An interview with Nicola Batey
May 2025
At DW Windsor, we are proud to be powered by people with a shared passion for light, committed to delivering outstanding lighting solutions. We are keen to celebrate those who share our passion, positively impact our community and shine a light on our industry. With this in mind, we recently sat down with Nicola Batey, our Area Sales Manager at DW Windsor, to discuss her incredible journey to becoming Chair of the Women Lighting Professionals (WLP) in May 2025.
Tell us about your career journey in the lighting industry.
My career in lighting started 25 years ago, initially working in sales administration at a lighting wholesaler before moving to Westire Technology (formerly SELC Ireland), where I spent many years in external sales. I loved the creativity and connectedness of the lighting industry, as well as the opportunities to develop a fulfilling and rewarding career.
In 2019, I joined DW Windsor as an Area Sales Manager, where I help support customers in specifying exterior lighting solutions for their projects. My role enables me to work closely with local authorities, architects, consultants, and M&E contractors to ensure they find the right products for their needs.
I am also proud to be a founding member of the Women Lighting Professionals (WLP), which launched in 2024. The initiative was born from a fundamental question: “How can we make the industry more attractive to women?” This challenge extends beyond lighting into the wider construction and engineering sectors. Amanda Reece then proposed the idea of creating a dedicated division within the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) to champion women in the industry. This led to the formation of the WLP, which is dedicated to creating opportunities, fostering support, and driving greater inclusivity in what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession.
What do you feel are the biggest concerns and challenges surrounding women in lighting?
Women make up only 18% (as of 2023) of ILP members – highlighting the significant need to encourage more women to share their perspectives and get further involved so that the ILP can continue to evolve and flourish inclusively.
We have also identified that new starters in the industry benefit greatly from peer support. To address this, WLP aims to pair individuals with ‘buddies’, helping them access guidance, build confidence, and establish meaningful connections within the lighting community. Our long-term ambition is to develop a structured mentoring programme to provide even greater support.
Additionally, balancing a career with family responsibilities can still significantly impact a woman's career pace and opportunities. Many women returning to work after having children report struggling with self-doubt, which affects their confidence. While part-time and hybrid working have improved flexibility, there is still much more that the industry and businesses can do. However, to make real progress, businesses need clearer legislation and stronger inclusive policies to better support women in the workplace, something that we will continue to champion and advise on.
Ultimately, our aim is to encourage more women to support one another, building a stronger network of connections, mentorship, and professional opportunities.
What positive changes have you seen since being Vice Chair at the WLP?
Awareness of WLP’s efforts has increased, and support for greater inclusivity in the industry continues to grow; it’s all moving in the right direction!
At the Tria Luminaria event in January—a joint initiative between the ILP, YLP, and WLP—we celebrated the WLP’s first anniversary and were proud to see a significant number of women attending, making up approximately 40% of those in the room. This reaffirmed that WLP is successfully fostering an inviting and inclusive space for women in lighting.
However, we have also identified areas where further support is needed for all members, particularly women, in navigating life-changing events and challenges such as motherhood, menopause, and caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, we have highlighted the growing need for greater access to confidential mental health and wellbeing support, an issue that affects all genders.
When appointed as Chair in May, what will be your focus?
Our aim is to collaborate with the ILP, YLP, and other industries and share knowledge to encourage mentorship and learning, helping to position lighting as a more attractive and visible career choice. We want to achieve this by recognising women in the workplace, celebrating achievements, highlighting role models, and supporting equality. Fortunately, other networks and organisations also champion women in the industry, such as Women in Lighting.
I am also keen to continue the important work of Perry Hazel in STEM outreach for young women. By aligning the ILP and WLP with the SIP04 group, we can collaborate on STEM initiatives, engage with students at an educational level, and introduce them to career opportunities within the industry.
Additionally, the WLP is planning ‘takeovers’ at regional events, featuring mini papers on mental health and women-centric topics. These sessions will help drive more inclusive conversations across the sector and provide valuable insights for all industry professionals.
Our aim is to collaborate with the ILP, YLP, and other industries and share knowledge to encourage mentorship and learning, helping to position lighting as a more attractive and visible career choice. We want to achieve this by recognising women in the workplace, celebrating achievements, highlighting role models, and supporting equality.
—Nicola Bately, DW Windsor
What more can people do to support and advocate for women lighting professionals?
It would be good if organisations could review their policies to ensure they are inclusive, both in attracting and retaining women. Recruitment processes should also be more inclusive and open to flexible working, something that benefits not only women but also men who have childcare or caregiving responsibilities.
Additionally, fostering an inclusive workplace culture requires everyone to be open to colleagues’ differing needs. Raising awareness and making a conscious effort to understand the specific challenges women face in the industry is essential for driving meaningful change.
Who inspires you as a strong advocate for women lighting professionals?
There have been a number of trailblazers for women in the lighting industry over the last few decades. Figures such as Lisa Childs and Michaela Medcalf, who have each dedicated 35 years to the profession, have paved the way for future generations. Elizabeth Thomas, as the first female President of the ILP, and Ayca Donaghy, the current CEO of the LIA, have also played significant roles in driving change.
However, progress is not driven by these individuals alone; there are many others, both women and men, who continue to advocate for greater inclusion and opportunities for women in lighting.
What advice do you have for those looking to get involved with the WLP or start their career in lighting?
Get involved by attending the sessions and talks that the WLP offers! Visit the website and contact the ILP committee if you’d like to join. If you’re unsure and want to explore whether it’s the right fit for you, feel free to email me; I’d be happy to help you access sessions and events.
More broadly, immerse yourself in the industry. Build connections, network, and engage in conversations. Attend events, ask questions, and be curious. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way.
Thank you so much to Nicola for taking the time to speak to us. Find out more about the WLP here.