RACHP Engineering Technician Lifetime Achievement Award

Download the Nomination Form

Deadline for nomination: 15th November.  

The IOR RACHP Engineering Technicians' Section makes an annual lifetime achievement award to recognise an individual's commitment to a career in service, maintenance or installation engineering. This award prize is kindly donated by the ACR Journal.

The Technician Award celebrates the role of experienced field-based technicians - the mainstay of our industry. The winner receives a prize of £400, an engraved trophy and a certificate, presented by the President of the Institute at the Annual Dinner. 

• Nominations can be made by employers, clients or colleagues.

• Candidates can be working in any refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump role in a field-based service, maintenance or installation role.

• They must have substantial experience in a technician-level role and still be active in the industry.

• Shortlisted candidates will be required to take part in a phone interview to discuss their experience.

• Winners will be invited to attend the Institute of Refrigeration Annual Dinner to collect their award.

• Download the award criteria and rules
• Download the nomination form

2024 Winner

Matthew Byfleet of Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

Matthew began his career as an apprentice in 1996 and, almost 30 years later, remains just as passionate about his work. 

Over the years, he has built extensive expertise across a wide range of technologies—from VRV systems to industrial and pharmaceutical applications—and has been a strong advocate for low-carbon, low-GWP solutions. Beyond his technical achievements, he is deeply committed to mentoring apprentices and young technicians, actively passing on his knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure the future of our industry is in safe hands. His employer describes him as a "superb engineer, dedicated to his role and constantly going above and beyond for the client."

• 2023 Terrie Lamb of CiMetrics

• 2022 Andrew Christie of J&E Hall Cardiff
• 2021 John Broughton of Danfoss and Andy Murrell of Star Refrigeration
• 2020 Kevin Gregory of Kinlochs and Son
• 2019 Paul Gardner, JPS Refrigeration 
• 2018 Joseph Birch, SJJ System Services
• 2017 Keith Simmons, Flowrite Services
• 2016 Grayme Selkirk, Tesco and Martyn Ross, J&E Hall
• 2015 Roy Dearden, Kool-it Services
• 2014 Ian Sullivan, Ian Sullivan Air Conditioning 
• 2013 John Webb, J&E Hall 
• 2012 John Bond, Space Engineering
• 2011 Keith Gorman, Coldtech Refrigeration
• 2010 Charlie Darling, Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 
• 2009 David Wright, MacWhirter 
• 2008 Robert Taylor, Star Refrigeration
• 2007 Alan Stoll, Star Refrigeration
• 2006 David Luker
• 2005 George Hayes, Star Refrigeration 
• 2004 Ron Filer, Bitzer Uk
• 2003 Keith Lukehurst, York Refrigeration 
• 2002 Les Collett