ACR Journal

NEWS 12 NO RETURN TO 'BUSINESS AS USUAL' AS NEW BESA PRESIDENT CALLS FOR UNITY BITZER training webinars an online hit BITZER’s expanded programme of technical training webinars is proving a hit with UK refrigeration engineers, system designers and hands-on end users. Developed and presented by the Schaufler Academy, the company’s global training centre, the online modules cover the fundamentals of refrigeration, developments in the application of refrigerants, compressors and heat exchangers, and the use of selection software. Kevin Glass, Managing Director of BITZER UK, said: “The response from the UK industry has taken even us by surprise, and shows there is a huge appetite for knowledge out there. The online approach is unlocking this, as it makes it simple and easy for people to dial in and get the information they need delivered by our respected specialists straight to their PC or tablet.” https://trainings-events.bitzer.de/WebinarEN Volume 6 No.5 August | September 2020 Chillventa online… MCE 2020 cancelled Following the cancellation of this year’s Chillventa as a result of the coronavirus crisis, a virtual event will be staged for the international refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry. The Chillventa eSpecial will take place from October 13-15 with a theme of Connecting Experts. Director Daniela Heinkel said: “Our customers’ wish for an industry platform oering intensive knowledge sharing has taken shape, at least in digital form in the absence of a live event. The Chillventa eSpecial is our response to the level of interest from our community, and will reflect a large part of the world’s leading exhibition for refrigeration technology in virtual form.” Meanwhile, the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE 2020) European air conditioning, refrigeration and heating exhibition has been cancelled. Originally scheduled for March 17-20 in Milan, the show was rescheduled to September 8-11 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The next Mostra Convegno will be held from March 8-11, 2022. Closer to home, the IOR Northern Branch Dinner in Newcastle, scheduled for October 1, has also been cancelled. Neil Brackenridge has been elected President of the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) for 2020/21, succeeding John Norfolk. The MEP Regional Director Midlands & North at Wates Group was chair of the BESA North West region from 2017 to 2019 and has been BESA National Education Committee and Skills Partnership chair since 2017. In his inaugural speech, the new President said it was vital that the industry did not go back to “business as usual” following the Covid-19 crisis and called for contractors to harness the “unity of purpose” displayed during the pandemic to create a better future. He also praised BESA for showing great “support and leadership” for the building services sector during the coronavirus outbreak, “not least with its daily webinar updates each accompanied by a wealth of information to help us all deal with this most challenging of times and provide hugely valuable clarity and guidance”. BESA President Neil Brackenridge HANNABY SEALS 'SEVEN-FIGURE' BUY-OUT AT CB REFRIGERATION Tom Hannaby has completed the ‘seven-figure’ majority share management buy-out of Caerphilly- based CB Refrigeration, four years after joining the business. As Managing Director and majority shareholder, he will continue to work with directors Jason Beament, Andrew Hall and Simon Beament. Founded in 1968, CB Refrigeration initially supplied and serviced commercial refrigeration equipment. Jason Beament, Andrew Hall and Simon Beament acquired the company in 2016 and developed the business alongside their electrical installation company, Ayjay Group, to provide a full refrigeration and air conditioning turnkey solution. With continued growth reported since 2016, CB Refrigeration now specialises in the design, installation and maintenance of bespoke refrigeration solutions for a range of sectors across the UK, including retail, hospitality, industrial and pharmaceutical. Hannaby said: “From day one of joining, I have worked closely with the directors to make the right investments to deliver our long-term goals. We’ve got a great business and we’ve remained resolute in our collective ambition to do what’s right for the business and our people.” Tom Hannaby, front, with Jason Beament