Meet the team: Amy Leachman

At Joseph Ash, we proud to be part of the Hill & Smith PLC Women’s Network, designed to empower and support women within the Company by fostering an inclusive environment that promotes professional development, raises awareness, and launches initiatives designed to promote equality in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Amy Leachman, our Team Leader at Joseph Ash Walsall, is our representative for the Hill & Smith Women’s Network as well as our own Joseph Ash Women’s Network.

We had the opportunity to chat with Amy about her day-to-day role as Team Leader, as well as the role she plays as representative for the Networks.

Meet Amy Leachman

Can you give an overview of your role?

I started at Joseph Ash as a temp for holiday cover in September 2021 and was taken on as a full-time member of staff from January 2022.

My current role is as the Team Leader for the sales and customer service department at Joseph Ash Walsall. I have a passion for customer service and enjoy dealing with issues to problem solve and find positive solutions for the customers moving forward.

A large portion of my time is spent helping the Commercial Manager with the division’s top accounts, building influential relationships that have helped put the division in good stead as being the supplier of choice for our customers.

Over the last 6 months I have also spent much of my time learning and beginning to understand the production and operational side of the business in more depth. I look up to Tracie, our Operations Manager at our Joseph Ash Telford site; I’d personally like to progress to such a role in the future to help boost the female representation in the Operational side.

The Operational side of our business is fascinating to me as there is so much to learn. I firmly believe having a clear understanding of these areas will help provide a cross over between sales/customer service and production/operations that can lead to a very successful all-round experience for the customer.

For me, learning new areas of the business has been eye-opening. I’ve had days where it has not been easy, but also had amazing days that have taught me so much and encouraged me to persist as there is a lot I can learn and offer.

The focus on efficiency and adapting for the future is of particular interest to me, so looking at these areas in more depth has been fascinating. I would like to continue to learn every aspect of the business in order to continue to grow at Joseph Ash, and potentially in the future progress to a management role.

Can you talk a bit about your career history before Joseph Ash?

Prior to Joseph Ash I have always worked in customer service roles within the Manufacturing industry, from window manufacturing to stair manufacturing, but in a part time capacity as I had young children. Joseph Ash is the first time I have worked full-time in over 10 years, but I now wouldn’t have that any other way and feel now my children are getting older it’s my time to strive and work on my own progression.

I’ve always worked in traditionally male-dominated industries, and believe it’s an industry you either love or is not for you, but I always knew it is the industry I wanted to continue my career in.

Why did you want to join Joseph Ash?

I came to Joseph Ash following being on furlough for an extended period of time at my previous company during the COVID pandemic. Originally, it was in a temporary role to provide holiday cover, but after being offered a permanent role, I knew – from getting to know the team, customers and processes over the previous few months – that it was a no-brainer and easy decision to say yes to joining the team here.

What do you enjoy about working at Joseph Ash?

I enjoy everything about working at Joseph Ash! The process itself is fascinating and amazing to learn the ins and outs of, but my favourite part of working at Joseph Ash is the people. The people from across all departments and divisions are fantastic. 

Can you talk about your role in the Joseph Ash/Hill & Smith Women’s Network?

In July 2023 I was put forward to be the Joseph Ash representative in the Hill & Smith Women’s Network. The network is made up of women and men from across all group companies in the UK, America and India. The network has spent the last 18 months meeting once a month and working on four key objectives aimed to inspire more women into a career within manufacturing and infrastructure; provide support and a community to our women; to meet and discuss barriers they face; and to share best practices and provide resources, tools and techniques to help women develop themselves.

As part of the objectives, three workstreams were presented to the Executive Board in April 2024 and have since been worked on and are now starting to be tested and rolled out to Group companies. These workstreams include Inclusive Mentoring, Inclusive Hiring Practices, and PPE designed to fit women. I’ve personally worked on the inclusive mentoring programme, sharing ideas and presenting this workstream to the Executive Board which was a new experience for me.

Being a part of the network has given me an insight into various aspects of the group companies, their functions and how they operate whilst also offering an insight into the challenges faced by other women.

