We are delighted to announce the winners and runners-up for the NORAC 2025 Awards, recognising outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication across our industry.
🌟 Asbestos Trainee of the Year Award
Proudly sponsored by TIRO
🥇 WINNER: Ruben Dos Santos - ACE
Ruben's inspiring journey from administrative support to team leader exemplifies the best of emerging talent. His selfless decision to pause his own apprenticeship to train and mentor his team during challenging times, combined with his innovative work in redesigning templates and standardising reporting, has left a lasting impact on his organisation.
Runners-up:
- Chad Watkins (Socotec) - Exceptional technical growth, achieving P402 qualification in just three months and progressing to Senior Surveyor after completing P403 and P404
- Sujittra Sherring (ACE) - Remarkable early career progress, achieving P402 qualification in under a year and demonstrating exceptional potential
💡 Jean Prentice Award for Innovation
Proudly sponsored by Global Asbestos Forum
🥇 WINNER: John Lyons - BOHS Asbestos P Modules (Posthumous)
We honour the late John Lyons, whose transformational vision created the BOHS Asbestos P Modules - the first unified framework for asbestos training that remains the gold standard over two decades later. His innovation continues to protect workers and the public, establishing a lasting foundation for competency and safety across the industry.
Runners-up:
- Nick Garland - Revolutionary Gel-Cut removal method, the first truly new asbestos removal technique in almost twenty years
- Frank Camelo - Pan-American Observatory & AI Safety Communication, influencing national legislation and transforming risk communication across Latin America
🎖️ Long Service Award
Proudly sponsored by SOCOTEC
🥇 WINNER: Julie Lewis - G&L Consultancy
Julie's extraordinary 30+ year career has been defined by innovation, leadership, and care for people. From co-founding G&L Consultancy and growing it into one of the UK's largest asbestos consultancies, to co-creating the TEAMS asbestos management software and founding the Independent Asbestos Training Providers group, her influence has transformed how the industry operates.
Runners-up:
- Steve Moran (Environmental Essentials) - Over 30 years dedicated to raising technical standards and mentoring countless industry leaders
- James Apthorp (Apthorp Asbestos Management Ltd) - 23+ years of commitment to mentoring junior surveyors and building a culture of professionalism and ethical practice
🔍 Most Unusual Asbestos Find
Proudly sponsored by UKATA
🥇 WINNER: Michael McCourt
Michael's exceptional attention to detail led to the discovery of asbestos-containing gaskets hidden within door opening restrictors at a historic railway signal box. This previously undocumented hazard was actively being disturbed in a live environment, making this discovery of critical importance to both immediate safety and wider industry knowledge.
Runners-up:
- Rob Letman - Discovery of a vintage hair dryer containing asbestos insulation board, asbestos-reinforced Bakelite casing, and textile wiring in a Grade II listed property
- Darren Mountford - Unearthing a World War II RAF Goose Neck Flare Landing Light with pure chrysotile wick, used during D-Day operations
🙏 Congratulations to All
Each finalist and winner represents the very best of our industry - from emerging talent to seasoned professionals, from innovative problem-solvers to dedicated mentors. These awards celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective commitment to safety, excellence, and progress that defines our sector.
And a very special thanks to our award sponsors:
- TIRO - Asbestos Trainee of the Year Award
- Global Asbestos Forum - Jean Prentice Award for Innovation
- SOCOTEC - Long Service Award
- UKATA - Most Unusual Asbestos Find Award
Thank you to everyone who participated in the NORAC 2025 Awards. Your contributions continue to make our industry safer and stronger!
