NEWS & APPOINTMENTS


Industry urged to switch to continuous flow fans to address damp and mould crisis


Ventilation installers and electricians are being encouraged to move away from installing intermittent flow fans and instead fit continuous flow fans. The call comes from governing bodies and industry experts, like Elta, as the country continues to battle against damp and mould in homes. In England, there are around two million people currently living in homes with significant damp or mould (3-4% of residences).


Elta questions that intermittent flow fans may be indirectly contributing to the damp and mould problem. As they only work when homeowners turn them on, stale, moist air is able to build up in bathrooms, ensuites, and kitchens. With homes becoming increasingly airtight, continuous flow fans ensure stale air is extracted continuously, increasing the airflow at times when in-built sensors detect a high level of humidity. Nick Higgs, national sales manager at Elta Trade, part of Elta UK, said:


“Intermittent flow fans have been the status-quo for many years, fitted in rooms such as bathrooms and ensuites and only working when occupants take a shower or bath. However, quite often, the level of extraction is not enough, especially with homes being more insulated, keeping moisture trapped inside. “Ventilation installers can recommend continuous flow fans whenever there’s a job that requires replacing an intermittent flow fan, or an installation in a new home or for bathroom redesign projects. Continuous flow fans can dial up and down their performance to better extract moist, stale air at all times, reducing the chance of damp and mould growth.”


When fitting ventilation solutions, Nick stresses that compliance with Part F of the building regulations is key, and ventilation installers can refer to Approved Document F for guidelines on minimum ventilation rates for domestic dwellings. “Part F now covers both the air flow requirements, and the installation standards required for best practice,” says Nick. “Installers absolutely must be qualified to install ventilation products, but they also have to follow the correct standards as outlined in the document. This is to ensure the performance of the ventilation method is maximised and the designed air flow requirements are achieved.”


Nick highlights that ventilation installers can confidently meet Part F requirements by fitting larger, more powerful units, such as Elta’s recently launched DEXA 150 continuous flow fan.


Appointments


General manager appointed to Combustion Engineering Association


The Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) has announced Michael Kaye as its new general manager. With a strong background in mechanical and design engineering, coupled with years of industry leadership, Michael brings both expertise and a fresh perspective to this long-standing trade association and educational charity. In addition to his professional achievements, Michael has also been deeply involved in association work where, as a long-time member and former president of the Materials Handling Engineers Association (MHEA), he gained valuable experience in bringing members together, organising impactful events, and promoting technical excellence, skills that align perfectly with the CEA’s mission. CEA President Mick Casey said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michael as our new general manager. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the CEA as we navigate changes across the combustion-related sectors, and his vision for enhancing member engagement and promoting sustainable practices will undoubtedly strengthen our role in the industry.”. Michael said: “The energy sector is undergoing significant transformation as we tackle challenges including the adoption of alternative fuels, decarbonisation and achieving net-zero goals. I see the CEA playing a key role in driving these conversations and supporting our members with practical solutions. Together, we’ll focus on alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.”.


One of Michael’s immediate priorities is overseeing the CEA’s transition into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). He also aims to expand training programs such as the Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) while building stronger connections with academic institutions to nurture future talent in combustion engineering.


Kooltech makes key appointment


Kooltech has strengthened its Applied team with the appointment of Donna-Marie Smith as strategic applied marketing manager. With over 25 years’ experience in HVACR, Donna-Marie joins


BESA assessor scheme to address ‘critical shortage’


The Building Engineering Services Association has launched a programme to tackle a shortage of trainers and assessors which it says threatens to “leave the building services industry on its knees”.


