Sector leaders pay tribute to Pump Industry Awards 'lifetime opportunity'

The British Pump Manufacturers Association’s Pump Industry Awards programme has led the way in recognising and rewarding excellence throughout the pump sector for the past two decades, establishing itself as one of the most highly regarded industry events. 

Over that time, it has celebrated innovations, applications, skills development, engineering acumen and overall business achievement - all of which have contributed to making the pump industry the success that it is today.

However, one of the most prestigious awards to be presented each year is the Lifetime Achievement Award.  This category is somewhat different to the others, and since the inception of the awards programme, has always been in the gift of the BPMA.  The winner is determined by the BPMA for what it believes to be a lifetime's contribution to the pump industry and in the opinion of the BPMA, has made a significant and consistent contribution the pump sector over the duration of their working career.

So, as the the 2020 awards programme commences and celebrations of its 20th Anniversary get under way, several past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award share what the accolade has meant to them, both personally and professionally.  

Chris Rea, Founder and CEO of AESSEAL, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, commented: “The Pump Industry is a substantial contributor to the UK economy, both in terms of jobs, investment and exports, and as such is very deserving of its own awards programme.  Following receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Awards ceremony, I was of course delighted on the night, but quite amazed by the impact that it had on work colleagues, associates and even customers.”

Owen Shevlin, CEO at SPP Pumps, who took home the Award in 2013 added: “I can honestly say that it was a real shock to me, when they started to read out the profile of the winner and I discover it was me.  It is a very special award, and I was honoured to receive it, given that it came from my industry.  I have always valued the work of the BPMA and have been delighted to play my part in helping it to serve the needs of the sector, through various roles and functions.  For my endeavours to be recognised in this way was as pleasing at it was humbling.”

Geoff Brown was with ABB back in 2009, with responsibility for drives, and remembers being presented with the PIA Lifetime Achievement Award, for his efforts in helping to improve the energy efficiency of pumps and pump systems.

For my endeavours to be recognised in this way was as pleasing as it was humbling 

Owen Shevlin, CEO, SPP Pumps

“Having worked in the pump Industry, at SPP in Reading, for about 5 years I didn’t really expect to become involved in pumps again, when I left to join Stromberg.  But Stromberg became ASEA and then ABB and I became drives product manager, and a representative on the drives technical committee at GAMBICA.” 

GAMBICA was asked by the BPMA to provide some assistance in producing a handbook on energy savings and Brown was back talking about pumps.  The association continued for many years; the Europump Guide on Energy Efficiency followed and the emphasis on energy saving in pump systems became a continuing job. 

“For that work to be recognised through the Pump Industry Awards is extremely pleasing for me, both professionally and personally.” He admitted.

Another very deserving Lifetime Achievement Winner is Brian Huxley, who worked for the BPMA for some 24 years, 20 of them as chief executive.

He was instrumental in the launch of the Pump Industry Award back in 2000, having discussed and planned the activity with the BPMA council for several years before that.  

Huxley observes: “Twenty years ago, the BPMA lead the way on many fronts; it was one of the first trade associations to run its own conferences, produce an annual buyers-guide and indeed launch its own website.  It follows therefore that it was one of the first to establish an annual awards programme!”

“To be a recipient of an award myself in 2017, was a great honour for me, and helped top off a wonderfully rewarding career spent serving the pump sector.”

John Bower of Flowserve won the Award back in 2006, for his tireless pursuit of the highest technical standards for the pump industry. He was a member of the BPMA’s Technical Committee for many years, before becoming its Chairman as well as Chairing the BSI Committee on Pumps.

To be a recipient of an award myself in 2017 was a great honour for me, and helped top off a wonderfully rewarding career

Brian Huxley, former BPMA chief executive                                                                                             

Throughout his career Bower also represented the BPMA on numerous BSI, CEN, ISO and Europump Technical Forums.  Although now retired from Flowserve, he still acts a Consultant to the BPMA, assisting with several technical initiatives. 

Commenting on his Lifetime Achievement accolade, he said simply: “It was, and still is, as great honour to have been recognised by my peers, for doing a job that I loved.  It has meant a great deal to me, my family and my colleagues, past and present.”

Current BPMA Director & CEO, Steve Schofield commented the event has rewarded “some truly talented individuals” who have contributed hugely to the development and progression of the pump sector. 

“It has been wonderful to help highlight their achievements and to develop an awards programme that is so valued by our industry. The 2019 event was another huge success and I hope many more companies will join us in 2020 for this unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas and celebrate with our industry's best and brightest." 

The call for nominations for the 2020 Pump Industry Awards is now open, with the online entry forms available for completion until 5.00pm on Monday 6 January.

Entries are sought for any company, product, application, service or individual within the pump industry that is worthy of recognition and reward.  Nominations are not restricted to BPMA members, and you can put forward as many entries as you like.  Multiple entries in any given category are also permitted. 

Entry is completely free of charge, so for industry-wide recognition of a job well done, be sure to visit http://pumpindustryawards.com.

The 2020 Pump Industry Awards Ceremony will be held at The Chesford Grange Hotel, Warwickshire on Thursday 19 March.  Make a note of the date.

Photo: Chris Rea (CEO, AESSEAL) receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award from BPMA President, Duncan Lewis at the 2018 Pump Industry Awards Ceremony