Firstly, thanks again to all those who have contributed to this thread. Steve emailed me this morning telling me about some of the comments and inviting me to put the record straight and I'm pleased my comments have been well received.

I have to take exception though to some of Graham Young's comments. To say "the industry is well represented through the trade associations that are funded by the MNCs" is not true I'm afraid. I got involved, as I said in my post, specifically because contractors were under represented and I can safely say that in 14 years of committee work at national and international level that neither B&ES (HVCA) Refrigeration group nor AREA are funded by MNCs. Maybe if we were then we could have spent enormous sums of money lobbying national governments and MEPs over the F Gas review as well! The trade associations that are funded mainly by manufacturers quite clearly lobby for their own agenda, as one would expect, but rarely (if ever) consider the implications on ordinary small contracting businesses.

The comment about industry not surviving without MNCs is a fairly typical one that I'm sure I'm not alone in having faced before. I was dining with the Chairman of a large Japanese MNC a couple of years ago who was rather condescending towards me, certainly looking down his nose at a mere contractor, and boasting about his company's turnover. When I pointed out that AREA represents around 20 billion Euros of turnover and that without my members' intervention between them and the end users then their products would still be sitting on a warehouse shelf somewhere he changed his attitude towards me - all too late I'm afraid. I'm sure you didn't mean to offend Graham but it would appear from some of the follow up comments that your comments were misguided perhaps?

I agree with Graeme Fox, it is indeed flattering to be described as an ambassador of the industry. In my case it has often been a matter of being a willing horse , combined with the generous support of my employers.
To answer Lee Kim; In the drive for improvements, progress and change it s not really possible to expect the employees of associations and institutions to take on, or fully understand, all the challenges that face any industry without the voluntary input and experience of the individual members and companies they represent. As one of those volunteers I do have quite a demanding a day job as a Director of Space Airconditioning, a Daikin Distributor in the UK. But I also have over 4 decades of experience in this industry, both as an engineer and marketer. In my time I have represented both the manufacturing and contracting sides in various disciplines. It has often been the case that I have been in a position to offer assistance, from a relatively broad base of experience, in addressing a number of critical industry issues. This in turn has led to my chairing various committees, some of which have had a fairly high profile. It has been as a committee chairman or spokesperson for these higher profile activities that my name has perhaps become known more by default than design!
I take the view that issues in which I (and others because these are invariably team efforts) become involved, can have a fundamental impact on how I earn my living, so it would be somewhat selfish to sit back and wait for others to act on my behalf. I also see it as a way of giving something back to a great industry that has kept me usefully employed for a very long time!
Today I represent a number of industry organisations on various committees, giving them as much time as my home life and work will allow and that is reasonable for my company to support. It is completely voluntary, although certain expenses can be recovered. If this makes me an ambassador of the industry then I am very happy with that description. I am honoured and delighted to have my voluntary efforts, such as they are, acknowledged by my peers, however there are many more willing volunteers just as deserving of recognition I can assure you.

Graham, who is trying to play down the contributions of anyone? By celebrating the good work of some, no one is diminishing the contributions of others as you put it.
The industry is made up of large and small companies. It is a rich industry in that sense and all contribute to make it what it is today.
As for this blog and thread. I say well done to Steve for writing this amazing topical blog and well done to every one that has contributed. If they didn't use there full or real names, like me, I guess they had very good reasons for not doing so.

The beauty of the Fred Award is that the individual can be from any size of company. It is for the customer to nominate. It is the individual that will make the difference, not the company or its size.
I liked Graeme Fox post. Very interesting. Thank you Graeme for taking the time to write it.

Graham, firstly, Mike is my real name, although my mother still calls me Michael.
I do not use my complete name because my employer may read this and may not agree with anything that I write.
If you had bothered to read the comments about ambassadors, I think most, if not all, have said that there are other ambassadors in the industry and that the there mentioned are good examples. I do think anyone has claimed that they are there are only three.
This blog and the comment thread have been the most successful open discussion in the industry that I can ever recall, with people expressing their support or otherwise for an award based upon extraordinary customer service by an individual. It later spread to others given their thoughts on related topics. It then included a very welcomed post by Graeme Fox. In fact, it has many welcomed comments and contributions from others too, but I found Graeme's post very interesting.
The point is, the discussion is healthy. Only one person ( I won't mention his name) strayed off topic a couple of times, but he apologised and we all moved on.
You are wrong to try and discredit this blog and the people in it and to dismiss their comments because they do not use their full or real names

I have just spent the last hour reading the blog and the comments. What an amazing blog and equally amazing response.
A great number of different topics have come up with the latest being that of industry ambassadors.
Having read Graeme's post, and many of Steve's blogs, I think that there is actually a connection between these seemingly different ends of the industry. I think that the Freds and the Ambassadors are all genuine, passionate people. Just ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I think that the Freds and the Ambassadors can be inspirations to us all.
Steve said - "Normal is overrated and has never been a term that should be applied to our industry." - how right he is when he is talking about the special people within it, particularly Steve, Mike, Graeme, and our ACR Industry Fred
Reading this has been an hour well spent. Extraordinary blog, thank you Steve.

