meet the acr news awards 2024 judges
We are delighted to announce this year's ACR News Awards judges- a diverse panel of discerning experts from across the industry
DARREL BIRKETT
Managing Director of Cool Designs
In the trade over 30 years, Darrel has always served in air conditioning distribution and for the last 20 years as Managing Director of Cool Designs Ltd. During that time has been hands on to navigate evolving refrigerants, technology and legislation that has directly influenced the air conditioning market, and the way distributors service the trade.
(Darrel will not be judging wholesaler/distributor, support engineer, customer service or trainee categories.)
Judged: refrigeration, humidity, community, diversity, projects and initiatives.
DAVID PAGET
Refrigeration Surveyor at LRQA Verification Ltd
David Paget has been involved in the wider industry such as the development of BSI product standards and various IOR guidance notes for many years.
He continues to be active with both the IoR and BSI, recently being appointed to the chair of refrigeration safety at the BSI.
Judged: all categories.
KEVIN GLASS
Managing Director of BITZER UK
Kevin Glass has nearly 40 years’ experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
A past-President of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), Kevin’s wide-ranging career has spanned technical, management and latterly senior leadership roles, much of it with leading compressor specialist Bitzer.
Kevin has also served as a member of the Institute’s Board of Trustees and Membership Committee.
Judged: all categories except refrigeration.
RICHARD MERRITT
Managing Director of AC Solutions Group Ltd
Richard Merritt has over 30 years’ experience in the industry starting out as a building services apprentice.
Richard is BESA London and South East region Chairman, BESA RACHP group executive committee Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors for ACRIB.
A Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers & the Institute of Refrigeration.
Judged: all categories.
MARTYN COOPER
Commercial Manager,
FETA
Martyn Cooper, Commercial Manager at FETA, joined the Federation in May 2015
after a 37 year long career in the chemical industry. Originally working for ICI within
their plastics business, Martyn was involved in the sales and marketing of refrigerants, initially with ICI KLEA and then its antecedents, Ineos Fluor and Mexichem Fluor. His final position was Regional Sales Manager for Northern Europe.
Martyn’s role now includes supporting various sections within several of the member associations of FETA; BRA, HPA and HEVAC. He has also been involved in the launch and promotion of the recent BRA Putting into Use Replacement Refrigerants (PURR) report. Martyn’s future work will include raising the profile of FETA and its member associations and highlighting the benefits of membership of a trade association.
Judged: all categories
STEPHEN GILL
HVACR and energy consultant, and founder,
World Refrigeration Day
A past-President of the Institute of Refrigeration, Stephen has enjoyed a long career in the HVACR and energy sectors. After working for a number of major contractors, Stephen formed the specialist consultancy – Stephen Gill Associates – in 2004, helping end-users of industrial systems make informed decisions regarding energy efficiency and sustainability. Judged: all categories except diversity.
LAURA BISHOP
Director
Hillside Infinitas
Laura Bishop is director of Hillside Infinitas, an award winning consultancy specialising in renewable energy engineering. She is an expert in heat pumps and chair of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association, and is active in various initiatives such as Women in RACHP. Judged: all categories