I N THE HOT S EAT
GGP: How did you get started in the industry?
Andy Swift (AS): After various early jobs, I
wanted to do something different, so I took a
job at conservatory manufacturer, Ultraframe,
as a sales executive in , when the company
was in its heyday. I then held sales roles with
several PVC-U window fabricators and entered
the world of commercial windows too, joining an
aluminium fabricator and reaching architects and
specifiers. I joined ISO-Chemie in €‚ as I saw
the opportunity to energy rate the gap around
windows as an important point for installers to
heed. I hope to have been a trailblazer in getting
this energy leaking gap sealed up to match the ‘U’
value of the frames.
GGP: What changes have you seen in your
time in the industry (good or bad)?
AS: The thing that bugs me about this industry
is the frequency and ease with which companies
can go bust and restart immediately, leaving a
trail of unpaid bills along the way. One recent
incident comes to mind, which just proves my
point. That said, great things that have changed
for the better are the way windows and their
installation have become so much better at energy
rating properties, and people now want the best
performing windows, not the cheapest.
GGP: How would you describe your role at
ISO Chemie and what is the most challenging
thing about it?
AS: As the sales and operations manager, I headup
ISO Chemie’s commercial activities across
the UK & ROI, leading the sales force, managing
growth and looking after customers. Other key
responsibilities revolve around new business
development among decision makers, who
include architects, designers and installers, for the
company’s range of foam sealant tape products.
This work also includes managing and leading our
popular range of CPD presentations for specifiers.
Our products are used for the fast and effective
airtightness sealing of windows, as well as other
joint and gap sealing applications in the building,
eco-build and construction sectors. So, a key
challenge is to effectively communicate the energy
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efficiency saving benefits of tape sealants and how
they can improve installation times and quality.
I’m also keen on illustrating how innovation and a
receptiveness to new ideas, can play a paramount
role in overcoming industry issues. This can
be particularly challenging in a sector that is
sometimes seen as reluctant to embrace change or
adopt new thinking.
GGP: If you didn’t work in this industry, what
job could you see yourself doing?
AS: It would’ve been great to pursue a career as a
commercial airline pilot; I would have loved that,
but I pursued a different career path. I could easily
see myself flying light aircraft into developing
countries, working with charities and aid agencies
to deliver much needed supplies and medicines to
people in remote communities and faraway places.
GGP: What is your proudest achievement
professionally and personally?
AS: Professionally, it must be designing from the
ground up our CPD presentation which has had
the most amazing response at every event we
have done – now over ’. My greatest personal
achievement is running ’K in under minutes at
the age of ’. I really did surprise myself; although
friends and family always believed that I could
do it. I am also very proud of my three kids, who
have gained their degrees and masters at top UK
universities.
GGP: What do you enjoy outside of work
AS: Rowing is a particularly favourite. I’m a
member of Maidenhead Rowing Club, which has
nurtured several talented rowers over the years,
who have gone on to attain national honours.
Indeed, our clubhouse was opened by former
Olympic champion, Sir Steve Redgrave. I’m also
interested in flying and as an amateur motor
mechanic, love to while away the hours tinkering
around with vehicles. I also enjoy playing the
piano, guitar and drums in several local bands.
GGP: Where do you see yourself in five years’
time?
AS: That’s always a hard one to answer. However,
I will say overseeing greater success with
airtightness and energy rated products in the UK
and Ireland which will ensure new build housing
and renovation properties are energy saving, not
costing the earth.
Flying high at ISO-Chemie
Andy Swift, sales and operations manager – UK & ROI for sealant tape
manufacturer ISO-Chemie UK, talks about his time in the industry, the
challenges and his biggest achievement.
“It would’ve been great to pursue a career as
a commercial airline pilot; I would have loved
that, but I pursued a different career path. I
could easily see myself flying light aircraft into
developing countries, working with charities
and aid agencies ”
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