Judging

The judging process for the HPM Awards will rely on the expertise of an impartial panel of industry experts, whose background and experience cover the full spectrum of the heating and plumbing sector to ensure that the judging process is objective and fair.

How Will the Judging Process Work?

The judges will assess all the relevant submissions and support material submitted via the awards website. They will then submit their shortlist of entries in each category to the Editor of Heating & Plumbing magazine.

The second stage will involve an online meeting with the judges where they will discuss and debate the merits of each entry based on the criteria listed for each category and will select their shortlist, which will then be discussed in detail before selecting a winner.

Please note that HPM magazine and the panel of awards judges will not enter into any discussion regarding individual entries and/or awards winners. The judging process is strictly confidential to ensure that the judging process is fair. 


Meet the Judges

Jeff House
External Affairs and Policy Director
Baxi

With over 25 years' experience in the building services sector, Jeff plays a key role within Baxi UK & Ireland where he has responsibility for policy and legislative advocacy. He has a wealth of technical, commercial and legislative knowledge in the residential and commercial building services sector, including low and zero carbon technologies.

In his current role, Jeff is widely involved in setting the agenda regarding legislation and policy for the heating sector, regularly representing both Baxi UK & Ireland and the wider industry at Government and trade body meetings to offer in depth advice and analysis.

Kevin Lowe
Technical Manager
HHIC (Heating & Hotwater Industry Council)

Kevin is a Technical Manager for the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) which is a member’s organization committed to effectively supporting and influencing sustained growth of the UK domestic heating and hot water industry.

Previously with British Gas for 37 years, starting as an Apprentice Engineer, then through to regional and national roles in Operations, Supply Chain, Metering Contracts, Technical Services and finally in Innovation running Innovate UK & Horizon 2020 field trials with zero and low carbon technologies. A proud former Chairman/Director of the National Home Improvement Council, whose aims include improving existing housing with a focus on addressing fuel poverty challenges.

Richard Soper
Consultant
Unico Europe - part of The Unico System UK

Richard is the current MD and Consultant to Unico Europe, part of Unico System UK. He was formally CEO of Worcester Bosch and has dedicated a huge amount of personal time, energy and business expertise to the heating industry over the years.

Testament to Richard’s involvement within the industry, he is a recipient of the British Renewable Energy Association's (REA) highly prestigious 'Champions Award' (2008), the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association's (IGSHPA) Ambassador Award (2015).

On June 16, 2012, he was awarded a CBE for services to the heating and renewable technologies industries in The Queen's Birthday Honours List. With a wide network of professional contacts, he is passionate about promoting best practice, continued learning, championing apprenticeships and career opportunities.

A keen volunteer, Director of Development for the CIPHE and on the Education & Technical Committee for the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.

Kevin Wellman
Chief Executive Officer
The Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering

Kevin served an indentured apprenticeship and attained an Advanced Craft certificate in plumbing and heating. He joined the Institute of Plumbing in 1985 in the same year that he completed his Higher National Certificate in Building Studies. In 1993 he successfully completed a Diploma in Management.

In 2011 he became Chief Executive Officer of the CIPHE and also Executive Board Director of the World Plumbing Council.

Kevin is Deputy Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers Education Committee and a founder Director of WaterSafe.

In 2016 he was awarded Fellowship of the City & Guilds London Institute.