20 August 2024
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Image: Stacey Evans, Commercial Manager of ICG Heat Pumps
The involvement of women in the heat pumps industry is vital for its continuous improvement and success. Stacey Evans, Commercial Manager of ICG Heat Pumps shares with us her inspirational journey into the Heat Pump industry.
How did you get into the heat pump industry?
My first job was in IT recruitment, this was my first ‘front-line sales role’. I remember vividly being handed a Yellow Pages (for the younger generation a telephone directory, printed on yellow paper and listing businesses and other organisations in your area), a script, a telephone, and off I went. Fortunately, I’ve always been a people person and love to talk so I fully embraced this role and that’s when I started my love affair with sales and networking. I started working in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in 2010. When I first started 90% of what I was doing was air conditioning and the other 10% heat pumps. In recent years the market has moved in the opposite direction as we all strive to achieve the Governments net zero target by 2050 and implement 600,000 domestic and commercial heat pump installations a year by 2028. When the opportunity to join ICG heat pumps arose, I knew that it was the right move for me…
What does your current role involve?
I have a really varied role which I love! My current role involves assisting Mechanical Engineers to select the right heat pump for commercial applications. Once assisted I will then follow that specific project through the supply chain and support with the evolution of the project. In addition, I provide support and education to Consultants and Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) contractors on topics such as the F-Gas phase-down and introducing new products to them that utilise natural refrigerants, that ties in nicely with the net zero strategies. I feel a real benefit of working for an independent distributor is that we have aligned ourselves with multiple manufacturers so we really can offer the best solution for the project, we often suggest several viable options for the project to give the client a choice. Business Development and networking also form a large part of my role and is something that I enjoy and am extremely passionate about.
What do you see as the challenges facing the industry?
On the domestic side, I would say insufficient qualified installers to meet the Government’s target of 250,000 heat pumps installed per year by 2025. When it comes to commercial, I would say that the biggest barrier to uptake is the disparity between the cost of electricity and gas. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) which provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures is working as a good accelerator for uptake in this sector, the building regulations are driving uptake for new build, but when it comes to existing buildings, we aren’t going to see mass uptake until there is a benefit from an operational expenditure point of view. We need action from the Government on this, or some special heat pump tariffs from energy companies. When it stacks up for businesses, we will see the mass uptake!
What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the heat pump industry?
We need you NOW! Heat pumps are the future. As I have mentioned, there is huge growth in the sector, which means amazing career opportunities and a need for more people to achieve the desired targets and continue to educate the commercial and domestic markets. I can’t emphasise enough what a great time it is to get on board!
Any hobbies, what do you like to do outside of work?
Like many people, work keeps me busy; however, a good work-life balance is crucial. In my spare time, I enjoy keeping f it by going to the gym and running. I believe a healthy mind is a happy mind. I love to travel with my husband and two lovely children to anywhere that’s warm and sunny.
