PWIPM Launched in the UK

Editor’s note: Frances McKim, editor of Pest magazine, filed the following report from the launch meeting of PWIPM in London, UK

LONDON, UK. Already well established in the U.S, Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM), an affiliate group of NPMA, has been launched in the UK.

The first meeting of PWIPM in Europe was declared a resounding success by the 34 women who gathered at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) HQ in London on Jan. 16. 

This inaugural UK meeting was organized by Killgerm Group’s Sabra Fearon whose international role often takes her to the US where she has become involved in PWIPM meetings. “The new group is based on the US idea but its future direction will depend on what the members want from it so I’m sure we’ll be giving it a British feel,” she said.

Indeed, the main objective for the first meeting was to assess people’s reaction and to find out what people want from the group and how to move it forward. “There were plenty of ideas and some very positive comments on the feedback questionnaires,” added Sabra.

There was plenty of opportunity to network before lunch and it soon became clear that those attending represented a wide cross-section of the industry. From pest controllers who spend their lives at the sharp-end of the business via field biologists and marketing professionals to office managers, PAs, and technical specialists; all were represented.

Following lunch, which was kindly sponsored by Pest Control News, there were three excellent speakers.

Jennifer Leggett had come over from Florida to represent PWIPM USA. “Women get involved in State Pest Control Associations and serve on the National Pest Management Association board, so we’re involved in making the decisions,” she explained. “But through PWIPM we also have our time where we can network and learn from each other. We girls can talk and we’re good at sharing stuff. You’re going to love it,” she enthused.

Christine Petyt from Excellion an organization which supports women in leadership, highlighted some of the fundamental differences between the genders. Among the many key points she made were the need for women to build strategic relationships, to learn greater political savvy and to embrace the concept of ‘good is good enough’.

The third speaker was Susan Denmead from the UK branch of charity Dress for Success – the charity actively supported by PWIPM in the USA. As in the US, Dress for Success LINK http://www.dressforsuccess.org/ provides clients with a personal adviser to help them select an appropriate outfit including accessories from the donated items. “It’s amazing to see our client’s confidence grow when they can see themselves well-dressed and suited ready for that interview,” explained Susan. “We want to give women a helping hand up rather than a hand out.”

The meeting was rounded-off with a delightful personal touch. Jennifer Leggett, on behalf of the American PWIPM group, presented Sabra with a silver necklace as a thank you gift for her efforts establishing the UK branch saying: “I’m delighted to present a necklace with a star to Sabra, as she has been a real star getting the ball rolling in the UK.”

Interested in finding out more about PWIPM UK? The next national meeting will be held during PestEx week in April. Contact info@pwipm.co.uk for details.