Women Driving Change: Quintex’s Emma Brooks
Emma Brooks, Managing Director of Quintex Systems Ltd
For our next instalment in the series, we had the privilege of speaking with Emma Brooks. As managing Director of Quintex Systems Ltd and Chair of the Foodservice Equipment Association, her dual roles showcase her strategic leadership as well as her commitment to creating opportunities for women in a traditionally male dominated sector.
Emma’s day-to-day role encompasses overseeing strategic leadership at Quintex, from sales operations and R&D to production, HR, and health & safety. She leads a small but passionate team, ensuring the company runs smoothly while driving innovation and growth. Since joining Quintex in 2004 as an office manager, Emma has taken on increasingly senior roles, becoming Sales Manager, then General Manager, and ultimately Managing Director in 2020. Her journey highlights her determination, adaptability, and strong sense of purpose.
Overcoming industry challenges
Working in a traditionally male-dominated sector has come with its share of challenges. Emma spoke openly about her experiences, from navigating complex technical discussions to addressing instances of unconscious bias. Reflecting on these moments, she shared:
“I feel sometimes that we actually need to change the narrative. Because largely from my experience, men don't want to create challenges for women in the majority.”
Emma is advocating for a shift in focus, from spotlighting obstacles to celebrating the unique strengths, insights and contributions that women bring to the industry. She approaches challenges with pragmatism and quiet confidence. In situations where she anticipates bias or expects a particularly technical discussion, Emma has at times chosen to bring a trusted male colleague into the conversation. This is not a reflection of doubt in her own expertise, but a strategic decision to navigate entrenched perceptions, encourage constructive dialogue and model effective allyship.
By combining this approach with a strong belief in her own capabilities, Emma has turned moments of resistance into opportunities for collaboration. She emphasises that, in her experience, most men are supportive and open to working alongside women, and that assumptions about bias are not always reflective of reality. Her openness, inclusive leadership style and commitment to continuous learning continue to build trust and respect across the sector.
Emma Brooks, Managing Director of Quintex Systems Ltd and Chair of the Foodservice Equipment Association
Leading through change
Emma’s career is defined by bold decisions, resilience and a commitment to leading with integrity. One of her most pivotal moments came during the COVID crisis, when she was tasked with steering Quintex through extraordinary uncertainty. It was a testing period, both personally and professionally. Faced with difficult conversations and high-stakes decisions, Emma led with honesty and empathy. Her ability to remain transparent while guiding her team through change became a source of strength. Her leadership during that time helped steady the business and guide it into a new phase of growth. Today, Quintex is thriving with a close-knit team of 20, a testament to the culture and clarity she helped shape during challenging times.
Her appointment as the first female Chair of the Foodservice Equipment Association, beginning in November 2024, marks another milestone. It breaks with tradition and creates space for new perspectives and future leaders. Most recently, Emma received an honorary doctorate for exemplary contributions to the foodservice industry from NAFEM in Atlanta, a recognition that highlights the growing international appreciation for her contribution to the sector.
A leadership style built on empathy
Emma’s approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, fairness and emotional intelligence. She speaks openly about the importance of kindness in management and the value of learning from mistakes.
“I try to be fair and empathetic. Kind, thoughtful and caring to the people who report to me. I don't always get it right…”
Rather than aiming for perfection, Emma encourages self-awareness and growth, both in herself and in those around her. She openly acknowledges that leadership is a learning process, shaped by setbacks as much as successes.
“It’s OK to fail,” she says. “You’re never always going to get it right. It’s never going to be perfect. We don’t live in a perfect world.”
This mindset has shaped her approach to decision-making and team development. Emma sees mistakes not as failures, but as opportunities to move forward with greater clarity.
“Nobody wants to fail. But sometimes you have to learn from it and do it better next time.”
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in listening, reflecting and improving. By embracing vulnerability and creating space for others to grow, Emma continues to build trust across her team and the wider industry. Her example shows that progress does not come from having all the answers, but from being willing to ask the right questions and learn along the way.
Advice for aspiring women leaders
Emma is passionate about supporting the next generation of female leaders and believes that practical tools, self-awareness and a proactive mindset are key to building confidence and momentum. She encourages women to step forward, even if they do not feel entirely ready.
“Even if you’re scared, do it scared,” she says. It is a simple yet powerful reminder that courage often comes after action, not before it.
Her advice is grounded in experience. She highlights the value of developing emotional intelligence, learning to juggle priorities, and staying open to feedback. Courses such as Effective Leadership through Emotional Intelligence and initiatives like Balance the Board are among the resources she recommends. She also points to the value of connection, encouraging women to join supportive communities like the Emotional Intelligence Network on LinkedIn.
For Emma, progress starts with showing up, asking questions and trusting your ability to learn. Her message is clear: leadership is not about having every skill in place, but about having the willingness to grow, even in uncertain moments.
Why energy technology?
For Emma, energy technology is a sector full of opportunity. It brings together innovation and sustainability across a wide range of industries, from hospitality to energy production. Its diverse applications offer real potential to make a lasting impact.
With sustainability a growing global priority, Emma sees this industry as a powerful platform for both technical progress and inclusive leadership. Her career is proof that when women step into energy technology, they bring vital perspectives that help drive meaningful, long-term change. Her story is one of resilience, curiosity and purposeful leadership. It offers a clear reminder that the future of this industry will be shaped by those who are willing to step forward, even when the path is not yet certain.
Watch the full interview with Emma Brooks on YouTube to hear her insights and be part of the conversation. If you're looking to grow your leadership skills or support others on their journey, explore the resources Emma recommends: IGPP’s Effective Leadership through Emotional Intelligence course, Balance the Board, and the Emotional Intelligence Network on LinkedIn.
To stay updated, sign up for the monthly ETL newsletter and subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can look out for our next interview featuring leading women in the energy savings industry. Don’t miss our previous interviews in the series with Charlotte Lee, Chief Executive of the Heat Pump Association, and Tracy Southwell, Managing Director of Hobart Equipment UK Division.
If you’re a woman driving change in the energy efficiency sector or know someone who would like to take part in an interview with the ETL, please contact us on media@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk.