The women leading the charge towards a greener future

To mark National Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Day, The Kensa Group, one of the UKs leading ground source heat pump manufacturers and networked heat pump contractors, shines the spotlight on the inspirational women working to make Net Zero a reality.

Since its inception 25 years ago, women have been integral at Kensa, helping it become one of the UK’s leading ground source heat pump experts, offering sustainable, affordable heating and cooling for the nation’s homes and businesses. 

With 29% of its manufacturing workers being women, higher than the national average*, and having recently appointed Tamsin Lishman as its CEO, the Kensa Group is an example in the STEM industry where women have the opportunity to succeed at the highest levels.

Supporting WISE’s mission to #MoveTheDial and champion gender parity across all STEM sectors, on 17 January 2024, Kensa is recognising some of the many women who’ve taken the innovative Cornish manufacturing company to where it is today – and who will lead it into an even brighter future.

Tamsin Lishman, CEO of The Kensa Group, said: “We all recognise our role at Kensa, providing energy efficient heating solutions to help the UK reach Net Zero, and there is a commitment and passion for achieving that goal running through each and every one of us. 

“I’m immensely proud to be a part of team Kensa, but I’m equally proud of the many inspirational and empowering women we employ who make it a reality. From the boardroom to the factory floor, everywhere you look we have female climate change heroes making incredible things happen. 

“One of our core missions is to provide exciting, well-paid green jobs, and we would urge anyone interested in joining a company serious about moving the dial for women in STEM to see the rewarding careers we have waiting to be discovered.”

Marie Hand, Factory Manager at Kensa Heat Pumps: “Being at Kensa for 17 years has taught me a lot. There have been ups and downs along the way, but seeing what we’re trying to accomplish excites me for the future. This is a company that inspires you to succeed and better not only yourself but also the lives of others through what we do. 

“Each day I’m given the chance and encouragement to prove myself, and being asked to be a Climate Hero for a COP26 campaign is something I’ll remember forever. I’d say to women wanting to break into this industry to just give it a go – with the right support behind you, anything is achievable!”

Lisa Treseder, Director of Business Development at Kensa Utilities: “I love the freedom I get to create new financial solutions for people wanting to decarbonise their homes. Kensa is somewhere that celebrates bright ideas and hard work, and since being here, I’ve been able to work on the groundbreaking Heat the Streets project, something that will make a huge difference in people’s lives.

“There are so many opportunities here to show what you can do, and they’re available to anyone regardless of gender or background. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry, we’re making positive changes every day and anyone who wants to be a part of that will be welcomed wholeheartedly!”

April Dunn, Research and Development New Product Integration Manager: “The dynamic nature of my role, creating new products from scratch and working with such an amazing team are all things I absolutely love. Each day brings new challenges, but what I get to work on always excites and energises me.

“This industry is open to anyone, and the way Kensa actively supports women to be the best they can be and having visible women leaders across the business is encouraging and empowering. My advice to women wanting to join this brilliant, fast-moving sector is to get out there, build your knowledge, develop that network, and the opportunities will come.”

Following the launch of the Government’s ‘Future Homes Standard’ consultation, which would require all new homes to be low carbon and energy efficient, and effectively ban new gas grid connections, the heat pump market is expected to expand dramatically.

Over the next three years, Kensa expects to sell over 100,000 heat pumps, providing UK households with efficient, zero-carbon heating and cooling and creating 7,000 green jobs.

A core Kensa mission is to provide well-paid manufacturing and green jobs, with exciting career paths and development opportunities.