Name, company, role

My name is Laura McKeown, and I’m the Business Support Manager at Climalife.

Could you share a bit about your background? 

I graduated from Durham University with a degree in Music. After doing a few customer service roles, I worked for an architectural practice in Newcastle upon Tyne for 3 years as a PA and Studio Coordinator. I looked after 3 Partners and coordinated 2 of the 4 studios, arranging reviews and ensuring everyone’s training was up to date.

I moved to Bristol in 2018 with my partner and started working for Climalife as an EA to our Managing Director. When I returned from maternity leave (and the pandemic!) in 2021, my role had changed, and I was promoted to Business Support Manager, looking after the building, Health & Safety, IT, HR and, most importantly, our people!

What attracted you to the industry?

Not unusually, I fell into it by accident! I previously worked in powder coatings (another underappreciated industry!), and so joining a technical and heavily regulated industry wasn’t new to me, however the passion and enthusiasm that I’ve experienced from people within the industry has been amazing.

What organisation do you work for and what is your role?

I work as Business Support Manager for Climalife in the UK, and joined in 2018. We’re owned by a French company – the Dehon Group – which is family owned and focused on people. That philosophy is within the UK subsidiary as well. 

What are the key responsibilities you handle on a day-to-day basis?

My role varies hugely day to day depending on if there are any issues within the team, or in the building! My key responsibilities are;

•           HR and People, including DEI
•           Health & Safety within the office
•           Office maintenance and security
•           IT

What do you enjoy most about your job, and what are the biggest challenges you face?

I like the variety within my role and being able to shape my own day and workload. My drive is for people – ensuring everyone has what they need to do their best work, whether that’s from a physical environment point of view, or more of a wellbeing focus, and making our workplace as inclusive as it can be. I’ve developed a passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI, EDI or DEIB) over the past few years and enjoy sharing my knowledge and developing my skills.

The biggest challenges are juggling all the different areas that I manage. It’s possible, you just need to be very organised! The expectations of employees now are very different to what they were pre-pandemic, so recruitment has changed significantly so ensuring we’re staying on top of what candidates expect as standard now is vital.

Where do you see your career developing?

I am innately curious and am constantly on the lookout for opportunities to learn more (one of my previous managers described me as a sponge – I think it was a compliment!). I completed a CIPD qualification in Learning & Development last year and I’m sure that’s not the end of my formal learning – I just need to decide what’s next. I’m passionate about inclusivity and want to make a difference in my organisation and the industry, to make them more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

What do you like about this industry?

The drive and enthusiasm I see across the industry - from managers, technicians, office staff – is amazing. There is a common desire for the industry to push forwards, to be better and deliver the best service. I work with some outstanding colleagues who are very experienced within the industry, and they are so generous with their time and knowledge. The willingness to share best practice across companies is so refreshing to see.  

What is your career highlight or proudest achievement? 

One of my proudest achievements is our Future Leaders programme at Climalife. I’ve run this since 2022 and have seen such a change in those who take part. We had our first ‘graduate’ of the programme last year, who was promoted into a management position, and whilst we don’t focus on people ‘becoming managers’, it has been fantastic to see how well they have done in their new role.

Another highlight has been being shortlisted for two diversity and inclusion awards in the last 12 months, nominated by my wonderful colleagues. One was a regional award in 2024, and the other was at the ACR News Awards earlier this year.

What advice would you give to women who are looking to enter or advance in the refrigeration and heating industry?

My advice would be to ask questions. It’s not a simple industry, and there are a lot of people with a lot of experience to share. If you don’t know, everyone I’ve spoken to have been open to providing you with the answer or pointing you in the right direction if they don’t know. We’re a friendly bunch in the industry, and everyone seems to know everyone!