Judges

  • Jerry Whiteley – CIPHE

    Jerry, Technical Manager at CIPHE, plays a vital role in supporting the plumbing and heating sector with expert technical advice and guidance. He works closely with colleges and training providers, keeping them up to date with the latest developments in this fast-evolving industry. With a strong background in both teaching and installation, as well as experience running his own business, Jerry brings a wealth of practical knowledge. His deep understanding of regulatory compliance helps professionals navigate everyday challenges.

  • Jason Clark - CIPHE President

    Jason Clark, President of the CIPHE, is a Master Plumber, Engineering Technician, and Fellow of the CIPHE with nearly 40 years of experience in the plumbing and heating engineering industry. A respected and influential figure, Jason chairs the Plumbing Employer Trailblazer Group and serves on the CIPHE Disciplinary Committee, supporting apprenticeships and upholding professional standards across the sector. His dedication to the industry has earned him numerous honours, including the prestigious Master Plumber award at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, the Freedom of the City of London, and his role as a Liveryman and Court Assistant Elect of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.

  • Joe Rafftery - Samsung Climate Solutions

    Joe is an experienced Technical Service Engineer with over 35 years in the industry, working in the commercial, domestic, mechanical and industrial engineering sectors. Skilled in gas, air-to-water, ground source heat pumps and renewable energy including DX collectors and HVAC, he also delivers on-site technical support, and procurement support. He is an engineering professional with a focus on customer support.

  • Amiee Holloran - Samsung Climate Solutions

    Trained gas engineer Aimee worked on the tools for almost six years before moving into technical sales for manufacturers in the UK, of which the last three years has been at Samsung. For the past 15 years she has specialised in renewable and low temperature heating systems, supporting clients and partners with system design advice to ensure optimum efficiencies and aid in the transition to Net Zero.

  • Nick Irlam – previous winner / Awards Trustee

    Nick won Best North West installer for several years before earning the right to call himself National Heating Installer of the Year 2024. Nick is a massive advocate for the industry, advising manufacturers and other installers alike from his years of experience. Running a successful business, which has grown in stature since his award win, Nick champions apprentices in his hometown, who learn about the latest developments in the industry from someone always at the top of his game.

  • Huw Jenkins – previous winner / Awards Trustee

    Huw, of Thornhill Plumbing and Heating, is a multiple-time regional winner of the Heating Installer Awards. Known for his high standards and commitment to quality, he is also passionate about mentoring the next generation, passing on the knowledge he gained from his own mentors to his current apprentice Lola. Huw works closely with installers nationwide, regularly in conversation to ensure the job he does for his customer is based on the latest knowledge from the industry.

  • Carl Ladd – previous winner / Awards Trustee

    Carl is a renewables heating installer who began a career in heating and plumbing following a serious accident in a previous job which made him have to rethink his future. Turning a negative into a huge positive (for us and him!), Carl re-trained, got his Level 2, won our Rising Star category, and has gone from success to success ever since. He’s progressed as an installer at a rapid rate within the renewables sector and is now a strong, and high-profile, ambassador in the sector. As well as his energy, Carl brings a different perspective to the judging panel. Fresh from doing the training required, he knows what it takes to secure the qualifications needed to get out there on your own – and then make your business a success.

  • Karen Matthews – Awards Trustee

    Karen, a director at Mayfly Group, has been representing the trade for almost two decades. Although she’s appeared on national television to provide advice to homeowners, Karen prefers to be in the north supporting homeowners and businesses with their heating challenges. As a member of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, Karen is a valued member of the judging panel.

  • Phil Metcalfe – previous winner / Awards Trustee

    Experienced installer Phil owns his own heating and plumbing business and is a huge advocate for heat pumps and low carbon technologies. Winner of National Heating Installer 2020, he works with a lot of the manufacturers to advise and improve standards. With a true eye for strong technical work, his expertise on the judging panel will be welcomed.

  • Gareth Ash – Danfoss

    It’s common knowledge that when Gareth bleeds, he bleeds Danfoss red. For over 10 years Gareth has worked in the marketing team, working with plumbers to improve products and delivering campaigns that truly benefit the industry as well as Danfoss. Having been involved with judging the awards for years, Gareth has a keen eye for what makes ‘award-winning’ and will be looking out for the technical detail that sets the entrants apart.

  • Sarah Baker – Stelrad

    Sarah is Stelrad’s Communication Marketing Manager and is responsible for day-to-day marketing activities throughout the UK and Ireland. Sarah helps to promote Stelrad’s commercial and online initiatives as well as new product introductions and has been on our judging panel for many years now – so she’s certainly good at spotting the entries that really count.

  • Graham Sheard - Stelrad

    Having served an apprenticeship in the plumbing and heating industry before successfully progressing on to a fully qualified gas engineer, Graham has a wide and varied spectrum of knowledge achieved from many years of continuous and unbroken service in both domestic and commercial sectors. Graham has been with Stelrad for three years as technical support in the technical department, giving back to an industry which has given him the knowledge and experience required for this.

  • Kevin Weir – Danfoss

    Kevin has been with Danfoss for over eight years and prior to this worked as a key account manager for merchant Wolseley. He’s also been a branch supervisor at Plumb Centre and worked in sales for Kohler Mira. However, it’s Kevin’s experience as a self-employed plumber for eight years that makes him an ideal judge for the awards. A combination of his industry experience will be invaluable on the judging panel. No pressure, Kevin!