The glittering event, held in the Crystal Ballroom, began with pre-lunch drinks, sponsored by Fernox, during which members of ICOM had time to network and catch up with industry news.

Following a welcome address by ICOM Director, Steve McConnell, and a delicious lunch, the finalists of the ICOM Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Adey Commercial, were announced. This year’s finalists were:

Connor Clewes, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Apprentice at Worcester Bosch

Daniels Manfelds, Electrical Engineering and Control Systems Trainee at Cochran Ltd

Hayden Openshaw, Maintenance and Operations Engineering Apprentice at Fulton Boiler Works GB Ltd

The apprentices were judged by Ian McCluskey CEng FIMechE FIGEM, head of technical and policy at the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM). He said: “The standard of the applicants was extremely high this year and it was not an easy task to distinguish between them when looking at the three criteria used for judging.

“However, Hayden’s entry in particular impressed me for a number of reasons: his aptitude for continuous learning; his commitment to excellence and a clear demonstration of honesty, integrity and respect for his colleagues and his workplace.

“The Fulton apprenticeship programme has developed Hayden from a young apprentice into a competent engineer showing all the qualities for meeting the standard of a professionally registered engineer. It is for these reasons that I am delighted to select Hayden as a very worthy winner of the ICOM apprentice of the year award 2025.”

The after dinner speaker, sponsored by Elco Heating Solutions UK, was Alun Cochrane, who entertained guests with his sharp one-liners and off-the-cuff wit.

Steve McConnell reflected on another successful event: “The annual lunch is one of the few events where all our members can meet in person, catch up with old acquaintances, make new connections and discuss industry issues and developments.

“It is also always a pleasure to meet the apprentices, who, after all, will be taking our industry into the future. Congratulations to all three, and particularly to Hayden, our ICOM Apprentice of the Year 2025. It is vital that we encourage young people to join our businesses as apprentices and learn the skills they’ll need for the future. Connor, Daniels and Hayden are a credit to their employers and we wish them every success for the future.

“Finally, I’d like to thank our sponsors and ICOM colleagues for helping us to make our annual lunch such a success. Most of our time is spent working with governments, professional bodies and associations to influence regulation and promote best practice throughout the non-domestic heating sector, so this event is a great opportunity to celebrate everyone’s hard work.”

For more information about the work of ICOM, please visit www.icom.org.uk