The 34th Annual Luncheon was hosted at a sold out The Brewery on London’s Chiswell Street where guests enjoyed a three-course lunch followed by speeches. This was also the 40th year for FETA as a federation and the event welcomed a number of past FETA chairs to join in the day's events which included an entertaining talk by six-time World Snooker Champion Steve Davis.

Mark Hughes used his speech to highlight the industry’s increased focus on competency and training before recognising several new FETA groups that have been established over the past 12 months covering commercial heat pumps, indoor air quality, refrigeration training, BCIA inspired leaders and a reinvigorated ADCAS technical ductwork working group. The FETA Training & Skills Group was also formed in the last year focused primarily on T-Levels and experienced workers.

Mr Hughes drew attention to the launch of World Humidity Control Day on March 12 through the Humidity Control Group and highlighted the EU's ratification of the latest F-Cas regulation in Europe.

'While the UK has yet to publish its own consultation, FETA has been heavily involved in political advocacy to put F-Gas firmly on MPs' agendas to ensure the proposed regulation is not at the expense of the much bigger prize of energy efficiency.'

'Our core message has been that our industry buys into where we need to be on Net Zero and Climate Change, but we must be pragmatic to ensure we do actually achieve the targets. Above all, this needs to be done safely and the need for mandatory training has never been more relevant as we move to the widespread use of higher flammability refrigerants.'

In the area of low carbon heating Mr Hughes said there was a need to see a resolution to the imbalance in electricity and gas prices.

'The Heat Pump Association is therefore proposing that the Government introduce an interim Domestic Heat Pump Tariff Discount to help accelerate the uptake of heat pumps. It is my pleasure to welcome Olivia Smalley who joined last year as HPA Head of Policy & Communications and has been very active in promotion in this area.'

The lunch also saw FETA Training & Skills Group member Wendy Belfield promote the many benefits of T-Level qualifications alongside T-Level students, Ethan and George.

Reflecting on another successful event, FETA chief executive Chris Yates commented: “A big thank you to all of our guests, speakers and sponsors for supporting the lunch and making it such a great industry event. As FETA celebrates its 40th anniversary, the association continues to rely on the hard work of its chairs, presidents, leadership teams and members to take the organisation forwards and meet the various industry challenges head on. I’m therefore delighted that so many colleagues were able to come together to celebrate the time and effort that is put into continuously improving our industry.”

The 2025 Annual Luncheon will take place on Thursday 3rd April 2025 at The Brewery, London.

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