We ourselves at Joseph Ash have now put together our own Women’s Network with a representative from all our divisions and Head Office, where we share information gained from the Hill & Smith Network and in turn share our ideas back with them. Having our own network gives us much better opportunities to assess what initiatives will make a difference to us and the women within our business whilst also allowing us to discuss ideas and potentially implement changes.  

What the company does to Accelerate Action towards women’s equality (the theme of this year’s IWD)?

The company’s ongoing commitment to the Women’s Network helps accelerate action by enabling us to address the barriers and biases women within the company face.  The initiatives developed within the Network have been fundamental in accelerating the group towards gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated environment.  

Are there any other Women’s Network initiatives you’d like to share, or are there any initiatives planned for the future that you can talk about?

I’d like to remind everyone, not only women, of the opportunity to join the two external networks we can access as part of the Women’s Network.

Women In Manufacturing and Women’s Engineering Society both offer extensive online resources including podcasts on various subjects, ranging from dealing with imposter syndrome to how to deal with difficult situations.

Is there anything you’d like to tell us, that we haven’t asked you?

Just that it is a privilege being a part of Joseph Ash and the Women’s Network. I feel passionately about ensuring women see their worth and are treated equally in such a male-dominated industry so it is a pleasure to be a part of.

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Our February 2025 company newsletter is now live!

This month, we talk all about shot blasting in our latest Galvanizing Today article, including what it is, why it’s done, and where you can get your steel shot blasted.

We also had the opportunity to chat to two of our colleagues across the Group: Jess Ramanouski, our Internal Sales Executive at Widnes Galvanising, and Paul Martin, our Commercial Manager at Premier Galvanizing Corby.

To read your copy, click here.

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We had the opportunity to chat with Paul Martin, our Commercial Manager at Premier Galvanizing Corby, to find out a bit about him and his role within the company.

Can you give a brief overview of your role at the company?

I originally started at Joseph Ash Telford in 2021, and have been with Premier Galvanizing Corby since 2023. I’m the Commercial Manager at the site and manage a team of three wonderful sales people, I would say the best sales team in the group! I’m responsible for looking after all of our existing and potential customers. I link with all other departments here in Corby to make sure we’re offering the best service and quality. I also liaise with the other sales teams within our group to keep up with all the market information. 

What was your career like before joining the company, and why did you want to join Joseph Ash?

Originally, I started out working in the Events industry hiring out cutting-edge IT and AV equipment like Giant LED walls, VR and AR kits. I then moved into sales in industries such as Waste Management, before starting at Joseph Ash Telford. I’m passionate about speaking to people, and I enjoy understanding their needs and finding a solution to their problems.

Since I’ve been here, the team have been great in helping me develop my skills and knowledge in galvanizing. I’ve now become a qualified galvanizing inspector and enjoy helping our customers to understand the process and explaining how galvanizing can benefit them in their work. 😊

What do you enjoy about working at Joseph Ash/Premier Galvanizing?

It’s great working for the number one galvanizer in the country and having a fantastic team around me in all areas, but a special mention to Sales and Production in Corby – you guys rock!!

I also like the benefits the company offers, including the Save to Share scheme we have, as well as the discounts app the company has which helps save money on everyday spending.

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

The continued growth for Corby and expanding our reach and services, and continuing to work with our fantastic customers!

Is there anything you’d like to tell us that we haven’t asked you?

I have had nine knee operations from sports related injuries, and I have some steel in my knees because of them (not galvanized!). 

Tell us something people might find surprising about you.

I have met and partied with the likes of Pete Tong, Calvin Harris, Fabio & Grooverider, Pendulum, Mumford and Sons and many others in my previous career. 

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Widnes Galvanising Ltd, trading as Joseph Ash Widnes, has achieved the ISO 9001 accreditation for Quality Management Systems.

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GBT Steelwork, a leader in bespoke steel fabrication, recently completed an extensive project for Urban Nest, a premier student accommodation provider in London. The project involved producing hundreds of steel bike racks for four of Urban Nest’s properties across the city and fabricating a disability access ramp for the Battersea property. To ensure maximum longevity, GBT Steelwork collaborated with Joseph Ash Galvanizing to protect the access ramp and 300 bike racks with a long-lasting hot dip galvanized finish.

