With almost 50 years of experience in the HVACR industry, Mr Nankivell has served as President of the Heat Pump Association (HPA), President of HEVAC and as Chairman of FETA during its 30th anniversary year. In the wider industry he is also a Fellow and former Trustee of the Institute of Refrigeration (IoR) and has served as a Director of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB).
Russell Beattie, chief executive of FETA said: “It was an absolute pleasure for FETA to nominate Mike, with support from other key stakeholders in the industry, for an honour. Mike epitomises the very best of the volunteer culture which exists within Trade Associations and his personal commitment to the entire HVACR industry is second to none.”
One of Mr Nankivell's many achievements was aschair of the ACRIB F Gas Implementation Group from 2005 to 2020 where his role saw him voluntarily acting as an industry advisor to DEFRA and the Environment Agency. Mike was responsible for the UK industry response to the F Gas regulations and his steadfast desire to pursue the very best climate change driven solution for Europe is a demonstration of his commitment to every role which he has held.
Commenting on being awarded an OBE, Mr Nankivell said: “I am proud, grateful and equally humbled that my work within an industry that I love has been recognised in this amazing way. Throughout my long career within the HVACR industry I have had the privilege to work with a number of incredible people and I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of them as they are the ones who have made this possible.”
Mr Beattie concluded: “Mike is widely recognised as a leading UK industry figure and we are delighted to hear that he has been awarded this OBE. The F Gas Implementation Group which Mike chaired fulfilled a critical representational need within industry and his personal contribution, which continued after his retirement, should not be underestimated.
“He has also made a significant contribution to FETA, holding many key leadership roles, including more recently serving as President of the Heat Pump Association, laying foundations for its growing success in a sector which is key to delivering the Government’s net zero carbon vision. His considerable expertise, coupled with his passion for promoting all aspects of the industry, makes him an inspiration to all those who come into contact with him.”
The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Board (ACRIB) has also added its congratulations to Mr Nankivell on the announcement that he would be awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List as 'Chair, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board Fgas Implementation Group. For services to the UK Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry'.
ACRIB chair Mike Creamer said “I am delighted to see the contribution of one of our most respected volunteers recognised in this way. It is gratifying to know that the very significant contribution that our RACHP industry has been making in addressing national and international environmental goals, is appreciated.” ACRIB is an umbrella organisation governed by eight trade associations and professional bodies, that works to advise government and inform industry on technical, environmental, legislative and education initiatives. Mike Nankivell was responsible for co-ordinating much of the UK industry response to early FGas regulation consultations and for helping to prepare numerous guidance notes and press articles to raise awareness of the new obligations the regulations brought in.