We are delighted to announce a new member of the ceda Technical Support Group (TSG).

The TSG is one of the key elements of the organisation. It is made up of knowledgeable people from both ceda Members and Partners who have areas of experience and expertise that enable the group to address virtually any technical issue that may be seen as a problem for Members.

Lee Preston of Inox Fabrications brings expertise on ventilation, as well as a broad knowledge of the sector to the specialist expert group.

Lee is delighted to have joined. He says, “I’m looking forward to the engagement that being a part of ceda’s TSG will bring. Collaboration is something I’ve done for over 25 years across both fabrication and ventilation and is at the core of what ceda offers to its Members already. Being a part of the TSG gives me two opportunities; first to share my knowledge and help Members and second; to learn more about other areas outside my core strengths. I have a comprehensive understanding of Gas Safe including control systems. With my strong mechanical background, I feel I’m well placed in today’s market to help others.

“Our industry is facing a massive challenge with net zero. Ventilation has become a major focus point with demand-based control systems and heat recovery fast turning what was a simple fan control and gas interlock into complex control systems. These are definitely interesting times with technology and innovation moving so fast; it’s something I embrace and enjoy.”

The group has worked hard to produce many useful Guidance and Standard documents which are readily available to ceda Member engineers and teams working at the ‘coal face’ of the industry. TSG Chair, Nick Archer has recorded a number of training videos covering plumbing, electrical and gas requirements for site installation works. The TSG will be helping with the further development of new content to ensure full coverage of the many technical training needs of ceda Members.

Of Lee’s joining and the growing TSG, Nick says, “I’m really pleased that Lee has accepted the invitation from the TSG to join the group. Lee brings a wealth of knowledge from a ventilation perspective, which nicely fills a void we have currently in the TSG. He is well respected within the industry, and I look forward to working with him for the betterment of the industry.”

Legislative changes such as Health & Safety improvements and Best Practice are other areas of focus for the TSG. Currently the group are keeping a close eye on issues such as the use of RCDs and when they should be used in existing, older installations; how to improve power consumption for an increased number of electrical units in a typical install; the increase in the use of induction technology as users switch from gas and the importance of lifecycle cost vs. purchase cost of new equipment.

The group usually holds four meetings each year, with two of them being open, face-to-face meetings where all members are invited. The next TSG meeting is scheduled for 8th November 2023.