PSSA Newsletter - September 2019

ISSUE 24 September 2019  | NEWS – 15 – Debbie Heald Debbie was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours List for her services to STEM and Export. In the spotlight with PSSA Council member and treasurer, Debbie Heald MBE Debbie is also Managing Director of Heald. The company has been securing some of the world’s most high- profile locations with advanced protection against hostile vehicle attacks for over three decades. Q: How long have you been on the PSSA Council? A: Heald were one of the founder members so I have been on the council for ten years! Q: What experience and knowledge do you have to bring to the role? A: I bring the financial experience from running a business as opposed to that of the accountancy type. I’d like to think the Yorkshire businesswoman in me means that I can help ensure the PSSA operate in the leanest possible manner. At Heald we specialise in hostile vehicle mitigation products, so I have a very in-depth understanding of the HVM market and in particular a good knowledge of the operational aspects of HVM products and how to attain quality in a product offering. I also have quite a bit of export experience as I am involved with several overseas markets. Q: What do you enjoy about being a Council member? A: I enjoy working with other members of our industry who specialise in different areas of the Perimeter Security market, who I may not have had the opportunity to meet if it wasn’t for our mutual interest in the PSSA Q: What do you see for the future of the PSSA? How will it develop? A: I see a great future for the PSSA. It has been a slow process to get off the ground as it relied totally on voluntary support, which can be difficult with members time being extremely limited, however, it is really coming into its own and gaining real momentum with interest not just from the UK but from international organisations. We have grown dramatically over the last few years and the future looks very bright. Q: With new Council members being nominated, what advice can you give them? A: Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion as it’s a collective effort by our whole industry. It’s a great time to get involved as there’s so much happening and the PSSA has become a fabulous trade body who can now give great support and advise to its members.