Meeting the needs of modern student living

The role of hot dip galvanizing

GBT Steelwork chose Joseph Ash Medway to hot dip galvanize the steel bike racks and accessibility ramp. Hot dip galvanizing was chosen as the steel protection method of choice as it is an effective method of protecting steel against corrosion.

The galvanizing process involves immersing steel in molten zinc, creating a robust protective coating where the zinc metallurgically bonds to the steel. This method provides several key benefits that are particularly valuable for urban infrastructure projects:

Corrosion resistance

The primary benefit of hot dip galvanizing is its enhanced corrosion protection for steel, including in outside environments. The zinc coating protects the steel from rust and weathering, making it ideal for the bike racks and ramp.

Longevity

Galvanized steel has a significantly longer lifespan compared to untreated steel, ensuring the bike racks and ramp remain functional and protected against visually unappealing rust for decades. It also means the racks and ramp won’t need to be re-coated and replaced as frequently, saving disruption on downtime for the residents.

Cost saving

Thanks to its increased longevity and protection against corrosion, there are fewer costs from re-coating, maintaining, and replacing the steel.

Promoting sustainable and inclusive living

The bike racks and disability ramp are more than just functional additions; they reflect Urban Nest’s vision for sustainable and inclusive student living. By encouraging cycling, Urban Nest helps reduce carbon emissions while promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. The accessibility ramp, on the other hand, ensures that no resident or visitor is unable to access the property.

Hot dip galvanizing fits into the principles of a circular economy and is an ideal choice for companies who are mindful about sustainability.

A step forward in urban development

Andy Thompson from GBT Steelwork said “This project highlights GBT Steelwork and Joseph Ash Galvanizing’s ability to deliver durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for modern urban challenges. It’s great to be able to work on projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing and inclusive, but also practical and durable.”

Joseph Ash Galvanizing has protected the steel for several GBT Steelwork projects over the last few years, including some balconies for a prestigious Knightsbridge apartment. The partnership was great for this project, as GBT Steelwork’s expertise in steel fabrication and Joseph Ash’s galvanizing process ensure that Urban Nest’s investment is practical and sustainable.

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GBT Steelwork can fabricate all types of architectural and structural steelwork, anything from steel beams to gates, bike racks to agricultural pens, balconies to staircases. For more information about GBT Steelwork’s fabrication services contact Andy Thompson on aftommo@hotmail.co.uk or 07872507973.

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Welcome to our final newsletter of 2024!

This month, we share an end of year from Jason Anderson, Managing Director at Joseph Ash Galvanizing; we bid a fond farewell to Mick Jackson, our IT Manager and Marketing Associate who has been with us for nearly 42 years; and our last Galvanizing Today article for the year explores the A-Z of galvanizing, including key facts and information about steel protection.

To read your copy, click here.

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After an incredible 41 years of service, Mick Jackson, our IT and Marketing Manager, is leaving Joseph Ash Galvanizing at the end of the year to pursue new opportunities.

Mick has had numerous roles across the Company over the years, starting off in Internal Sales, working his way up to National Sales Manager, and then progressing to his current dual role as IT and Marketing Manager.

We had the pleasure of writing about Mick’s journey throughout the Company in his 40 year anniversary news feature last year.

Head Office arranged a buffet and gifts for him ahead of Friday as a farewell celebration.

Mick has been invaluable to the Company since he joined back in 1983, and we wish Mick all the best for the future!

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“As we rapidly approach the end of 2024 and a well-earned break, I wanted to take the opportunity to share a few thoughts.

“My first year as Managing Director for Joseph Ash Galvanizing has flown by in the blink of an eye. I am delighted to be here, and extremely grateful to customers, colleagues, and suppliers for their warm welcome and enthusiasm towards Joseph Ash.

