The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps has chalked up yet another industry first – the election of a female chimney sweep to the company board of directors.

Emma Roddy is believed to be the first female sweep to take on such a senior role within a chimney sweeping association.

Emma, from Manchester, trained with The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps in 2015 and now runs her own successful business, Sparkling Flues.

She and her husband Paul now work together and a few months ago, daughter Jessica completed her Guild training and also joined the business.

Emma said: ‘It’s an honour to be elected a director of the Guild and I’m really looking forward to working with the board, helping support members in their business and ultimately in delivering great services to their customers.”

“Following my initial course, the importance of high-quality training was obvious. I chose quite quickly to become a trainer. As a member, I know the reputation that the Guild has within our industry on the professional training that is provided and feel that this is paramount on our journey to educate customers.”

“I have helped train and develop a number of members, including recently my daughter. I still continue to hear from those that I have trained and provide advice.”

Chair of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Lawson Wight welcomed Emma, saying: “We are very pleased to have Emma join us, her appointment will bring a new dynamic to the leadership of the Guild.”

“It’s a happy co-incidence that Emma joined us just in time to mark International Women’s Day.”

“We have around 30 female sweeps in the Guild. That’s only around 7% of our membership but this figure is steadily growing. Emma’s appointment sends a clear message that we are a progressive organisation and that chimney sweeping is a career option for women.”