Wendy Hayward: 35 Years Growing with Aircare

02nd September

For Managing Director Wendy Hayward, Aircare Compressor Services has been more than a career. It has been a 35-year journey of growth, change, relationships and opportunity.
Wendy joined Aircare in 1991, when the family business was still in its early years and employed just seven people. Her first tasks were a little different to those she handles today.

“My first job was to move us from a Rolodex to a computer system and set up the trade counter,” Wendy says.

Since then, Wendy has experienced almost every stage of Aircare’s development. She has helped the business move into new premises, supported periods of expansion, adapted to major changes within the compressed air industry and played a key role in shaping Aircare into the business it is today. Her own career has developed alongside it. Wendy became a Director in 2007 and was appointed Managing Director in 2016.

Today, Aircare supports customers across the UK with compressed air, vacuum and nitrogen generation solutions, but Wendy believes the principles behind the business remain much the same as they were when she joined.

A business built on relationships

One of the most important lessons Wendy has carried throughout her career came from her father.

“Business is built on relationships.”

For Wendy, that means treating people with dignity and respect, listening properly and being willing to learn.

“Listening, learning and being prepared to admit mistakes are just as important as celebrating successes. Every experience teaches you something if you’re prepared to learn from it.”

That approach has helped shape Aircare’s culture as the company has grown. While technology, equipment and customer requirements have evolved considerably since 1991, the importance of trust, long-term relationships and dependable support has remained central to the way Aircare works.

Creating opportunities for people to grow

Asked what she enjoys most about leading Aircare today, Wendy’s answer isn’t about equipment, projects or business growth. It is about people.

“What I enjoy most is watching people grow and creating opportunities for them to succeed.”

Aircare’s team has been built from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and routes into the industry. Wendy sees that diversity of experience as one of the company’s strengths.

“This industry has opportunities for anyone and Aircare is a great example of that. Our team comes from all walks of life with incredibly varied experiences, but they can all thrive and create a meaningful career in the industry.”

For Wendy, seeing members of the team build their knowledge, confidence and careers is one of the most rewarding parts of running the business.

“No two days are ever the same, which keeps my role exciting, but seeing individuals develop their skills, confidence and careers is by far the most rewarding part.”

Representing Aircare within the wider industry

Wendy’s involvement in the compressed air industry now extends beyond Aircare. She joined the Board of the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) in 2021 and was subsequently appointed President, representing an important milestone both personally and professionally.

For Wendy, the role provides an opportunity to give something back to an industry that has supported her throughout her career.

“One of the things I value most about this industry is the willingness of people to share their knowledge and support one another. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some exceptional individuals.”

Her experience has also shaped how she views leadership.

“When I imagined what a leader looked like, I didn’t come close to the clinical, high-flying man in a suit. But I’ve learned that curiosity, ambition and a strong work ethic can take you just as far, maybe even further.”

During her presidency, Wendy wants to help ensure the compressed air industry continues to provide opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds. Her aim is to encourage a welcoming, collaborative industry where people feel able to contribute, develop their skills and build long-term careers.

35 years of Aircare and CompAir

2026 also marks another significant milestone for Aircare: 35 years of partnership with CompAir.
The relationship has developed alongside Aircare itself, spanning major changes in technology, equipment and the wider compressed air market. Built on trust, technical expertise and a shared focus on supporting customers, the partnership has helped Aircare deliver compressed air solutions to businesses across the UK for more than three decades.

It is a relationship Wendy has seen evolve from the very beginning.

From a seven-person family business using a Rolodex to a nationwide compressed air specialist, a great deal has changed at Aircare since 1991.

But for Wendy, the foundations remain straightforward: look after people, keep learning, build strong relationships and create opportunities for others to succeed.