With almost 50 years of experience in the HVACR industry, Mike has served as president of the Heat Pump Association (HPA), president of HEVAC and as chairman of FETA during its 30th anniversary year. In the wider industry he is also a fellow and former trustee of the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) and has served as a director of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB).

Russell Beattie, chief executive of FETA said: “It was an absolute pleasure for FETA to nominate Mike, with support from other key stakeholders in the industry, for an honour. Mike epitomises the very best of the volunteer culture which exists within trade associations and his personal commitment to the entire HVACR industry is second to none.”

One of Mike’s many achievements was as chair of the ACRIB F Gas Implementation Group from 2005 to 2020 where his role saw him voluntarily acting as an industry advisor to DEFRA and the Environment Agency. Mike was responsible for the UK industry response to the F Gas regulations and his steadfast desire to pursue the very best climate change driven solution for Europe is a demonstration of his commitment to every role which he has held.

Commenting on being awarded an OBE, Mike said: “I am proud, grateful and equally humbled that my work within an industry that I love has been recognised in this amazing way. Throughout my long career within the HVACR industry I have had the privilege to work with a number of incredible people and I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of them as they are the ones who have made this possible.”

Russell concluded: “Mike is widely recognised as a leading UK industry figure and we are delighted to hear that he has been awarded this OBE. The F Gas Implementation Group which Mike chaired fulfilled a critical representational need within industry and his personal contribution, which continued after his retirement, should not be underestimated.

“He has also made a significant contribution to FETA, holding many key leadership roles, including more recently serving as President of the Heat Pump Association, laying foundations for its growing success in a sector which is key to delivering the Government’s net zero carbon vision.

His considerable expertise, coupled with his passion for promoting all aspects of the industry, makes him an inspiration to all those who come into contact with him.”