In his first Annual Lunch address as FETA Chair and HEVAC President, Barry Trewhitt highlighted the pace of political, economic and environmental change shaping the built-environment landscape. 

Trewhitt noted that FETA has responded to this evolving landscape with an “unprecedented number of consultations” over the past year, supported by a new structured workshop model that has strengthened the Federation’s reputation for fast, expert, evidence-based engagement with policymakers. Membership growth and a sharp rise in social visibility were also cited as signs of a sector increasing its influence and confidence.

Trewhitt’s speech showcased progress across FETA’s associations, including:

• ADCAS, continuing to lead on ductwork competence through EBSSA.
• BFCMA, advancing the UK Annex to BS EN15287 and preparing for updates to Approved Document J.
• BRA, intensifying its focus on refrigerant safety and regulatory complexity.
• BCIA, now nearing 200 members and 270 apprentices, with its House of Lords-launched white paper influencing Net Zero policy thinking.
• HEVAC, driving work on ventilation, air distribution, embodied carbon and European standards alignment.
• HPA UK, newly formed through the merger of the Heat Pump Association, Ground Source Heat Pump Association and Heat Pump Federation.

Embodied carbon emerged as a major theme, with FETA’s Embodied Carbon Group working closely with the CIBSE TM65 team to prepare the industry for potential regulation, such as Part Z. Building safety and competence also featured prominently, with new training and certification schemes, particularly within smoke control, positioned as essential post-Grenfell reforms.

The afternoon’s headline moment came from Matt Dawson MBE, whose career highlights, including England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup victory and his long tenure on A Question of Sport, were warmly received by the audience. 

Trewhitt closed by thanking sponsors, members and guests for their continued support. As the sector navigates regulatory reform, technological change and the accelerating push toward Net Zero, he stressed that collaboration remains the Federation’s greatest strength.