Organised by Datateam Business Media, the HVR Awards is a celebration of innovation and excellence, recognising the companies and individuals whose contributions to this often hidden but vital industry are second to none.

Upon arrival, those in attendance took advantage of the opportunity to catch up with old friends, peers, colleagues, existing and potential clients at the exclusive drinks reception, before heading into the main hall where they were greeted by the evening’s compere, critically-acclaimed comedian Sean Collins.

After dinner, Tim Hopkinson of lead sponsor Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) took to the stage to speak about the importance of the event during the current period of political uncertainty. He said: “It is a reflection of this industry’s resilience that we are able to come together every year to celebrate success and showcase what makes us special – as such, we should be thankful to HVR for continuing to deliver these prestigious awards.”

Mr Hopkinson continued: “While the political situation remains uncertain and the economy volatile, it is essential that we remain resolute and that our sector continues to build for the future.”

After additional speeches from SkillFRIDGE competition manager Mark Forsyth and director of Toshiba Air Conditioning, David Dunn, on the importance of training young apprentices, HVR Magazine editor Heather Ramsden took to the stage to kick off proceedings. She stated: “This industry never lacks in imagination. Instead it always amazes me how much we can do to find new ways to progress and innovate.”

The first Award of the evening went to Vent-Axia who scooped ‘Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Product of the Year’ for Pure Air, which was praised for addressing indoor air quality issues and demonstrating great foresight and commitment to public health.

Next up to the stage was Viessmann, awarded the ‘Commercial/Industrial Heating Product of the Year’ accolade for its Vitocrossal 100 boiler. The judges noted that the innovative product incorporated detailed design features that put it ahead of the game.

Toshiba took home the ‘Commercial/Industrial Air Conditioning Product of the Year’ award for its three pipe SHRM-e Heat Recovery VRF system, which was applauded by the judges for being flexible, energy efficient and kinder to the environment.

With sustainability being a key issue within the industry, this year’s ‘Sustainable Product of the Year’ and ‘Sustainable Project of the Year’ categories were hotly contested. The Awards were presented to Ziehl-Abegg UK for its ZAbluefin fan and Finn Geotherm for its Flagship Group/Orchard Close project, respectively.

The final Award to be presented from the ‘judged’ categories was ‘Contractor of the Year’, which was bestowed upon A1 Flues after an impressive twelve months which point to an even brighter future for the company.

The final three categories to be presented reflected the opinions of the industry itself, with the winners being decided solely by an industry vote.

Brymec scooped the ‘Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year’ accolade, and Paul Wightman of Albion Valves (UK) received the honour of being the industry’s ‘Customer Service Person of the Year’. The final ‘voted for’ award was the ‘Trainee of the Year’ which was awarded to Lewis Buchanan, an apprentice employed by Hargreaves Ductwork.

The last Award of the evening was the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Tom Dee for his impressive commitment to the industry since he began as an engineering apprentice in 1965. His contributions to the industry include being involved with the development of warm air standards in the UK and Europe, representing UK manufacturers at a number of committees and working closely with government on the development of Building Regulations and the adoption of European product legislation in the UK, to name but a few.

After all of the accolades were presented, all in attendance came together to partake in the evening’s charity fundraiser, raising a generous amount for Samaritans, chosen for its involvement in the campaign to tackle mental health issues in the building engineering sector. The total raised will be announced in due course.

The HVR Awards were sponsored by BESA, ACR News, Albion Valves, Altecnic, Brymec, Conex Bänninger, Stokvis Energy Systems, The HVAC & Refrigeration Show, Heating & Ventilating Review, Toshiba, ICOM Energy Association, Fujitsu Air Conditioning, Marflow Hydronics, Smith Brothers Stores and Wilo.

For the full list of this year’s winners and those highly commended, and for more information on the HVR Awards, visit www.hvrawards.com.