“Some highlights of 2024 were:

• Hill & Smith plc (our excellent parent company) celebrated its 200 year anniversary. Edward Hill established the modestly titled Edward Hill & Co. at the Brierley Hill Ironworks in 1824. Our celebrations ranged from burger vans visiting sites to commemorative roses!
• Not quite as long serving but still celebrating a very respectable 40 years was Gurpal (Charlie) Singh, our Walsall General Manager.
• Chesterfield achieved the Gold award from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), demonstrating our commitment to safety.
• Improvements have been made to Health and Safety with encouraging results, as well as sustainability with targets on carbon reduction. We’re also improving our Learning and Development with early stage trials taking place.

“Performance in a challenging marketplace has been solid with plenty of opportunity for growth, and I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication throughout 2024.

“As galvanizers, we survive (and thrive) by forming an essential part of our customers’ process, providing long-lasting corrosion protection over a short lead time. Our service and quality are relied upon, and we continue to strive to improve and enhance this partnership.

“Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – 2025!”

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Christmas is fast approaching, which means our sites will soon be shutting for the holidays.

To help you stay prepared, we’ve listed below the dates and times that our sites will be shutting, as well as the dates and times that our sites will be reopening in the new year.

Site	Schedule
Bilston	Close: Thursday 19th December, 12:00am Open: Thursday 2nd January, 6:00am
Bridgend	Close: Friday 20th December Open: Monday 6th January
Chesterfield	Close: Monday 23rd December Open: Monday 6th January
Corby	Close: Friday 20th December Open: Thursday 2nd January
Hull	Close: Friday 20th December for production, Monday 23rd December for deliveries Open: Thursday 2nd January, 6:00am
Medway	Close: Tuesday 24th December, 2:00pm Open: Thursday 2nd January, 6:00am
Telford	Close: Wednesday 18th December (spin galvanizing); Friday 20th December (hot dip galvanizing); Monday 23rd December, 11:00am (deliveries) Open: Thursday 2nd January, 6:00am
Walsall	Close: Thursday 19th December, 2:00pm Open: Thursday 2nd January, 7:00am
Widnes	Close: Monday 23rd December (no production, deliveries until 12:00pm) Open: Thursday 2nd January

If you have any steel that needs coating before the new year, book a collection or get a quote from us today to avoid disappointment.

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The 56th Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA) took place in late September at Christchurch, Spitalfields, marking another year of excellence in structural steelwork. As a proud Silver Sponsor of Steel for Life (which sponsors the event), Joseph Ash Galvanizing is thrilled to celebrate the winners, commended projects, and everyone who contributed to making the event a success.

The SSDA is an annual celebration highlighting steel’s versatility and value in construction, emphasising its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and aesthetic appeal. This year’s entries again showcased remarkable diversity and complexity, demonstrating the very best in structural steel design.

The winning projects were:

• 8 Bishopsgate, London
• Aviva Studios, Manchester
• Beaulieu Parkway Bridge, Chelmsford
• Co-op Live Arena, Manchester
• n2 Nova Evolved, London
• Sky Innovation Centre, London

Commendations also went to:

• 4 Angle Square, NOMA, Manchester
• Bishops Square, London
• Clarice Pears Building, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Glasgow
• Haymarket, Edinburgh
• Lucent, London
• One Great Cumberland Place, London
• Paddington Square, London

A Merit went to:

Holbein Gardens, London

National Finalists included:

• Allerdene Bridge, Gateshead
• Battersea Power Station Phase 3B, London
• Devon Place Footbridge, Newport
• Maggie’s Royal Free Hospital, London
• Plot 7B New Bailey, Salford
• Sky Studios Elstree, Borehamwood
• Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge, Barnsley

Professor Roger Plank, Chairman of the Judges Panel said:

“The Awards scheme provides an opportunity for the sector to showcase excellence in the use of structural steel across a wide range of projects varying in nature, scale, regional location and budget. We were pleased to see the inclusion of so many large prestige commercial buildings this year, but we are just as interested in small projects of any type and would like to encourage a greater number of submissions across the widest range of structures.

“In conclusion I can say, on behalf of all the judges, that the awards, commendations, the single merit, and national finalists recognised in the Structural Steel Design Awards this year, reflect the impressive quality of the current steel construction industry, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved.”

To read about each winner in detail, view the SSDA Winners Brochure.

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