NEWS & APPOINTMENTS


Women in engineering drive change at AEMT Conference


The Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) hosted its first Women in Engineering Power Hour at the recent AEMT Conference, marking an important milestone in fostering inclusivity within the electromechanical sector. The 90-minute session brought together women from across the industry to reflect on findings from the AEMT’s Women in Engineering Survey and to share lived experiences. While the survey provided structure, it was the open and honest discussion in the room that gave the event its impact.


Participants highlighted a number of critical themes, including the need for greater transparency around pay, stronger education on issues such as the menopause, and the importance of men actively challenging inappropriate behaviour when they see it. Attendees also stressed the value of spaces where women can connect and share experiences, and called for leadership within AEMT member companies to support participation in women-focused initiatives. The session also explored practical steps to encourage change. Suggestions included an annual women-only summer event, quarterly networking opportunities, a dedicated women’s table at the AEMT Awards, and the formation of a core group of women to champion female voices across the sector. These insights closely reflected the survey’s findings, which captured the perspectives of 70 women across the AEMT membership. Despite these challenges, the survey also revealed strong motivation and ambition among women in the sector, with career growth opportunities cited as the leading driver for entering engineering. Training, development, and mentoring were identified as the most valued resources for support, underlining the importance of structured initiatives that enable career advancement. The Power Hour concluded with a strong call for a continuation of these initiatives. Feedback made clear that women want more opportunities to connect, be heard, and shape the industry’s future. Kirstie Davies, AEMT Junior Vice President and Chair of the Women in Engineering Power


Hour, commented: “The energy, openness, and positivity in the room were incredible — it showed just how much appetite there is for connection and progress among women in our industry. This first session is just the beginning, and I’m eager to build on the momentum we’ve started.


A new refrigeration and air conditioning society has been launched


The Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers Society (RACES) is the new voice for professionals working in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector. A not-for-profit organisation, RACES was created by Michael Smart and Graeme Fox after many months of planning, and in collaboration with an advisory board drawn from a cross section of the industry covering some of the leading lights of the RACHP sector.


Michael explained: “I was frustrated by the lack of


representation that ordinary refrigeration engineers had in the industry from the existing bodies. Ordinary engineers felt they needed a different approach to representation and I reached out to Graeme to help me turn this dream into a reality.” The main driving role for the new society will be to support small businesses in their refresher and upskilling training courses needed over the next few years to prepare for the wider transition to alternative refrigerants.


Graeme explained: “The industry these days has a huge majority of small and micro businesses operating as contractors – over 90% of contractors have less than five engineers per company – that’s a massive change in the demographic from where we were 30 years ago when I learned my trade. The requirement to send your engineers away for even one or two day courses presents a comparatively huge financial and operational strain on small businesses as against the traditional larger contractors, and we have set out to provide access to free or reduced cost access to the kind of training courses these engineers will be needing in the coming years.” RACES brought together an advisory board representing wholesale outlets (both national and privately owned), large refrigeration consultancies and respected contractors to ensure it was set up to best address the concerns that Michael first identified. RACES has already secured sponsorship from some of the industry’s biggest names and


are now organising training courses for their members to take advantage of. The plan is to hold training courses across the UK giving better geographical spread to their availability, and to support any regional groups or branches that currently exist in the sector as well as support any regional groups wanting to start up. “We’re creating a real community for the sector here,” Michael added, “and we welcome all in our industry to join us and help us deliver what our sector has long needed.” Joining fees for membership start at £65 and with an up-to-date technical library already in place, and developing every week, RACES is expected to quickly become the main representative body for engineers in the RACHP industry. www.races.org.uk


4 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER NOVEMBER 2025 Appointments


Compliance Group appoints managing director for fire division


Compliance Group, a specialist provider of safety and regulatory compliance services, has announced the appointment of Scott McKay as the managing director for its fire division. McKay is a seasoned and established leader in the fire and security space, bringing over 25 years of industry experience to the role. He is a results-driven, established operator recognised for driving growth and transformation across diverse business environments. Beginning his career as an apprentice electrician before moving into fire and security, he progressed through multiple roles, building hands-on expertise from the ground up. “I am excited to be joining Compliance Group and to lead its Fire division,” said Scott. “I believe in empowering teams and fostering a culture of accountability to achieve outstanding results. My goal is to lead from the front, championing business transformation and driving sustainable growth to enhance the bottom line. I look forward to working with the team to build on their success and deliver innovative, best-in-class fire safety solutions for our clients.”


Scolmore Group expands Click sales team


As part of its continued growth strategy and commitment to strengthening customer relationships across the UK, Scolmore Group has appointed three new area sales managers. Alistair Lishman, James Louriero, and Paul Sawyer join the business, bringing with them a wealth of industry knowledge, technical expertise, and commercial experience. Paul Sawyer has been appointed as area sales manager for the East of England, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex. Paul’s previous experience includes area sales manager roles within the heating and lighting sectors, as well as 17 years in a branch management position with a key electrical wholesaler. Alistair has been appointed as area sales manager for the Lancashire and Merseyside


regions. He brings a wealth of relevant industry experience to his new position, with six years spent with a leading UK electrical wholesaler, including four years as a branch manager in the northwest region. He joins Click Scolmore from his most recent role as a technical sales engineer. Joining as area sales manager for West Yorkshire, James Loureiro brings with him 20 years of experience as an electrician working across a wide range of jobs and projects, ranging from commercial, industrial, and domestic — installing Click products along the way. In his new role, James will be focused on developing and implementing strategic sales plans, analysing market trends, and building strong, long-term customer relationships.


Navien UK appoints new commercial director


Navien UK has announced the appointment of Greg Banham as its new commercial director, succeeding Graham Parkes, who will retire after a successful tenure steering the company’s commercial growth across the UK heating market. Greg brings more than 25 years of experience within the heating and plumbing industry, having held senior commercial and leadership roles across a range of well-respected businesses. With a deep understanding of installer needs, merchant relationships and the evolving route-to-market landscape, he joins Navien with a strong track record of driving sustainable growth and building trusted partnerships. He said: “Navien’s reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability is top class, and I’m excited to be joining the business at such a pivotal time. With a clear focus on growth, Navien has huge potential in the UK market.”


Lochinvar appoints heat pump specialist


Lochinvar has appointed Andy Sims as the new Northern Heat Pump Specialist. He brings a wealth of experience in the HVAC sector, having joined the industry almost 20 years ago.


Andy initially worked on the tools as a plumbing engineer and has held a variety of senior technical and sales related roles for well known companies within the industry. Throughout his career Andy has worked nationally with specifiers, consultants and contractors across a wide variety of sectors. His experience and expertise will be invaluable to Lochinvar as the business grows the


renewables team to support engineering contractors with their increasing decarbonisation requirements. In his new role, Andy will focus on liaising with consultants to provide expert selection and design support for Lochinvar’s range of heat pump and renewable products. He will work closely with our area sales managers to support heat pump projects and ensure specifications across the North are delivered with the most effective solutions to meet client needs.


Andy said: “Lochinvar has always been a brand I have admired, they stand for quality,


great customer service with a solid product offering. I used them a lot when I was a contractor. The role is exciting as heat pumps are the future for our industry as we drive towards net-zero ambitions. Lochinvar’s heat pumps are excellent, but the service offered by the technical support team is what makes the company truly market leading!”


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


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