I found Graeme post extremely interesting and enlightening. I want just mention one observation that I made, that is that I believe Graeme, Mike and Steve all work for relatively small, privately owned companies.
I think that MNC's are great at sponsoring awards, or for making donations to industry activities but are unlikely to have a true industry ambassador like any of those three even though they will spend a lot on customer care training and will stress the importance of customer service in their mission statement.
I won't speculate as to the reasons but going back to the subject of this blog, I also think that it is highly unlikely that any winner of the Fred Award will come from an MNC. I would like to bet that an eventual winner will probably come from a smallish company.
Anyway, great that we have the likes of Steve, Graeme and Mike, and of course, their employers that must give them the space and time to do what they do.

Just had a problem posting, and couldn't recover what I have written. Will try again but just wanted to say that the web problem has not gone away

Hi Graeme, nice to see you leaving a post here.
I always read your ACR Blog. It is informative, challenging and always interesting. Reading your post I can see what you do not have much time to write more often. It seems that you don't have much time for yourself. Hats off to you for all the work you do.
I agree with many of the others here that you, Mike and Steve are all very different in style and may be character (I don't know but I guess) and yet the 3 of you do make great ambassadors for the industry.
Well done to all three of you.
Graeme, your blogs encourage one sort of debate, Steve's provoke another. One thing that you both (Mike as well) have in common though is your passion for the industry, that is clear.
Someone described Steve as the 'Fred' of the industry. I think that is true, but you are more of a campaigner for specific industry matters. All three of you are champions of the industry. Hope you have the energy to keep up the good work for many years.

First may I say how flattering it is to be called an ambassador for my industry. It's nice to know my efforts haven't all been in vain!
Further to the question raised by Lee Kim and answered by Jason, I have my own small family business in Scotland. I decided about 14 years ago now that the contractors' had too small a voice in an industry we gave so much to and I wanted to make a difference in my chosen field, so I got my company involved in the UK trade association (HVCA as it was known then, now B&ES - Building & Engineering Services Association). Over the years I have represented the refrigeration group of that Association at industry events and at AREA, as Jason says. What has probably kept me going through all of that was getting feedback from people I don't even know - just like through this blog thread - telling me I'm doing a good job, so thanks to any and all who have commented positively.
A great example of the contractors' now having a strong voice in the industry has been during the last 2 years while we in Europe have been undergoing the review of the F Gas regulation. Whereas during the original regulation's implementation we contractors went under the "industry umbrella" and felt we were hit with the bulk of any implementation costs, this time we have gone on our own to the Commission, European Parliament and national governments with significant success. We have regular dialogue with the Commission's DG Clima in Brussels and a few months ago I was invited to address the select committee at Parliament to explain the difference between monoblock and non-monoblock systems with reference to the proposed ban on pre-charging of split systems. It would appear likely that with all the resources that manufacturers' have been able to throw at the lobbying process that this proposal will most probably fall at European Council level - a shame our national civil servants lack the will to see through a major piece of legislation that would have a long term positive result on our industry, particularly when any additional cost would fall on contractors and we have been the ones championing the cause! But at least we have seemingly achieved everything else we fought for which is a significant improvement on the situation before. The issue of unprofessional installation is out in the open now and I'm sure that the legislators will be keeping a close eye on manufacturers now to ensure they practice what they preach.
With regards to how this is funded: I have very small business so when I'm away at meetings I'm not earning. For this reason I don't do as much as I'm asked to! Representing B&ES I get expenses covered sometimes, and with AREA the same although I also get something for representation at AREA as I couldn't possibly have done what I've done during the last 2 years without it. It is significantly less than I'd be earning if I stayed at home for my business but then who would do the work I do? I've probably made a rod for my own back but now I've gone this far I can't just sit back and let it all collapse through the lack of availability of someone else.
I think what I'm trying to say is that some of us want to make a difference. I feel I am doing this now and as long as the various stakeholders keep asking me to represent them then I shall do so as long as I am able.
Thanks again for your support and kind words.
And well done Steve for this blog - it hasn't half whipped up some interest!

