Joanna Robinson has been elected as the new chair of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) Ventilation Group.
The Association said this was a key appointment at an “exciting and challenging time for the ventilation sector”. Ms Robinson, managing director of Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard, was also described as a “fantastic role model for women in building engineering” by BESA chief executive, Paul McLaughlin.
BESA is the UK's leading trade organisation for building engineering services contractors, representing the interests of firms active in the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, control and management of engineering systems and services in buildings.
Its members are enjoying a growing reputation because the role the built environment plays in improving the health, safety, well-being and productivity of people is becoming better understood and more widely recognised.
Mr McLaughlin added: “We are delighted that Joanna has agreed to take on this important role for the Association. She is a fantastic role model for women in our profession and is running a business that sits right at the heart of everything our sector is trying to achieve.”
“We are doing some very important work in the area of indoor air quality (IAQ) as we strive to make buildings ‘safe havens’ that protect people from worsening levels of outdoor pollution. Joanna has extremely valuable expertise in this area to share with fellow members and the industry at large.”
Ms Robinson said she would also be using her time as chair to promote women in engineering and share her knowledge and experience with other industry professionals. She commented: “I am committed to empowering the next generation of female engineers and highlighting the potential career opportunities within the manufacturing and engineering sectors. I am confident that my expertise and background will help deliver BESA’s transformative vision for improving diversity in our industry.”
Mansfield Pollard was founded in 1866 and is a leading provider of air management and acoustic control solutions. The firm has evolved from being a manufacturer of equipment to become a provider of bespoke design and build solutions for complex and challenging air management applications.
These solutions are delivered to a wide range of UK and international customers working in sectors as diverse as health care, pharmaceutical production, leisure, retail and education. The business is proud of its focus on innovation, as demonstrated by the evolution of its products and service offerings and its relentless dedication to creating value for its customers.