MD of manufacturing firm wins award for promoting equality in the sector
Joanna Robinson, managing director at Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard, the suppliers of ventilation and acoustic control equipment, has been recognised for her work in promoting equality in the manufacturing sector.
Robinson, who is one of the three panellists at TheBusinessDesk.com’s upcoming Women in Business Lunch on February 16, has been named Woman of the Year at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards.
The annual awards are organised by trade publication the ACR Journal and recognise excellence in the air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump sector.
She was presented with her surprise award for her sustained work in promoting equality in the industry, both at Mansfield Pollard and beyond.
Robinson is the first female member and chair of the BESA Ventilation Service Executive Committee. BESA is the UK’s leading professional body for building engineering services contractors.
She is heavily involved in STEER, a social enterprise set up by Robinson and three other female built environment and engineering professionals with the objective of connecting the world of education to industry. Manfield Pollard also has established a strong working relationship with Skipton Girls High School, an all-girls engineering academy that sees their students mentored by engineers from Mansfield Pollard.
The manufacturing boss is fast building a reputation as one of Yorkshire’s most inspirational business women through the success to which she has led her company in the traditionally male-dominated engineering sector.
Robinson said she felt honoured to receive the surprise award, adding: “The lack of diversity in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry is a widely acknowledged challenge. Research shows that businesses with a diverse mix of employees in terms of gender, ethnicity and skills tend to be more successful because they are better connected to their clients’ needs.
“As one of the few women in the industry, I believe that I have a responsibility to promote the career opportunities that are available for both sexes. I hope that my example not only inspires other women to pursue careers within the industry but urges others in the position to do so to join in and help with the agenda.”
To hear Robinson speak, alongside fellow panellists Victoria Hopkins and Karen French, at the Women In Business lunch on February 16, book tickets online.
