Together again

Oh, what a night!…as the Four Seasons sang. Ever since the BCIA Awards were launched back in 2007 it has become a stand out event in the industry’s calendar. The diligence and effort that goes into organising it each year is only matched by the excitement and enthusiasm of those who attend – with an extra buzz for the companies and individuals who have been nominated for an award. The aforementioned enthusiasm was certainly evident last year as despite the lockdown we were still determined to celebrate together. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology the Awards were held virtually with ‘attendees’ still dressing up for the occasion.

However, I don’t think anybody can deny, nothing beats the real thing, so it was a pleasure for us to welcome last year’s winners as our guests on the night this year, and it did feel really special for us all to be together again. Another record breaking number of entries, as well as a record breaking number of guests on the night underlined just how much the live event was missed last year.

I was enormously proud to glance around the room and see so many new and familiar faces that have worked hard to overcome the challenges which we have faced in the last 18 months. The evening also represented my first official appearance in public as BCIA President and I had the honour of both welcoming some new people to the industry and saying some heartfelt goodbyes. In March this year Roger Borer retired from his position as Executive Officer for the BCIA and was succeeded by George Lee. Meanwhile at the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), Russell Beattie recently retired after seven years as CEO, with Chris Yates taking over. I am really glad that all four gentlemen could join us to complete the passing of the respective batons.

I would like to thank Lucy Porter who did a sterling job as host, the second time she has stepped up. Congratulations must of course go to all of this year’s finalists who ensured there were competitive categories across the board and a big well done to all of the winners:

• BEMS Installer of the Year – ABEC
• Engineer of the Year – Steven Nuttal of Aimteq Solutions
• Young Engineer of the Year – Lewis Williams of Detail Design Engineering
• Energy Management Award – Ecopilot (UK) & E.ON Control Solutions
• Best Service and Maintenance Provider – Global Associates
• Technical Innovation of the Year (Product) – Angel Guard
• Technical Innovation of the Year (Project) BGES Group
• Contribution to Training Award – InTandem Systems
• Smart Buildings Award – Carbon Numbers
• Outstanding Contribution of the Year – Jon Belfield

I would like to offer huge congratulations to my friend and colleague Jon Belfield for his Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award. Jon has dedicated a significant amount of time, effort and enthusiasm to new initiatives which have benefited the whole industry. I think it’s safe to say that if Jon retired tomorrow he would leave a lasting legacy of someone who evoked positive change in the building controls industry and I am personally delighted for him.

And finally, thank you all for coming, it wouldn’t be the same without you – see you next year!