A line up of leading names in the oil heating industry are set to speak at OFTEC's new look Awards for Excellence 2014 event which also incorporates a trade show, seminar programme and mini conference in the day's agenda.
'The Big Event' on Tuesday 24 June at The Nailcote Hotel and Leisure Club near Coventry, will welcome John Huber, president of the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) in America, to speak at the morning member conference.

Mr Huber was the lead lobbyist in developing NORA in 2000, a Congressionally-established organisation which works to improve the oil heating industry in the US. As president of NORA, Mr Huber is responsible for the development of all programmes and overall administration for the organisation.

Also sharing his views will be Mike Foster, chief executive officer of the Energy Utilities Alliance (EUA), a not-for-profit trade association which helps to shape the future policy direction within the UK energy and utilities sector. Before Joining EUA, Mr Foster was MP for Worcester for 13 years and held a Ministerial post within the Department of International Trade.

OFTEC's Director General Jeremy Hawksley will also provide an overview of the current UK oil heating industry and the key issues facing members.

A full seminar programme for technicians will run alongside the mini conference, featuring Neil Schofield, Head of Government and External Affairs at Worcester Bosch Group, who will give his views on the market for renewables.

OFTEC's registration director Adrian Lightwood will present on the trade association's forthcoming scopes of registration for some renewable technologies, while OFTEC technical supervisor Matthew Northcott will explain the proposed changes to building regulations.
Commenting on The Big Event 2014, Malcolm Farrow of OFTEC said: 'We are delighted to have a number of top industry names joining us at this year's Big Event and look forward to sharing their valuable insights.

'Our aim this year is to give the Awards a fresh, new look and to include a number of attractions under one roof, providing a real incentive for technicians, members and guests to come along. We hope 'The Big Event' will prove to be an interesting, enlightening and enjoyable event for all.'

The morning conference, trade show and seminar programme will be followed by a lunchtime buffet and this year's OFTEC Awards for Excellence presentations, featuring top comedian Sean Collins.

There are just a few places remaining at The Big Event. To register, visit www.oftecbigevent.co.uk. Attendance at the trade show and seminar programme is free, while tickets for the buffet lunch and awards event are just £10.