08 January 2026
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Janice Bolton has spent more than two decades in the industry and is a Marketing Executive at communications specialist HVAC Communications.
What was your first job?
After finishing my Fine Arts degree in 1998 (convinced I was destined to be the next great artist), I somehow ended up making a training film for the customer service team at Boots the Chemist. One minute I was sketching, the next I was behind a camera wondering how I’d wandered into corporate filmmaking.
By August I’d joined Boots HQ in Nottingham as an audio-visual associate – a very grand title for someone lugging products around, striking poses for photographers and keeping cables tidy enough to avoid a health and safety incident. I helped produce the Christmas Gift Guide, which, to my horror, starts its life in April.
I also worked on training films for new products and services, dashing around the UK until I knew Boots store numbers better than their postcodes. Alongside that, I was a runner for the AV and film crew, supporting early projects like the Advantage Card and the first wellbeing centres in larger stores.
What does your current role involve?
These days my role involves a delightful plethora of skills across marketing. I nurture strong client relationships and figure out the best ways to communicate each client’s message without sounding like an AI robot. I craft clear messaging, design visuals that look like they belong to the brand, interpret what clients really want to say, and then turn that into something their audience will understand. I handle graphics, social media, presentations and make sure everything gets delivered on schedule.
What attracted you to the industry?
My entry into the industry was… well, let’s call it a very happy accident. My manager at Boots happened to be best friends with the wife of the owner of Pump House and, suddenly found myself in the HVAC/R world in 2002 as a Marketing Assistant for Pump House (now DiversiTech International).
I ended up staying nearly 20 years, during which I was encouraged to really get to know the industry, from how wholesale distribution works to diving deep into product launches, business growth and venturing into new market sectors. It was a huge learning curve for both me and the marketing manager at the time, and we saw the company grow from a small business to a medium-sized one with big ambitions and even bigger opportunities.
What excites/interests you about the industry?
This industry is full of passionate people, or maybe characters is a better word! It’s wonderfully close-knit and everyone seems to know everyone, or at least knows someone who once helped someone they know!
If you ever need advice, a favour, a job lead, guidance for your first big trade show, or even just a recommendation on which magazine won’t put your audience to sleep, the industry has your back. The support is genuinely golden.
I was lucky enough to spend nearly 20 years working for a company that sold into AC, heating, renewables, electrical and mechanical wholesalers. As you can imagine, the number of people I’ve met and the amount of knowledge I’ve absorbed has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s an industry that keeps you learning, laughing, and constantly amazed by the people in it.
How would you like to see your career developing?
Honestly, I love what I do. The variety, the people, the madness and magic of the HVAC industry. I wouldn’t change a thing. What I would love, though, is to inspire more women to join the industry. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I’ve never regretted it for a second (not even during those chaotic product launch weeks back in the day).
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“Trust your instincts.” Simple, classic and it’s never once steered me wrong. Unlike my sat nav.
What do you see as the challenges facing the industry?
The changes needed to meet Net Zero targets by 2050. There is still a huge amount of work to get through and at times it feels as though this industry is bearing more than its fair share of the burden. Fortunately, there are many talented and committed people who will do everything they can to get us where we need to be.
What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry?
“Do it! The men and women in this industry will always be at the end of the phone if you ever need to reach out.”
Is there a little-known fact about yourself that would surprise other people?
Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely hate heights and I’m terrified of flying. Put me on a plane and I turn green faster than you can say “turbulence.” But when I turned 30 (which feels like a couple of years ago, let’s go with that), I decided to do something completely ridiculous for someone who can’t even look over a balcony: a parachute jump.
I did it to raise money for New Start, a charity at Wythenshawe Hospital supporting babies needing transplants, a cause very close to home. So yes, I willingly threw myself out of an aircraft at 12,000 feet, screamed the whole way down, survived, and raised money for an incredible team who give children a second chance at life.
And just to be clear: that chapter of jumping out of airplanes is very firmly closed. Permanently sealed. Never again!
