About RACES

Our Story

RACES was born out of a shared frustration: The founders of the society recognised that existing industry bodies didn’t truly represent refrigeration and air-conditioning engineers or the needs of the commercial sector of our industry. After speaking to engineers and associated businesses they decided to form RACES to amplify the voices of the skilled professionals who are the foundation of this trade and to provide support for refrigeration and air-conditioning businesses.

Who We Represent

We support refrigeration and air conditioning engineers, no matter what the level of expertise, covering all sectors – from domestic installations to large-scale commercial and industrial systems. Our members include technicians, apprentices, service managers, educators, wholesalers, designers and such like.

What Makes Us Unique

Unlike trade bodies focused on manufacturers or suppliers, RACES is driven by and for the engineers on the ground. We offer a hands-on, community-based, and grassroots approach to support, with high standards and high values.

Our voluntary board

Michael Smart (Managing Director) and Graeme Fox CEng (Technical Director) thought it critical to set up a voluntary advisory board with members drawn from across all of our industry, including small to medium refrigeration business owners, large wholesale representatives, independent wholesale owners, design engineers and service engineers. We knew how critical it was that decisions we take were beneficial to all, especially our members. That’s why we’ve forged this Advisory Board, to get opinions, feedback and fresh ideas from people passionate about our industry.

Please see a small introduction to those members:

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  Michael SmartRACES Founder

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  Michael Smart

  After serving with the Royal Engineers in the British Army until 2017, I transitioned into civilian life with a brief spell at Bombardier Transportation before moving into the RACHP sector. I gained hands-on experience working on farm dairy bulk tanks for around three years, before diversifying into transport refrigeration during the Covid period. Since then, I’ve built wide expertise across the commercial and heavy commercial sectors, giving me a practical understanding of the challenges engineers face every day across different parts of the industry.

  As Managing Director of RACES, I am focused on raising standards, supporting training, and creating a professional community where engineers, technicians, and apprentices can access practical guidance and representation. My career journey reflects the breadth of the sector itself — from the farm to the road to the commercial plant room — and that real-world experience underpins my commitment to making RACES an organisation built by engineers, for engineers.

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  Graeme Fox RACES Founder

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  Graeme Fox

  I got involved with trade associations and institutes when I was a contractor and have become well known for being a champion of the smaller contractor and the engineer in the field – trying to give them a voice and representation. In the last few years there has been a steady erosion of the status of the engineer/technician and more attention being given to the larger contractors, despite our sector being overwhelmingly made up of small businesses. When Michael reached out to me about creating something new it really resonated with me – we share a frustration in the direction of our industry and a passion to do something about it. I believe this society will deliver meaningful support for our contractors and engineers, whether you’re a one man band or part of a multinational organisation – it’s the voice of the engineer that matters and that’s what we have set out to do.

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  Lee DownhamBeijer Ref

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  Lee Downham

  I fell into the industry almost straight from school by complete luck! It instantly fascinated me with so much to learn as it straddles so many disciplines, quickly becoming more than just a job or passion, it became a way of life.

  I have worked in most areas of our industry, but engineering is where my heart lies, working in service, install, design, commissioning, and R&D creating new products.

  I worked in contracting until I joined Beijer Ref UK & Ireland through a shared vision and passion of passing on knowledge and opening our academies which progressed into my role today as Group Technical Director.

  RACES and each member of the advisory board all share this passion and deeply care about training and creating awareness at the right levels to grow and develop this amazing industry.

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  Greg Pelling Miramar Engineering

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  Greg Pelling

  As the Founder and Managing Director of Miramar Engineering, I have experienced the need for a dedicated, forward-thinking body to drive the evolution of our industry. Success of the sector and initiatives such as RACES are reliant on the investment and development of its people to elevate the industry’s professional standing. It is vital that smaller, often overlooked, providers feel supported and included in the broader vision, with clear opportunities to contribute to and benefit from industry wide leadership. This is an industry built on the collaboration of individuals and it is now time for them to be heard.

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  Vanessa Bradshaw Derbyshire Refrigeration

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  Vanessa Bradshaw

  I am Joint MD of Derbyshire Refrigeration limited and have been in the Industry for 34 years. I am qualified in Level 2 and 3 City and Guilds Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. My role within the company covers technical support, Purchasing and Sales.
  I hope my Industry knowledge and experience will be beneficial in guiding the next generation of engineers.

