ACR Journal

NEWS 04 Meridian training centre opens in Dorset Dorset has welcomed its first industry training facility with the o cial launch of the Meridian RACHP training centre in Ferndown. The purpose-built centre, which will be operated by Meridian Air Conditioning and Ventilation, marks a partnership between directors Sam and Suzanne Lovell and lecturer and assessor Shaun Creech. Following extensive research and development, the aim is to upskill individuals in working on cooling systems, as well as meeting a predicted growth in demand for heat pumps. The centre will specialise in providing individuals with the skills to use lower flammability A2L and higher flammability A3 refrigerants for a range of RACHP functions. It will provide a range of short courses accredited by City & Guilds and BESA for both more experienced installers and newcomers to the sector. Creech, who has trained more than 1,000 students during his career and is a Fellow of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), said: “The setting up of a centre will give people the option to attend their training somewhere more local instead of travelling at least 60 miles or more to the nearest other provider - it seemed a no-brainer. We are looking to grow our provision as we go forward and have already been approached by some companies about setting up specific courses for their employees on controls systems for ventilation systems.'' IOR president Graeme Fox, who is also technical director for the BESA group and a director of ACRIB, performed the o cial opening. www.meridianrachptraining.co.uk June | July 2023 Volume 9 No.4 Wembley welcome for Carrier customers Carrier welcomed Advantage customers at a VIP event at Wembley Stadium for insight into the latest product developments, including an update on the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and technology to support healthy buildings. Selected customers from each tier of the Advantage programme were presented with certificates to mark their ongoing support. Silver customer Brooktherm Refrigeration collected the first certificate, followed by Gold customers Imtech and Air Technology Systems (ATS) and Platinum customer Aircon Sales and Service. The event included a tour of the stadium followed by dinner in Club Wembley, during which guest speaker Nathan Wood, chair of the Building Engineering Services Association’s Health & Wellbeing in Buildings Group, delivered a presentation about the continued need to monitor and improve IAQ – a focus of Carrier’s Healthy Buildings programme. The Carrier team then explained more ab out the benefits of the Advantage programme, before premiering a new apprenticeship video that highlights the range of professional opportunities o ered by the global leader in HVAC solutions. Aermec founder Giordano Riello dies, aged 97 Giordano Riello, the founder of Italian air conditioning manufacturer Aermec, has died aged 97 at his home near Verona. A successful entrepreneur, Riello was a pioneer and innovator in manufacturing and technology. Aermec was one of the first companies to produce air conditioners in Italy and, under his stewardship, the business grew from its formation in 1961 to become one of the leading manufacturers in Europe, with over 1,700 employees. Riello was recognised as one of Italy's leading industrialists, who never lost sight of the importance of family and also the people who worked for the business. Paul Lawrence, Aermec UK Managing Director, said: “Giordano was a great inspiration, admired and renowned for his enthusiasm, energy, and humanity. He had a natural ability to make everyone feel genuinely valued and appreciated.” From left, Shaun Creech, Graeme Fox, Suzanne Lovell and Sam Lovell at the official opening Carrier customers in the Wembley press conference room