Commercial heating and ventilation specialists Lord Combustion Services gave the incoming Black Country Chamber of Commerce CEO a guided tour of their Oldbury HQ during one of her first business visits in the role.
Sarah Moorhouse, who only took over as CEO last week, was briefed on the progress made by established Chamber of Commerce member Lord Combustion Services in the company’s 40th anniversary year when she visited the premises in Dudley Road East on Tuesday.
Sarah was told about Lord’s recent growth and the team’s innovative work on sustainability which has reduced clients’ energy usage during the recent price crisis, as well as the company’s successful delivery of significant retrofitting heating and hot water projects for the likes of the landmark Edgbaston cricket stadium in Birmingham.
The visit to Lord was the first by the incoming CEO to a member of the Chamber’s Platinum group. Head of Premium Membership Gail Arnold, who manages the Platinum group, joined the visit.
Managing Director Stuart Smith updated Sarah, who took over from Corin Crane as the lead for the Chamber of Commerce, on Lord’s projects in local secondary schools which have centred upon modernising heating and hot water systems. Stuart also went through their success in securing new contract work for a range of organisations across the West Midlands.
Proud history
Having opened for business in 1982, Lord are proud to fly the flag for the region and are long-standing platinum members of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. With a team of 45 engineers and support staff, Lord support more than 1000 sites across the Midlands, including 300 schools and hundreds of health sites.
Stuart Smith said: “We were delighted that Sarah wanted to visit Lord Combustion Services so soon after she began in her role as CEO for the Chamber of Commerce, giving us the opportunity to bring her up to date with our success story.
“The Lord team are proud to be based in the Black Country and after 40 years of trading from our base in Oldbury it was fantastic to discuss our work with the Chamber’s most senior figure as she plans the future. We appreciate our strong partnership with the Black Country of Chamber and Sarah’s team so we look forward to continuing to play an active role.”
Sarah Moorhouse said: “I was delighted to visit Lord to hear how they are building on their 40 years of success. They have clearly adapted and innovated throughout their history, so it was great to understand their work on sustainability and energy management.
“The Chamber is at the heart of a vibrant regional business community with Lord Combustion Services leading the way and doing great things and I look forward to representing all our members as we capitalise on the opportunities ahead for the region.”
After winning two Chamber business awards last November, Lord are up for the 2022 awards for Excellence in Manufacturing and Engineering and Family Business of the Year, with Managing Director Stuart Smith up for Business Person of the year, to be announced on Friday (Oct 14).
In April, the company made the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge to reduce their environmental impact during a visit by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street. On the back of Mr Street’s visit, Lord MD Stuart was invited by the Mayor to join a high level discussion on the energy crisis.
Lord have also hosted a recent visit by MP for West Bromwich West Shaun Bailey. Last month they received their revalidated Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award from the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.