What was your first role in the industry?
My first position was with the fire safety product supplier, Thomas Glover as Sales Manager …in the last Millennium I hasten to add.
What’s the most challenging professional incident you’ve had to deal with?
Introducing our P50 composite fire extinguisher to the fire industry and gaining acceptance was a huge challenge, and continues to be so. Too many naysayers were determined to stifle innovation and resist change, even when the product was clearly better for the customer and the environment. It has taken a lot of determination over the last 15 years, but the success of the P50 has absolutely proved them wrong!
What’s one item or piece of kit you wouldn’t be without?
My phone – like everyone these days.
What’s your favourite tech innovation of recent years?
The P50 App which guides customers through registering and maintaining their fire extinguishers.
What’s a common misconception about your job or sector?
Many would be disappointed to learn that there are still unscrupulous individuals and companies operating in the sector putting profits before their customers. Whether it’s needlessly condemning fire extinguishers that are perfectly suitable, or using misinformation to profiteer from pending PFAS and PFOA legislation, I’ve seen some scandalous behaviour over the years, and it’s still going on today. This type of behaviour undermines everything the Fire industry is trying to achieve.
Who’s someone in the industry you really admire?
Sir Ken Knight, who through his various roles has brought integrity to the industry. He’s a genuine champion of innovation and is passionate about the advancement of safer standards for the general public. He has to be applauded.
If you weren’t in the fire industry, what would you be doing?
I’d be a banker. Or perhaps renting jet skis on a beach in Thailand!
Coffee or tea on a long shift?
Coffee and copious amounts of it.
If your life had a motto, what would it be?
If they say it will never take off – prove them wrong!