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  Andrea BurtonDerbyshire Refrigeration

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  Andrea Burton

  I am joint Managing Director of Derbyshire Refrigeration Ltd and have been in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning trade for 30 years. My role within the company is diverse and covers Purchasing, Finance, sales and support. I am so proud and honoured to be asked to be a part of the advisory board and hope my wealth of Industry knowledge will be beneficial to this exciting venture.

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  Dean SkerrattWolseley Group

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  Dean Skerratt

  With over thirty years of experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, I began my career as an apprentice with a refrigeration company in the South of England. During this time, I dedicated five years to studying refrigeration, air conditioning, and building services at college, laying a strong technical foundation for my career.

  I am deeply passionate and proud to work in such an exciting and evolving industry, where innovation and sustainability continue to shape the future. My journey has been driven by a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and supporting the next generation of professionals.

  I chose to be involved with R.A.C.E.S because I believe in its mission to make a meaningful difference by providing high-quality resources in:

  • Career advice
  • Technical information
  • Guidance through legislative changes

  Through this platform, I aim to contribute to the development of a more informed, skilled, and future-ready workforce in our sector.

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  Andrew FraserForest Group

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  Andrew Fraser

  With over 30 years of senior leadership experience in the national award-winning contractor, Forest Group, I have dedicated my career to delivering industry-leading service, quality, and safety, helping to build one of the most respected names in the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning sector. I am honoured to have been invited to join RACES as an Advisory Board Member, alongside some of our sector’s most outstanding leaders and specialists.

  The refrigeration and air conditioning sector is facing significant legislative changes, with new training requirements inevitably following. My aim within RACES is to help create a society that truly represents engineers in the field by providing the support mechanisms and funding they and their employers need to develop their skills. By strengthening training, apprenticeships, and pathways for professional growth, we can safeguard the long-term future of our sector, support our talented people, and ensure it is recognised and respected for the vital role it plays worldwide.

  I have challenged myself to make a lasting, positive impact on our sector for the benefit of every stakeholder.

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  James BaileyOmega Solutions

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  James Bailey

  James is an apprentice-trained Mechanical Engineer, Chartered Engineer, Master’s Degree Graduate, published author, and RAC Cooling Industry Gold Award Winner (2022). With 20+ years of industry experience, he has worked in contracting and consulting across a range of technical and senior roles. James’ enthusiasm to support RACES is born out of frustration with existing industry bodies not representing the grass roots of the RACHP sector; those at the cutting edge of change who will make the low carbon transition a reality.

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  Samantha ParrisWave Refrigeration

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  Samantha Parris

  With over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration, HVAC, and engineering sectors, I am proud to serve as an Advisory Board Member at RACES. My career has taken me through some of the industry’s most respected names — including Dean & Wood, HRP, Beijer Ref, and Carter Thermal Industries — and now, as part of WAVE Engineering Consultancy.

  I have always been passionate about this industry — not just for the technical challenges it presents, but for the opportunities it creates to make a real impact on sustainability, efficiency, and the future of our built environment. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the importance of nurturing skills development and investing in the next generation of engineers. Our industry thrives when we support fresh talent, share knowledge, and create clear pathways for young professionals to succeed.

  Through my role on the RACES Advisory Board, I aim to bring my experience and insights to help shape initiatives that close the skills gap, promote training, and inspire future engineers. I believe collaboration between employers, educators, and industry leaders is vital to securing a sustainable, skilled workforce that will keep our sector at the forefront of innovation.

  This isn’t just my career — it’s my passion. By supporting programmes that champion technical excellence and professional growth, I hope to play a part in ensuring our industry continues to evolve, adapt, and attract the talent it needs to thrive.

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  Howard NobleBeijer Ref

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  Howard Noble

  Throughout my career, which has involved working for various companies such as NRS, Arctic Circle, NRW, JustOneCall, FSW and now Beijer Ref, I’ve wanted to add value to our trade. But I felt existing societies focused more on industrial refrigeration and engineering solutions that didn’t relate to the commercial sector I work in. With the formation of RACES, I believe we now have a society that will truly represent and support commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning engineers and companies—I look forward to helping the board develop it into an industry-leading society.