More than 620 people attended the annual FETA lunch yesterday (18 April), which was held at the Brewery, on Chiswell Street, in London.
Entertainment was provided by comedian Ed Byrne, while FETA president and chairman of the board, John Austin-Davies, made the traditional speech. Mr Austin-Davies is also president of the BRA and technical director of EPTA UK.
He began by reinforcing the importance of FETA member companies operating as one voice uniting in a common cause, whether in relation to the European Eco Design Directive, the Carbon Trust Energy Technology list, or the Renewable Heat Incentive.
He underlined the need for FETA to work to develop standards inside ISO, CEN and BSI to ensure that best practice is determined and documented in appropriate guides and that key information about the market is available.
A major concern, Mr Austin-Davies said, is the level of training in the industry today, and what is necessary for refrigeration systems in the future. '...anyone in the refrigeration supply chain, or providing maintenance or as a user, should be keenly aware of what is being discussed in the EU regarding F-Gas legislation revision.'
He continued: 'We must focus on the point that is most critical: the competence of the people who install, commission and maintain systems with new technology, and ensure their safety. It is inside our industry where the greatest knowledge and experience lies, to determine what is the appropriate, correctly supported, sustainable rate of change.'
He concluded by thanking FETA members and staff for their ongoing support.
