A new not-for-profit organisation for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump professionals — the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers Society (RACES) — was officially launched in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2025.
Founded by engineers Michael Smart and Graeme Fox, RACES aims to represent those working on the front lines of the RACHP sector, including installers, service engineers, designers, sales engineers, educators, and students. The organisation was formed following months of planning and input from an advisory board comprising professionals across wholesale, consultancy, and contracting roles.
Michael Smart said the initiative stemmed from a sense of underrepresentation among everyday engineers: “Many engineers, like myself, have never considered joining an industry body... because it wasn’t interested in what those of us in the front line were doing.” He cited outdated or irrelevant technical guidance as a key issue.
A major focus for RACES will be supporting small and micro businesses — which make up over 90% of contractors in the UK — by offering low-cost or free access to refresher and upskilling training courses. These are seen as vital for the industry’s transition to alternative refrigerants in the coming years.
“Sending engineers away for even one or two day courses presents a huge financial and operational strain on small businesses,” said Graeme Fox. “We have set out to provide access to the kind of training courses these engineers will be needing.”
Founding sponsor Beijer Ref has backed the initiative through its Beijer Ref Academy. “The founding principles of the society are aligned with our own passion to support engineers through training,” said Howard Noble, Innovation & Marketing Director at Beijer Ref.
RACES has already secured sponsorship from several major industry players and is now organising training sessions across the UK. The society plans to collaborate with existing regional groups and support the formation of new ones.
Membership fees start at £65, and the organisation has launched an up-to-date technical library for its members. More information is available at www.races.org.uk