My alarm goes off at:
7am sharp… I’ll take a few minutes to gather my thoughts before kicking off for the day!
The first thing I do each day is…
Run around after our two kids. Sorry, I meant cats… the same difference! Those two are extremely demanding in the morning. When there’s food up for grabs, they won’t wait!
I prepare for the day ahead by…
Checking my calendar and email inbox, despite looking before I go to sleep! Being on the road for most of my career, it has become a habit for me to organise my time as effectively as possible, that is, assuming the cats don’t intervene…
I can’t leave the house without…
Checking my Fitbit is charged, and my Weight Watchers app is updated. I have been on a personal weight loss journey for the last half a year – overdoing the snacks on long drives around the UK took its toll. But, having lost four stone in seven months, I’m really feeling the benefits now!
My typical day…
My typical day has changed dramatically since COVID. The use of technology, such as Microsoft Teams, has really enabled an increase in productivity, reduced driving time and allowed more regular interaction with industry stakeholders.
My meetings will range from consultations within the HHIC and planning within government departments to regular catchups with the European Heating Industry (EHI).
My most memorable work moment…
While there have been many amazing moments, the standout for me was chairing and hosting an annual event for the National Home Improvement Council within the Houses of Parliament. Given the then Minister for Energy and Climate Change was present, it was very nerve-wracking, but to make a difference in my industry in such a spectacular place was an incredible experience and one I will never forget.
The worst part of my job…
To be honest, I don’t really have one. I have huge gratitude for every moment now as I took a six-year career break to look after elderly family members, and I feel happy that my career output makes a tangible difference to the world we live in.
If I were to pick one thing I miss, it would be the informal discussions and relationships you build when on the road and meeting people in person. As I mentioned before, online meetings are incredibly efficient, but now that I’m settled into the HHIC, I aim to introduce more in-person meetings – it is in my roots, after all!
The best part of my job…
I absolutely love the range of topics I get to engage with and explore. I feel very privileged to be at the heart of trying to improve the UK’s position on zero carbon and climate change and I look forward to seeing what amazing things are to be accomplished by the industry.
I relax after work by…
Taking long walks, swimming and a season ticket at my second home, St James’ Park. Howay the lads!
On my bedside table is…
A small painting of me by my daughter Catherine. She made it for me as I was helping mount extremely large paintings while standing on stepladders in her art studio – it was all worth it in the end! She is soon heading back to London to complete her Master’s at the Royal College of Art – proud Dad moment!
The last thing I do each day…
Yep, you guessed it – feed those cats! I am usually last in bed, so we three like to have a quick debrief before bedtime.
I’m generally in bed by…
My kryptonite… I can’t go to bed early as my mind buzzes with today’s and tomorrow’s questions and answers. I aim for 11pm, but it normally ends at midnight – those cats love late-night catchups!