Following a detailed study of the sector’s skills requirements, the Association believes the “critically low” number of trainers and assessors is undermining the industry’s whole further education (FE) process. It said that failing to address this issue would leave the industry unable to plug skills gaps and meet demand for its services by the end of this decade. It has, therefore, launched the ‘BESA Skills Legacy’ programme to enlist the help of experienced members of the industry who can help education providers deliver the courses needed to increase the number of qualified people entering the sector. BESA said the scheme could give colleges and other education providers greater


reassurance that building engineering training courses would be supported so they could invest in the necessary resources. The lack of appropriately qualified people to operate and run training and apprenticeship schemes means the sector is regarded as a high risk by the FE sector leading to a shortage of training capacity nationwide. “Our workforce is ageing and is already under intense pressure,” said BESA’s head of skills


and policy Stuart Rattray. “The average age across construction related sectors is 53 so without a dramatic increase in numbers of young people coming in, a labour force crunch is looming. Launched to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (#NAW25), BESA’s nationwide scheme is bringing together employers, represented by BESA, and the FE sector to provide a pathway for anyone with the right skills, experience and qualifications to become a qualified trainer or assessor.


Individuals must be qualified to the level they assess and will be supporting courses in their own technical discipline. The Association has already put in place a national network of FE providers to deliver the nationally recognised training, assessor, and quality assurance (TAQA) Level 3 programme in every part of the UK. “However, being a qualified assessor isn’t just about working in a local FE college,” said Rattray. “Businesses can also benefit from having trades assessors in-house for a variety of assessment requirements. “End Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) are always looking for qualified assessors and quality assurance personnel, as are private training providers. So, individuals have lots of different ways to ‘give something back’ that will be of premium value to the industry and themselves.” Training to become an assessor/trainer will be delivered by the FE provider via a ‘hybrid’


remote and in-person format. On completing the course, the candidate will be added to the BESA Assessor Register and waiting list for their geographical area. They will then be allocated to their nearest BESA partner training provider. Skills Legacy Programme page.


4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2025


from PR and Marketing agency, HVAC Communications, where she was instrumental in creating marketing strategies and plans, managing diverse marketing channels and for contributing to the development of valuable resources such as CPD presentations and whitepapers. She previously worked at LG Electronics as B2B Product Marketing Lead, Space Air plc and Daikin Europe. This is a new role within Kooltech to further strengthen the Applied heating team headed up by Scott Mason. Her appointment reflects Kooltech’s continued commitment to investing in its Applied function and strengthen its go-to-market strategy for commercial heat pumps, a crucial technology for decarbonisation in the UK. As strategic marketing manager, Donna-Marie will be responsible for the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns for Applied products and emphasising the key benefits of Kooltech Applied and K-con products. Jonathan Brown, commercial director of Kooltech, said: “Donna-Marie’s appointment


strengthens our Applied sustainability team and reflects our ambition to become the provider of decarbonisation heating solutions across the built environment.” Smith said: “Kooltech is an amazing company who are very invested in their employees and customers. I cannot wait to get started to market the applied and sustainable solutions, be part of their journey and, play my part in the transition to a low-carbon future.”


Aermec’s new health and safety officer


Aermec has appointed Lucy Hutchins as health, safety, environment & quality manager.


Lucy brings a vast amount of experience to the role. Her knowledge of health and safety will be a valuable addition to Aermec’s management and reinforces Aermec’s ongoing commitment to safety, security and well-being. A group wide role, Lucy will oversee Aermec’s health, safety, quality operations including the planning, implementation, monitoring and reviewing of all policies and procedures. “Lucy’s expertise will inform and strengthen our health and safety policies,” comments Paul Lawrence, managing director, Aermec UK. As an experienced HSEQ (health, safety, environment and quality) professional, Lucy will be focused on ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality within the workplace. She joins Aermec with a strong background in regulatory compliance, risk management and environmental sustainability, “My personal aspirations are to build a culture that is strongly focused on organisational health and safety. I will be working with key stakeholders and supporting them with specialist advice, policies and guidance whilst promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement,” says Lucy. Lucy’s overall responsibility will be to minimising risks and ensure Aermec is compliant with legal and industry standards. But her remit will include collaborating with various departments within the business developing and implementing robust HSEQ policies and procedures, programming inspections and audits, as well as analysing incidents to identify root causes, and provide training and support to staff to enable them to enhance their understanding of safety practices. She will also serve as a valuable resource for employees seeking guidance on well-


being-related concerns and creating an open dialogue about mental health and ensuring employees feel heard and supported.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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