ceda is delighted to announce updates to its Technical Support Group (TSG) membership.

ceda’s 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.

Darren Sandon, Managing Director at Crystaltech Services UK Ltd, is a long-standing member of the TGS and has been promoted to the position of Vice Chair. He said, “I am deeply honoured to accept the appointment of Vice Chair for the ceda Technical Support Group. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ben Hatherley for his exceptional leadership and for his trust in choosing me as his successor; I look forward to building upon his strong legacy when I take over the role in November 2026.”

Of his decision to appoint Darren, ceda’s TSG Chair, Ben Hatherley explains, “I have known Darren for some time whilst serving on the TSG, and have a great admiration of his experience, knowledge and professionalism. This was the pivotal reasons why I asked Darren to ultimately succeed me, as I know he will be an excellent Chair and will lead the TSG with same enthusiasm.”

Justin Ring, ceda’s Community Development Manager (Technical) agrees with Ben’s choice of Vice Chair. He comments, “I think Ben’s choice of Darren as Vice Chair is an excellent appointment. Darren brings a wealth of experience and has been instrumental in building strong technical foundations across a range of service environments. I’m really looking forward to working more closely with him as he steps into his new role.”

Leroy Fearon, Regional Service Manager Northern Europe for Unox UK Ltd, is the latest edition to the TSG membership. Of his appointment he said, “I’m genuinely honoured to have been invited to join the Technical Support Group. ceda has played a huge role in shaping our industry for decades, but what has impressed me most is how much the organisation has evolved over the past five years. They have modernised, adapted, and continued to raise standards while staying true to their core values.

“For me, that focus on values and standards is what makes ceda stand out. They represent the best of what our industry can be: collaborative, forward thinking, and committed to excellence. I am proud to contribute, learn, and hopefully add value alongside so many respected peers in the TSG.”

Ben is thrilled to have Leroy onboard. He enthuses, “It is fantastic to have Leroy on the TSG and I am looking forward to working with him and seeing what knowledge and experience he brings to the group from a manufacturers background, not only the UK but Northern Europe. I believe his involvement will help shape the industry here in the UK for the betterment of our members.”

Welcome Leroy.”

Justin adds, “Leroy is another fantastic addition to the group – someone who is proactive and engaged with the changes happening across our industry, both socially and operationally. He has mentored many within the sector, and I’m excited to see the insight and energy he’ll bring to our ongoing developments.

“I look forward to working with both Darren and Leroy – they will each play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our sector.”

In recent years the TSG 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 via the new ceda4 App. There is also a library 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.

The TSG holds four meetings each year, with two of them being regional where all members are invited. The next meeting will be a Southern meeting, on 9th of February at Unox UK. An announcement for attendance will be issued next week.