Mr Nankivell stated: “It has been a pleasure to have had an active involvement with the Heat Pump Association since its inception in 1995 and a real privilege to serve the Association as its president for the past five years, but I think now is the right time to step back and hand over to my vice president, Graham Wright.   

“The heat pump sector is entering a new period of challenges, with changes in the refrigerants landscape, government policies related to global environmental issues, national technology subsidies, building regulations and, of course Brexit. Having retired from my ‘day job’ in 2015, while I remain committed to the success of the sector and am happy to continue supporting the Association, I believe the HPA needs to move forward with someone at the helm who is still at the sharp end of heat pump technology.” 

He continued: “We have made very good progress in recent years on our members’ behalf. Much of this was consolidating and developing the excellent work of my predecessor, Tony Bowen. We have been very active in influencing government policy, particularly in relation to the Renewable Heat Incentive and the Heating and Clean Growth Strategies. We have established the HPA as a major player within MCS, the Each Home Counts initiative and we were also one of the first trade associations to endorse the European Heat Pump Association’s ‘decarbonising buildings’ initiative.” 

“I am confident that Graham Wright of Daikin UK, with his great knowledge of heat pump technologies as well as legislation and industry standards, is the right person to take over as HPA president.”

Mr Wright paid tribute to Mr Nankivell: “I would like to thank Mike for the incredible work he has carried out for the HPA during his five years. He has presided over a period during which heat pumps have really staked their claim in forming a significant part of an environmentally friendly future for the building industry. I am very happy to be taking on the role of president of the HPA, and I look forward to building on Mike’s endeavours in 2019 and beyond.”