World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Meridian training centre opens in Dorset

UK: Dorset now has its first and only refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump training centre following today’s official opening of the new Meridian RACHP Training centre.

Based in Ferndown, Meridian RACHP Training is s a partnership between Sam and Suzanne Lovell, owners of contractor Meridian Air Conditioning and Ventilation, and experienced assessor, verifier and lecturer Shaun Creech.

The facility was opened by current Institute of Refrigeration president and BESA technical director Graeme Fox. Here he is flanked by Shaun Creech (left) Suzanne Lovell and Sam Lovell

The 3,500ft2 facility comprises a large practical area, a brazing and test room and classroom for a maximum of 15. It is C&G and BESA approved and will provide a range of courses, including F-gas category 1, 2, 3 and 4, safe handling of flammable refrigerants, pipework and brazing and electrics, as well as meeting the predicted growth in demand for heat pump training.

“We are looking to grow our provision as we go forward and have already been approached by some companies about setting up specific courses for their employees on controls systems for ventilation systems,” said Shaun Creech, who will split his time between the new Meridian training centre and his role as assessor/lecturer at City of Portsmouth College. 

Creech has supported well over a thousand students during his career, including Meridian owner Sam Lovell. He is a Fellow and active member of the Institute of Refrigeration, sitting on the membership committee and working within the training section of the institute.

Latest News

27th August 2026

Cellar coolers are refrigeration equipment

UK: The British Refrigeration Association has welcomed confirmation that restrictions on single-split air conditioning systems under the GB F-gas regulations do not apply to systems used solely for cooling products.
26th August 2026

Carly Gayle named LCL Trainee of the Year

UK: Carly Gayle, one of Baxi’s newest F-gas engineers, has been named Trainee of the Year by awarding and certification organisation LCL Awards.
26th August 2026

Copeland Europe’s Sandro Matic moves to US

USA/GERMANY: Sandro Matic, president of Copeland’s European business, is to become president of its Americas business. He will be replaced by Gwenaelle Cheramy, currently general manager of Honeywell in Switzerland.
26th August 2026

IOR looks for STEM Ambassador volunteers

UK: The Institute of Refrigeration is seeking more industry professionals to volunteer as STEM Ambassadors to help students understand the vital role RACHP technologies and the career opportunities available.
25th August 2026

Data centre thermal management kits for Autodesk

USA: Trane Technologies has Introduced data centre thermal management kits in Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Forma.
25th August 2026

Carrier launches engineless multi-temperature TRU

USA: Carrier Transicold’s Vector 8200 is the company’s first engineless multi-temperature TRU, offering single- and multi-temperature capabilities for stationary trailer cold storage.