Avene Furness, Chute Fire’s founder and director has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Fire & Security Matters awards, in the exclusive category of Fire Industry Woman of the Year. This is a category that recognises the very best within the industry and specifically looking at the many bright and talented women, like Avene, who, day in, day out are seeking to change and improve the way things are done. It is innovation and bold leadership that is the guiding principle of our mission statement and has led Chute to be the company it is today and why we are so proud that this is being recognised by FSM with this nomination.
Avene has carved a distinct path in the predominantly male fire safety industry. Her approach transcends gender perceptions, focusing instead on expertise and hands-on involvement. “I don’t think I’m looked at as a woman, or rather it’s never played a part in terms of how I’ve approached the work,” she states, underlining that her success is rooted in her depth of knowledge and willingness to be actively involved in all aspects of her business. She emphasises the importance of being well-informed and capable of independently handling client queries and challenges on site. “My clients see me on site, they see me getting dirty as part of the job,” she says, showcasing her commitment to leading by example.
The awards take place at the CBS Arena in Coventry on June 12th 2024 where Avene will join other finalists from within the industry to duke it out for the top spot.
The full list of finalists can be found at: https://www.fsmatters.com/FSM-Awards-2024-shortlist-revealed
