Name: Lee Baldwin
Job Title: Head of Customer Technical Support
Organisation: Heidelberg Materials
Date joined North West committee: January 2023
Why did you become a member of the Society and why would you recommend it?
The Concrete Society has been part of my career for as long as I can remember. From using Technical Reports to assist with developing mix designs and resolving customer issues to the many fun memories of social events, the society has always simply been useful to me as a concrete technologist.
Why did you first decide to volunteer for the (Region) committee?
When I’d passed twenty years in the industry I found myself and I’ll whisper this… with a little spare time! Volunteering for the North West Region I saw as an ideal opportunity to give something back to the industry whilst still affording me opportunities to learn, grow and enjoy myself.
Could you describe some of the tasks you have typically done whilst on the committee?
My involvement with the committee prior to taking on the Chair has been largely supporting the annual technical training days. Initially being asked to present a section on concrete technology and then progressing to organising the event itself, approaching industry contacts to deliver a section, someone who could host us in their lab or office and key to any good event…. arranging lunch!
What have you most enjoyed about being part of the (Region) committee?
The best part of joining the committee has been meeting new people and discovering aspects of the industry I’d never really had much to do with. From concrete repair, (I’ll stress mine has never needed it!) to academics bringing us cool new toys to play with and all of the stories that go with both, it’s been really enlightening.
How has volunteering helped you in building your professional network?
With 25 years in the industry there have been many names I’ve heard or had correspondence with along the way whom I’d never actually met. Whilst today, video calls make it easier to see people, actually meeting up at Concrete Society events with people whose names I’ve known for years, or bumping into former colleagues and associates I’d not seen for ages – who then introduce you to someone else, is really beneficial when building contacts in the industry.
What advice would you give to anyone considering joining a Society Regional committee?
Each Regional Committee is made up of a diverse group of people from across the industry and from academia. They need a range of skills, not just the obvious public speaking that you may see, there will be a team behind that event helping with the organisation too. Make contact with the local team, either via the website or their LinkedIn page and have a chat, pop along to one of their meetings or events and say hi. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your understanding of our industry.
Why did you decide to go for the (Regional) Chair position and what are your aims for your two-year term?
I can’t say I’m not a little daunted by the position, but over the years I’ve become friends with several former Regional Chairs from around the country and without exception they’ve all really enjoyed their tenure. Getting the opportunity to be involved with an even broader range of Society business and learn from it. I’ll be using my term to reinforce and help develop the successful calendar events already in the North West Region’s annual diary but also to promote and help to grow and I hope, diversify our membership.
Find out more about the North West region.