Hello Lee, I think that Mike Nankivell and Graeme Fox both have jobs in the usual sense of the word and have employers giving them day-jobs. I don't know for certain but I think Mike represents ACRIB (The Air Conditioning and Industry Board in the UK)and Graeme Fox represents AREA (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration European Contractors' Association). I am not sure quite how these are funded but as far as I know, both Mike and Graeme will give their time unpaid but may possibly claim their expenses back. I don't know the details exactly so perhaps some other reader can help answer this question.
Strictly speaking, neither of them have the title of ACR Industry Ambassador or even undertake a role that would go with such a title. However, they are called ambassadors as a figure of speech to describe people who represent their industry very well.
I don't know if this answer will confuse you more and I hope that someone else will step in to help to answer your question.
In the sense that Mike and Graeme are great ambassadors for the UK ACR industry so can you be for the South Korean one without the need of a formal title being bestowed upon you.
I hope this makes some sense.
It is in that sense that someone here suggested that others are, and also the writer of this blog.

The idea of having ACR ambassadors as mentioned in the blog thread here would be a very good idea.
At the moment our industry is often represented by professional bodies and this as often headed by academics. These leaders promote learning and high professional standards but do enhance the building services reputation for quality but they actually are often less focused on promoting the ACR industry to a wider audience.
I am from South Korea where being an engineer is regulated. We also have a refrigeration society and ASHRAE. None of these fill the role of ambassador as you seem to have in the UK.
I would like to know more about Mr Graeme Fox and Mr Mike Nankivell and how their positions are funded as well as the promotional activities that they undertake.
Where can I find this information?

If you think the FREDS and Fred Award are already in use and so not suitable for the ACR Industry, don't look to the Steves, as there is already a Stevies :

http://www.stevieawards.com/sales/

Any other suggestions?

Okay, make fun of me if you want to and feel you must.

For those that didn't guess, the last comment attributed to 'Jason' wasn't the Jason who posted all the earlier comments

I guess I have been overzealous with regard to the name to be given to the award. A little teasing doesn't hurt sometimes and serves as a gentle reminder to come back down to earth.

Having said that, I standby what I have written previously and if that is something that you find amusing, so be it.

If my enthusiasm has distracted from the original idea and the concept behind the blog I can only now apologies to Steve, Neil and the other serious readers that have left constructive comments and entered into the debate. Those for and against, or with interesting opinions, as well as those having a sense of humour and a laugh at my expense are all welcome.

Have a good weekend.

Jason (the real one!)

By the way, is anything happening with this award or not? It all seems to have gone quiet.

Greetings from Berlin.

I found this blog interesting but I found the discussion and posted comments equally of interest.

There has been talk of this being an international award and on the face of it I would say 'why not?' but my own direct experience of this is quite different.

We have several operations across Europe and two in China. A few years ago, the management decided to run a 'best customer service award' and invited customers to nominate staff.

There were nominations from customers in Europe but own staff were much less enthusiastic and some even discouraged the customers from nominating. In China, the opposite was true, our own staff were very keen to be nominated but the customers wanted to know what was in it for them. There were even reports that some customers asked to be paid by our staff to make the nominations.

The management soon dropped the idea after one award being made.

I have been curious about the excitement in naming the award. I do not know Fred and I do not know Steve Gill, although I have now read his blog for the first time and find it interesting. I have no strong feelings either way but do find it odd that so many of those making comments have such strong views about it.

I think there is potential in this award being very good, but think that it needs so careful planning. Good luck with it

I am extremely flattered to be compared with the likes of Mike Nankivell and Graeme Fox, two giants of the industry. I am proud to say that I know them both well and I can't help but greatly admire the unselfish work that they do for our industry.

They are both modest people and I suspect that they themselves will be flattered to know that their efforts have been noticed. How they will feel about having me compared to them though is another matter. :)

Keep up the good work guys, your efforts to improve things for us all in the ACR industry are appreciated.

I would like to agree with Paul Smith s observation that the UK ACR industry has a number of ambassadors; Mike Nankivell, Graeme Fox and Steve Gill being the best examples. Wonderful examples and great individuals, each of them. Like Paul, I would not like to try to make a complete list for fear of missing somebody off and I am sure that there are more.

I would add that unfortunately not all those in prominent industry positions make good ambassadors and this industry has more than its share of people seeking high office for the wrong reasons. I would not include any of the three mentioned in that group.

The thing that I like most about Steve s blog is that he recognises without specifically saying so that there are many people out there who represent themselves, their employers and hence the ACR industry day in day out in an extraordinary way. One does not have to hold high office to do so, in fact, it makes no difference what level of office; it is the individual that makes the difference. Mike, Graeme Fox and Steve are also excellent examples of this too.

Steve knows that the Freds will all prove to be great ambassadors for the ACR industry and it takes a person like Steve to suggest that we look within ourselves for this inspiration.
This really is a wonderful blog.

