Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From heat pump learning guides to Mickey Mouse mugs, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of NICEIC Chief Operating Officer, Emma McCarthy.
Born and raised in Buckinghamshire, Emma McCarthy has worked her way up the career ladder to her current position of leading the UK’s largest electrical contracting independent voluntary body.
Starting out in the working world as a Marks & Spencer’s Sales Assistant, Emma joined a management and development program and eventually became an M&S Warehouse Manager. After various jobs within M&S, Emma joined the Consumer Association (aka ‘Which?’) as HR Manager. Here she found a mentor in Sheila McKechnie, then CEO of ‘Which?’ and ‘Shelter’. “She was a big figure with a clear vision - a powerful woman in her own right,” said Emma. “This is what I have aspired to do.” While at Which?, Emma earned professional qualifications in HR and Business Management.
From here Emma moved on to a Senior HR role within RBS Group and worked on many big projects including the acquisition of NatWest.
Emma’s introduction to the NICEIC was through some freelance work, as she also runs an independent consultancy. The NICEIC eventually switched from client to employer when Emma was offered the position as HR Director. She also helped establish the Electrical Safety Council and was its first Director of Charitable Affairs. “These positions have given me a perspective from both the consumer business side and charity side,” said Emma. In February of 2009, Emma was offered the prestigious position of NICEIC Chief Operating Officer. “The NICEIC is a market leading organisation with enormous potential,” said Emma. “My vision is to help grow and develop our customer’s businesses through the products and services we offer.”
1. Motorcycle racing photograph: Emma’s husband, Chris, is a huge fan of motorbikes. This photograph is of him racing at Mallory Park. “He was delighted that he beat all the younger riders,” laughed Emma.
2a-d. Photographs of daughter through the ages: Images of Emma’s adorable 8-year-old daughter, Mollie, are displayed proudly on this desk. Moments captured include a trip to Bruges, a family fun day at a water park in Mallorca and a class photo.
3. Taylor Swift CD: Titled “Fearless”, this country pop album is one of Emma’s favourites at the moment. During a trip to southern USA, Emma and her husband became fond of country and blues music.
4. Handmade Coaster: This sweetly illustrated gift was given to Emma on Mother’s Day from her daughter. Emma is the “short character with lots of hair” on the right. “It made me feel like a million dollars,” said Emma.
5. Mickey Mouse Mug: Emma went to Disneyland with her family last year and picked up this mug as a souvenir…and she gets a lot of use out of it. Emma drinks coffee all morning and tea all afternoon, “gradually downgrading” throughout the day.
6. Price Freeze Coaster: To meet contractors’ needs in these challenging times, the NICEIC has implemented a price freeze and new staged payment options on its registration fees for 2009 and 2010. This is part of their added value products and services, which are tailored to the needs of today’s electrical contractors.
7. NICEIC Microgeneration Certification Scheme Offer: The NICEIC are looking to bring new people on board to join their Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), as this new area is growing in the industry. This 2 for 1 deal will give those joining up as an NICEIC Registered Installer the opportunity to also join the MCS Competent Persons Scheme. “Microgeneration is a new and important area and it has already proved to be very popular,” said Emma. Those interested should email [email protected]
8. Heat Pumps Learners Guide: This booklet from the NICEIC focuses on the design and installation of heat pump systems. It is available to order from the NICEIC website.
9. Compliment Letter: This letter was written to NICEIC employee, Leanne Geddes, for her top notch customer service. The letter writer, a contractor in the UK whose first language is not English, was having difficulties navigating and understanding certain processes on the NICEIC website. After phoning in to the NICEIC, Leanne took the time to explain the process needed to complete his task. “We’re not just another regulatory body,” said Emma. “We aim to be better than the rest and lead in both quality and safety.” Leanne received a bottle of Champagne for her star service.
10. Pens: Emma always has two pens on hand, as she likes to “have a Plan B”. She likes to write neatly and therefore uses fountain pens.
11. NICEIC website: Found at www.niceic.com, here you can find all the information you need on the NICEIC’s products and services, including industry schemes, training, merchandise and events.
12. NQA World Environment Day Pamphlet: NQA is a leading assessment, verification and certification body that enables business and management systems improvement. NQA is a trading group of the NICEIC, and Emma is therefore involved with its business operations. World Environment Day took place on June 5, 2009 and included events and local school involvement to celebrate the importance of preserving our environment.
13. Group Leadership Standard: This booklet is a helpful guide to understand the standards for technical and managerial leadership in the NICEIC group. “People can only perform when they know what is expected,” said Emma. “This ‘useful clarification’ takes the mystique out of it.”
14. Drawing of Emma’s Family: This is another lovely art creation from Emma’s daughter, Mollie. Emma used this picture at a staff briefing to help her staff better understand who she is, as a mother and a leader. “I have a strong commitment to people and believe in meritocracy leadership,” said Emma. “I also believe personal values shape you into who you are.”
15. Sunday Times Business: Emma likes to keep up to date with the latest business news. “The role of the Chief Operating Officer is to bring the outside in,” said Emma. “We need to know what is going on in the wider world, so I make sure to read newspapers and attend industry events.”