Nicky Moss juggles two worlds: integrating homes in her day job and championing families through her charity, Cost of Cancer. This dedication recently earned her one of the industry’s highest honours in an unforgettable moment at The Londoner Hotel, UK.
Before a rapt audience last November, the CEDIA EMEA Awards host scanned the contents of his next envelope. “I’m delighted to say,” he announced with a gleam in his eye, “our Special Recognition Award this year goes to Nicky Moss!” Applause surged across the room for this worthy winner, a picture of happy tears and clasped hands as she made her way to the stage.
“It blew my mind to be officially recognised,” Nicky begins, smiling at the memory. “I’m honoured to use my business platform to help families in need.” Nicky is referring to Cost of Cancer, the charity she established after her best friend passed away from the illness in 2009. The charity, which began fundraising before its registration in 2016, eases the financial strain on families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. This means those in need can get help with everyday bills like gas, electricity and water, plus support for hospital travel costs.
Nicky, pictured above
Advocacy and business
“At the time it was founded, there was no other organisation helping families with the everyday household bill,” Nicky explains. “We are still the only UK charity helping families to cope with recurring living costs. I work four days a week for Moss Technical and one on the charity; the trustees and I are totally voluntary.”
Moss Technical is a British integration company founded by Andy Moss, Nicky’s husband. The team oversee electrical installations, inspections and home automation, specialising in systems like Niko Home Control for which they are the UK distributor and training provider. “Moss Technical and other companies in the industry have donated generously to help us keep our costs to a minimum,” Nicky relates.
“We are still the only UK charity helping families to cope with recurring living costs.”
The charity’s journey reflects the growing value of social impact in business. After her Special Recognition Award, Nicky received a heartfelt message from an attendee that makes her visibly emotional today. “It was this unexpected outpouring of praise,” she recalls. "I was choked up and surprised, especially as I prefer to give rather than receive.” This individual recognition changed conversations with colleagues on the night and beyond, encouraging Nicky’s passion for community and business growth.
Industry support
As an increasingly industry-backed initiative, Cost of Cancer has amassed achievements big and small. Its biggest year so far has seen nearly £22,000 paid in household bills, while individual donations from the industry – most recently a printer – have kept the charity’s funds centred on critical needs rather than administrative costs.
“I can’t tell you how proud and thankful I am for those gestures,” Nicky says. “No matter how seemingly small, they could be the difference between a patient getting to hospital or not. I’ve also been impressed by the generosity people have shown in donating products that can fetch a good price at auction for our upcoming ball in October.”
Personal and professional identity
When discussing hard work and positive attitudes in volunteering, Nicky draws attention to the many "unsung heroes” who embody these values in custom install.
“Responsibility is deeply woven into our sector,” she points out. “I know so many professionals who give back in their spare time, from managing sports teams to sponsoring social impact initiatives – often without seeking or receiving recognition. I don’t think that duality is often spoken about.”
“Responsibility is deeply woven into our sector.”
But the industry, perhaps influenced by the personal and premium nature of its work, is clearly becoming more vocal in its support for causes like Cost of Cancer. Nicky attributes the trade’s trusted reputation first and foremost to the unique contributions of its people.
“I was inspired by the CEDIA Award because it encouraged me to integrate charity work more publicly with my professional identity,” she says. “For example, adding the logo to Moss Technical business wear and giving Cost of Cancer a dedicated LinkedIn page.”
What businesses can learn
Nicky’s work, whether in advocacy and AV, draws on her deep understanding of how real homes and residents live. “Really quickly, my best friend went from feeling fine to having a few months to live,” she reflects. “It’s so important for an automated home to anticipate how quickly a person’s needs can change due to illness or caregiving.
“After seeing how much people struggle with energy bills like gas and electricity, I realise the installer has a superpower over changing circumstances; they can ease unforeseen financial and health burdens through clever programming. I’d love to see this become more of a consideration when pricing jobs, as futureproofing and flexibility can transform lives. Simple questions about window or blind automation can be asked upfront, and even adding one per cent to a job could sustain support for charities like ours.”
“The installer has a superpower over changing circumstances.”
As more companies rally behind causes like Cost of Cancer, giving back is becoming vital to the industry’s identity. “With continued support,” Nicky concludes, “we can build partnerships that make business success and social change one and the same.”
Main image credit: Flash Vector/Shutterstock.com