I would also like to comment on Goldenballs suspicion that Steve is hinting that the industry is better at customer service that is generally recognised. I would agree that he is, but he is not saying that this necessarily consistent throughout. Steve gave two examples of Freds that he had met recently. He was drawing our attention to the great work that goes on around us, by us, the ACR industry. If you are a regular reader of his blogs you will find this message in virtually every one of his blogs. To quote from his previous blog for example: We work in an amazing industry that truly does change lives . And from another previous one: So, raise a glass to this wonderful industry that touches the lives of so many, in so many astonishing ways. And also from Steve: This is an amazing industry full of fantastic people doing amazing things .
So, to answer Goldenballs, is Steve hinting at something else, is there a hidden message? No, he is not hinting it, he is not hiding the message; he is shouting it!

Normal is overrated and has never been a term that should be applied to our industry. Well said Steve, a true industry ambassador.

Great blog, great idea, great debate.

Great idea. Great blog.

My vote is a YES to all

Bring it on!!!

What a simple but very good idea. I heard about this blog and read it today.
Steve's simple but very effective suggestion for an award must rank as one of the best ones out there.
There are some good awards and very worthy winners, and I think this will join those.
I have nothing to add to what has already been said.
Nice to have something fresh on the menu for a change
Great blog Steve. Thank you

By the way, I just experienced the same posting problem with the initial rejection. Just as well I read Jason's entry beforehand

Sorry to hear that some of you have been experiencing problems with posting your comments, and thank you Jason for describing how you found your way around the problem. This was most helpful.

I should also say thank you to all of you for all the interesting comments and particularly to Neil and Jason for keeping the thread running with their regular input.

I have been real pleased by all the interest and support for the idea of the award.

I have been particularly interested in the sharing of the good and perhaps not so good examples of customer care that we have in this industry.

The international interest has proven once again just what a global industry this is.

Do keep the comments and stories of examples coming in.

For those of you that have asked about contacting me direct, probably the best way is through my LinkedIn account: sg.linkedin.com/in/stephencgill

It is always nice to hear from you all.

Steve

Hi Jalan, Mike and anyone else having the same problem. I can say that I have also experienced this problem but I found a way around it.

What to do:

If you type the message, and then type in the number correctly but it goes to the screen messages saying something along the lines of "unfortunately your message can not be displayed' DO NOT go to the home page, or the return to previous page, instead clink the 'return to message' where is says 'here'. This will return you to the message with the same security number. There is no point putting in the same number again or the same will happen. At this point, I suggest that you 'copy' your message before proceeding. Then click the page refresh. This will refresh the page with a new security number but with your message still intact. Type in the new number and with luck, it will work.

Good luck.

Jody, don't be such a fast cat! Anyway, I am not old, and certainly not grumpy. But I do feel strongly about certain things and a few people here my know.

Hi Neil, Jalan is not the only one. I also gave up trying to post something recently.

I think you may be losing some. I did give up by tried again this morning only after seeing that Jalan had problems

I have typed a message three times and each time it gets lost. Message comes up that I have entered the wrong security number.

The message is too long to keep typing. I should have saved but didn't.

I wonder how many more messages are not getting through

;-(

Hello Steve, I am not exactly from the ACR industry but I work in HR for a Building Services company in HK. One of my team advised me of your blog and the proposed Fred Award. I have researched the Fred Factor and think this is a wonderful proposal on your part.

We would like to introduce it into our organization worldwide. It is not strictly speaking purely ACR but we do have some cross-over.
I would like to contact you to discuss. Should I do this through ACR News, through LinkedIn or some other way. I see that you are in Singapore. We do have an operation there so perhaps we could meet at our offices?
Good luck with your ACR industry award, perhaps we could feed into that if it takes off and if it is appropriate and international
Best regards
Crystal Lim (HR Director)

Can someone tell me if I have missed something? I do not see where to vote for this award? Is there a link to another site?
I did a google search and also looked on the ACR News home page but could not find it
I would like to vote yes to all proposals
Thank you
Aaron

Hi everyone. I am from Denver where I work on the installation side of refrigeration systems for the food industry.
Even though I am from Denver I can honestly say that I had never heard of Fred the postman but I had heard of Steve Gill.
I have read his blogs a few times. I am connected to him on LinkedIn where he leaves many insightful comments and starts discussions. He has one going at the moment regarding the environment which is very good. He really is an environmental champion as well. I also read his many discussion comments about the UK Institute of Refrigeration a couple of years ago.
Is he known internationally? Yes, much more than Fred the postman who isn't even known in his own state when it comes to the refrigeration industry.
Open your eyes Mr Hopson. Read Steve's earlier blogs and you will know that Steve is the right man to have this award names after him.