10-10-2024
Angela Bennett, our Joint Managing Director, has become the first ever Northern Ireland winner of “Woman of the Year” at the UK Women in Fire Safety Awards.
She took delivery of her prestigious title at a special ceremony in London where she was presented with her award, which recognised an exceptional contribution to the fire safety industry, by category sponsor Mike Ward of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).
Angela said: “I feel tremendously honoured. Diamond Systems has become a trusted name in fire and security solutions across these islands and this a fantastic endorsement.”
Angela’s previous accolades include wins at the UK Women in Security Awards in 2020 as well as being named Director of the Year by the Northern Ireland Institute of Directors in the Family Business and SME categories.
This latest award means Angela has achieved a remarkable industry double – winning top honours in both the fire safety and security sectors.
Angela said: “I believe this award is a reflection of the incredible progress Diamond Systems has made within our industry. Every day I learn something new about fire detection and as a team, I’m also of the firm view that Stephen and I continue to raise the bar on fire safety, not just here in Northern Ireland.
Angela faced stiff opposition to claim the new title from a record breaking number of nominations.
Event organisers Chloe Antoniuk and Kate Blake declared: “This year’s competition has been nothing short of legendary. The judges were blown away by the accomplishments which cast a well-deserved spotlight on the inspiring individuals in our industry.”
The Women in Fire Safety awards were introduced five years ago because of the rapidly growing number of females working in the industry.
Sponsor Mike Ward said:
“The ASFP has sponsored the Women In Fire Safety Woman Of The Year award since it’s very beginning, the association took the decision some five years ago to engage with women’s groups across the construction and fire sectors to improve the opportunity for ASFP members to access what is over fifty percent of the nations talent pool. The ASFP acts as the conduit between members and said women’s groups, the association’s objective is to support member companies by improving skills, knowledge and experience via recruitment of women, close the gender pay gap and support the advancement of women into senior roles within said member companies. Member companies had often commented to the association’s leadership council that the inability to access new and diverse talent was restricting their business growth and other than the usual methods of recruitment did not know where to turn to find people that could improve and advance their business. ASFP’s response to this was the championing of opening dialog between said women’s groups and member companies. The ASFP will continue to support and promote this initiative in the hope we create tangible opportunity for women in the passive fire protection sector and improve diversity and inclusion for member companies that supports their growth aspirations.”
As the 2024 Woman of the Year, Angela has been invited to feature in Mike’s “Sparking Interest” podcast, where she is looking forward to showcasing the family business on an international stage.
Watch this space!
