focused on supporting its next generation of apprentices.


What do you consider your greatest achievement?


The development of our Mental Health training programmes and seeing the shift in how the industry views and addresses Mental Health would be our greatest achievement. Over the last 6 years these trainings have evolved and grown in not only scope but demand. I can not wait for our latest evolution of the training programmes – our digital learning management system which is set to launch to the industry in the next few months.


What’s your favourite fi lm and/or book? Who doesn’t love a good rom-com?


Football, golf, gardening, pets, children… What keeps you busy at the weekends?


I have two little ones, so weekends are very busy with various classes and activities. I have also been trying my hand at some gardening, but it’s safe to say this is not a forte of mine.


And fi nally… What’s your go-to karaoke song?


I don’t think anyone wants to hear me sing, but I would say Oasis, Wonderwall would be my pick.


EIC relies solely on fundraising. If you’d like to get involved, please contact fundraising@ electricalcharity.org.


Life can be diffi cult, and if you or your immediate family member are struggling, please reach out to EIC for support at support@ electricalcharity.org or call the helpline on 0800-652-1618 Lines are open: Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 8:00 PM, and Sat 8:00AM-1:00PM.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40