Meet the member - Richard Pomeroy

MANAGING DIRECTOR, ABP ASSOCIATES.

QWHAT LED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION?

AI graduated at the Polytechnic of East London with a BSc (Hons.) in Applied Biology in 1986 and having spent three years working in research laboratories, I saw an advert for an ‘Air Quality Analyst’ in London which appealed to me. It turned out to be an asbestos air testing analyst and was the launch pad for my career in the asbestos industry. At grass roots level I started off carrying out air testing and dealing with asbestos removal contractors and clients on site. I then trained as an asbestos surveyor eventually becoming the Asbestos Business Director for a large National environmental Consultancy 10 years later.

QWHY DID YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF BOHS?

AI became a member of BOHS in order to keep up to speed with developments in the asbestos industry and for my own CPD that can be achieved by attending the numerous events throughout the year. I have been delivering the BOHS asbestos proficiency modules for nearly 20 years now.

QWHAT ASPECT OF YOUR BOHS MEMBERSHIP DO YOU VALUE THE MOST?

ASharing information with like-minded professionals and attending the many seminars, conferences, workshops and regional meetings that are organized by BOHS.

QHOW HAVE THE BOHS QUALIFICATIONS HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

AI started taking the P-Certs in the late 1980s / early 1990s and then the S-301 and oral exam to become a CoCa, Asbestos in 1992. These qualifications have been invaluable to me in my career development and also add credibility to the consultancy work and training that I deliver.

QWHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT OUR PUBLICATIONS (ANNALS OF WORK EXPOSURE AND HEALTH, EXPOSURE, FAAM NEWS, E-BULLETINS, WEBSITE NEWS)?

AI enjoy reading asbestos related articles as well as other occupational hygiene related topics. I particularly enjoy FAAM news as it is so relevant to my role. The expertise within the organisation is ‘second to none’ and I am extremely privileged to have worked with many of the members.

QWHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE ROLE BOHS IS PLAYING IN PROMOTING WORKER HEALTH PROTECTION?

AOften the risk from health hazards present in the workplace is not readily recognized or understood. BOHS therefore has a massive role in promoting worker health protection. This is facilitated by the organization having a large and wide membership base, together with appropriate educational courses and a plethora of information and guidance that is available.

QWHAT DOES A TYPICAL WORK DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

ANo two days are the same for me at work and that is why I still love my job. I am the Managing Director of ABP Associates Ltd and Alison, my wife, is the other Director (Finance and HR). We directly employ 25 asbestos analysts, surveyors and administrative staff so each weeks tends to be action packed. We usually walk our dog, Pickle, on the way into the office which is a great start to the day. This week I was teaching asbestos removal Supervisors at our training center for two days. On the other days I was producing quotations, delivering some refresher training internally for surveying staff, and I had meetings via Teams relating to our Asbestos Consultancy framework agreement with a large utilities organisation. I Also had virtual weekly meetings with our Project Managers in our Stony Stratford and Monmouth offices, amongst other things.

QWHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, OR THOSE ENTERING THE PROFESSION?

AWork hard and the rewards will come. Never give advice unless you are 100% sure it is correct. You can always run it past a more experienced hygienist first.

QAWAY FROM YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE, WHAT HOBBIES AND INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE?

AI have a passion for gardening and in particular growing vegetables. I try to keep fit and I love to play tennis and golf. I was swimming 3 or 4 times a week before lock down so I do miss the fact that the pool I use is not yet fully open. Most evenings I play the guitar which really helps me wind down at the end of a busy day. We are fortunate enough to live in the New Forest National Park and have daily dog walks in the many great areas there are to go including the beach.

QLASTLY, A QUICK FIRE ROUND – FAVOURITE FILM, FAVOURITE SONG, FAVOURITE MEAL. A

Film – Blues Brothers Song – Starman (David Bowie) Meal – I love all food (including marmite) except for sprouts !!!