NEWSNEWS
Williams recognises 190 years of staff service
K Kevin Morrissey
BESA, which oversees the REFCOM registration scheme for refrigeration and air conditioning, said demand for residential cooling is rising. It cautioned that installations must meet legal and technical standards. “There is always a risk with any growth market that it attracts the wrong kind of commercial interest,” Morrissey said. “We are seeing a surge in demand for heat pumps and for domestic cooling systems, but these need to be properly designed and appropriate for each project.” He warned that unqualifi ed installers could pose risks to public safety and the environment. “There is a ‘cowboy’ element out there who could do untold damage to this industry and put both the environment and the public at risk of harm, if regulations are not properly enforced.” Morrissey said the Building Safety Act is
improving standards in construction and that cooling systems should be subject to similar oversight: “The role of cooling needs to receive a similar level of scrutiny to ensure it can play its part in keeping building occupants safe and healthy.”
ing’s Lynn-based manufacturer Williams Refrigeration has acknowledged
eight employees for long service milestones, totalling 190 years of employment. The group includes six staff members marking 20 years, one reaching 30 years, and one celebrating 40 years with the company.
The occasion was marked with a staff lunch and presentation of gift awards. Production operative Alan Wilson, who joined Williams 20 years ago, said: “I was made to feel welcome and part of the team from my fi rst day. At Williams, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, and you really feel like part of a big family.”
Continuous improvement supervisor Thomas
Waldron noted the variety of work and access to training: “There’s never a dull moment working here. As well as all the daily challenges, there are plenty of courses helping you to develop your skills. I’m currently up to level 4 of my Continuous Improvement course, and I’m planning on doing more once I fi nish and see where it takes me.” Jason Brockwell and Gary Rump, both marking 20 years, refl ected on their time at the company. Jason said: “I enjoy the variety of work we do here, from loading lorries to product amendments and much more. There have been plenty of changes to the company during my time here, and being a part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations a few years ago was very memorable.”
Gary has only missed one day of work due to illness in two decades. Managing director Tim Smith commented: “I
am delighted and very proud to be celebrating the long service of eight colleagues who collectively have given nearly 200 years of loyal service to Williams. It is always a pleasure to see how many people stay with us for many years, their extensive knowledge and experience perfectly illustrate the high level of quality we aspire to, and clearly demonstrate the depth of expertise and skills that have made Williams synonymous with quality and performance.” Employees recognised:
■40 years: Adrian Wilkinson ■30 years: Adrian Gosling ■ 20 years: Gary Rump, Jason Brockwell, Richard Goodacre, Teresa Boddy, Alan Wilson, Thomas Waldron.
MP visits Wolseley Group to discuss skills and innovation M
att Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington, visited Wolseley Group’s Warwick headquarters last week
to explore how the company is supporting the UK’s climate control sector. Wolseley, a major distributor of plumbing, heating, and cooling products, plays a key role in supplying infrastructure solutions and technical support to professionals across the country. The visit included meetings with senior leaders and tours of departments such as Marketing, Digital, HR, and Health & Safety. Discussions focused on how Wolseley is adapting to industry shifts,
particularly in renewable technologies, digital innovation, and workforce development. A central topic was Wolseley’s Renewables Centre, which off ers training and design support for low- carbon systems, including heat pumps. “From investing in training and digital innovation, to helping our customers navigate the shift toward renewables, we’re proud of the role we play both locally and nationally,” said Simon Gray, CEO of Wolseley Group. “Engaging with policymakers like Matt is vital as we continue to contribute to the rapidly evolving future of the sector.”
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