Q&A
PHOENIX ENERGY’S NEW TRADE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PATRICK DUFFY CHATS TO PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE ABOUT HIS PLANS TO BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE TRADE… Helping installers grow their business
Congratulations on your new role with Phoenix Energy. Can you tell us about your background, career and personal interests? I was born in Dublin before my family moved overseas, where I was fortunate to attend school in both South Africa and Australia. Those experiences gave me an appreciation for diverse cultures and the importance of building relationships with people from all backgrounds. I eventually settled in Northern Ireland, where I live with my wife and our 21-year-old son. My career has spanned more than 20 years in engineering, manufacturing and technical sales, working across the UK and Ireland. I have held various roles with companies including igus, CK International and Coote Engineering, developing dealer networks, growing sales, supporting customers and bringing new products to market. Alongside my career, I am also currently completing a Business Management degree. I hope colleagues and customers would describe me as approachable, dependable and someone who enjoys
work closely with the plumbing and heating trade made the role particularly appealing. What experience do you bring that will be most helpful to local installers? Throughout my career, I have worked closely with distributors, contractors, dealers and installers, so I understand the pressures they face. My approach has always been to listen first, understand their business and then provide practical solutions to help them succeed. Building long-term partnerships has always been more important to me than simply making a sale. What key lessons have you learned? Trust is everything. Customers value honesty, reliability and someone who follows through on their commitments. I have also learned that the best ideas often come from listening to the people on the ground who work with products every day. What are you looking forward to in your new role with Phoenix Energy? Meeting installers across the Phoenix network, understanding their businesses and working together to identify opportunities where we can add value. My priority over the first few months is to listen and learn. I want to spend time with installers, merchants and industry partners to understand their challenges and identify where Phoenix Energy can
building strong relationships. Outside work, I enjoy spending
time with my family, playing five-a- side football and padel tennis, and continuing my studies with the Open University. What attracted you to work in the plumbing, heating and energy sector? The energy sector is at the heart of how we live and work, and it is going through one of the biggest transformations in its history. The move towards lower-carbon energy presents exciting opportunities, and I wanted to be part of an organisation that is helping customers make that journey. Phoenix Energy has an excellent reputation, and the opportunity to
provide meaningful support. How will your role strengthen relationships?
I want installers to know they have someone they can contact for advice, support and information whenever they need it. This will include the continuation of our renowned NINGA events as well as holding breakfast mornings and visiting the trade, merchants and retailers. Maintaining strong relationships with installers is essential because they are trusted advisors to our customers
Patrick Duffy, Trade Development Manager, Phoenix Energy.
40 | PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE
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