Erika Wilson – The Times Interview

We are sharing the summary of the interview with Erika Wilson, our Managing Director. The interview appeared in Monday’s edition of The Times.

Erika Wilson, Managing Director of Wilson Power Solutions, shared insights into her leadership journey and the company’s evolution in The Times during Family Business Week. The company, founded by her grandfather Richard Wilson in 1946, specialises in energy-efficient transformers crucial for managing voltage in power grids. Wilson reflects on how joining the family business was a pivotal decision in her twenties, and how it shaped both her career and the company’s future.

Expansion and Innovation in India

Eighteen years ago, Wilson Power Solutions took a bold step by purchasing a three-acre site in Chennai, India, to build a factory. At the time, the move felt ambitious, even overwhelming. “I remember looking at it and going, ‘Oh my God, this is massive. We’re not going to need any more space,’” Erika recalls. However, demand has outpaced expectations, leading the company to acquire an additional 14 acres 8 km away for a new 120,000 sq ft facility.

The Chennai factory focuses on producing transformers that adjust voltage levels based on business needs. For instance, supermarkets require transformers to reduce the voltage from 11,000 volts to a more usable 415 volts for powering equipment like lighting and chillers. Conversely, battery energy storage systems require transformers to step up voltage to 132,000 volts.

Wilson Power Solutions’ mission is to manufacture the most energy-efficient transformers possible, addressing the environmental impact of outdated models. The latest designs can help businesses save over 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Clients such as Tesco, Unilever, and the University Hospital of South Manchester benefit from these innovations, reducing both energy use and operating costs.

Global Growth and Market Strategy

While core products are manufactured in India, final customization and finishing are done in Leeds. The UK remains the company’s largest market, generating £80 million in sales last year. However, India’s market share is rapidly increasing, with sales jumping from £5 million to £20 million in 2023. The company now employs nearly 500 people, with 340 based in Chennai.

Erika credits her father, Colin, with the foresight to establish the factory in India to secure a reliable supply chain. Initially, profitability was elusive, but the focus on energy efficiency and targeting renewable energy sectors has driven growth. “India has been a labour of love. It’s been 18 years we’ve had that factory, and it’s only just making a profit,” Erika said.

In the UK, the company’s long-standing reputation gives it a competitive edge. “We’ve been able to deliver transformers more quickly than our competition and have also forged relationships over a long period,” she explained. “Notable projects include supplying transformers for Harmony Energy’s Pillswood, Europe’s biggest battery storage project at the time of energising. The project is of great significance being adjacent to Dogger Bank wind farm, one of the world’s largest offshore wind projects.”

Personal Journey and Challenges

Erika joined the business as an apprentice in 1997, at a time when sales were around £10 million. Initially considering a career as a vet, she switched paths after finding work experience in veterinary practice “highly boring.” Her father welcomed her interest but applied no pressure, allowing her to explore her options.

Starting at the bottom, she learned the intricacies of the company’s products. “It was all about cutting your teeth, being alongside the guys, and understanding the product because you can’t sell something if you don’t know what it is,” she explained. Early in her career, she faced challenges in gaining respect, particularly as a young woman in a male-dominated industry.

A defining moment came when she handled a customer complaint at just 23. Facing a boardroom of ten men, Wilson apologised for delays and assured them of improvements. Afterwards, she broke down in tears. “I called my dad and said, ‘That was horrendous.’ He told me, ‘You’ll get used to it.’”

Gaining respect in India posed additional challenges, with some senior staff hesitant to accept a female boss. Over time, her leadership and results earned recognition. “I finally got the eureka moment last week where [one of them] said, ‘Bloody hell, Erika, you’ve done really well.’”

Future Challenges and Opportunities

Eriak is mindful of future challenges, particularly rising costs due to recent government measures, including increased national insurance contributions. She is weighing options to manage these costs without reducing staff benefits, such as wage increases or profit-sharing incentives.

Another concern is inheritance tax on business assets, which she feels unfairly impacts family businesses. “It’s forcing my father to reconsider his plans completely. Don’t get me wrong, taxes are needed, but let’s be reasonable,” she said.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Erika is committed to making the industry more accessible for women. She recently hired 50 female graduate engineers in India and was appointed the first female president of BEAMA, a trade body for energy infrastructure manufacturers. She hopes these steps will inspire more women to enter the field.

As for the company’s future, Wilson dreams of a fourth generation taking over. Her eldest son, Archie, recently expressed interest, prompting an emotional response. “When he said, ‘That sounds really cool. I might be interested,’ I started crying,” she shared.

Reflecting on the company’s 78-year history, Erika feels immense pride. “I love the business. I am very lucky,” she concluded.

You can also read the original text on The Times website.