Erika Wilson Named Regional Finalist for Forward Ladies Awards

Forward Ladies National Awards and Summit are in their 10th year. Forward Ladies is working to create a global platform that connects women to opportunities, networks, businesses and expertise that empower them. The Awards aim to recognise female achievers across different sectors.

Our joint managing director, Erika Wilson, was shortlisted for Forward Ladies Awards for the Yorkshire, North East, and Scotland region. Forward Ladies Awards are an inspirational programme showcasing diversity in business, recognising the doers, trailblazers & inclusive leaders across the UK. Erika is a regional finalist for the Corporate Leader category, a category for women working in management roles in large companies for more than a decade and have proven to lead the business to achieve excellent results.

About Erika

Erika joined Wilson Power Solutions in 1997 as an apprentice on the shop floor overhauling transformers and switchgear. Erika then moved to business development, working in the field acquire new clients. She was the only female when she first joined WPS. As she became joint Managing Director of the family business, she increased the number of female employees to 35% of the office staff.

Since then, she’s been instrumental in the development of the UK’s most energy efficient distribution transformer supplied to over 900 end users in the UK. Erika is the only woman appointed to the BEAMA Board (British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association) from the membership. Being the only female BEAMA board member, Erika is providing mentorship to female employees at the association and at WPS through regular one-to-one meetings.

Erika believes in the importance of sharing knowledge and experience and frequently delivers CPD seminars across the country to influence customers to make the right decisions when it comes to carbon reduction commitments.

Commercial Awareness and Impact

Development

Erika led structural transformation at WPS in the past 5 years. Operations have become more efficient and the revenues have increased by 60% since then (2014-2019).

Growth

WPS established a factory in India in 2007 and it employs almost 100 people. Erika heads the sales in India (remotely and through regular visits) to ensure a clear direction of focus. This has contributed massively to the growth of the business.

Responsible Innovation

Erika encourages the team to find innovative and energy efficient solutions. WPS launched the UK’s most efficient distribution transformer (minimum losses) to reduce energy wastage and carbon emissions.

In a male-dominated industry, Erika always provides a different perspective and has an approachable honest attitude that opens conversations about futuristic change. This is essential when it comes to advising customers on what they should be doing to address energy wastage within their own businesses. One of Erika’s core values is honesty, and she believes in transparency throughout which is why the business continues to thrive after 73 years.