The Founder of a specialist cleaning company has been appointed Chair of the Scottish division of the Building Engineering services Association (BESA).

Simone Hart Sibbald, Managing Director of family firm Perfect Service Solutions, will represent the interests of 200 BESA Scotland members working in the engineering sector.

During her term of office, she plans to raise awareness of the need to ensure the safety of operatives going into buildings to carry out their services.

She also wants to establish a ventilation hygiene group in Scotland similar to one already running at BESA in England in a bid to highlight the importance of improving indoor air quality and reducing fire risk in kitchen extract systems through ductwork cleaning.

ms Hart Sibbald says: “I’m looking forward to my new role – it’s a great privilege and responsibility to be Chair of BESA Scotland and one of my main aims will be to raise the profile of our industry.

“II want to be involved in supporting the development and growth of our members and will do my utmost to be a great advocate for them.

“I’m particularly keen to highlight the  need for improved safety and accessibility for our sector’s employees in the buildings where they operate.

“It’s essential that building ventilation systems are constructed to ensure filters and other parts requiring cleaning or replacement are readily accessible.

“I’ll be campaigning to raise awareness of staff safety and hope to influence the construction industry in this regard.

“There is a real need to make sure ducting is not dangerous for our members to access as they are about their work”.

Paul McLaughlin, the BESA Chief Executive, said: “Simone has already proved to be an active and committed member of the BESA, and I am delighted that she has accepted the challenge of chairing BESA Scotland at a time of great opportunity for the association and its members.

“I am convinced she will prove to be a great asset in helping to implement the many initiatives we have  planned for the future.”

Ms Hart Sibbald, whose firm provides specialist deep cleaning services and ventilation solutions for a variety of clients, was vice-chair of BESA Scotland from 2014 to 2016 after joining the trade body in 2007.

The organisation is in the main UK trade association for building engineering services contractors who install and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration services.

She adds: “Being involved in BESA has been a great learning experience and one which has helped may personal development.

“As I’m not from an engineering background, it has really added depth to my knowledge and understanding of the sector.”

One of Ms Hart Sibbald’s first roles as Chair will be to host the BESA Scotland annual dinner and networking event at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow on April 22.

In addition to her involvement in BESA, Ms Hart Sibbald is also Vice-Chair of the National Association of Air Duct-Cleaners UK (NAADUK).

Meanwhile, Perfect Service Solutions is in the running for two top business awards from Forth Valley Chamber of the Commerce.

The firm has been shortlisted for Best Small Business while Ms Hart Sibbald is nominated for the organisation’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year prize.

For more details about the firm visit www.perfectservicesoluctions.co.uk