ABOUT Beijer Ref Academy
Training for the
future of refrigeration.
The Beijer Ref Academies showcase the very latest in sustainable and innovative refrigeration products.
The Beijer Ref Academies are managed by experienced refrigeration engineers who offer a wealth of industry and product knowledge with a passion to share it. Courses have been constructed by expert engineers, for engineers.
PASSIONATE ABOUT REFRIGERATION
Constructed by expert
engineers, for engineers.
Our three academies are located in Wetherby, Glasgow and Preston. Wetherby and Glasgow are set up and configured with the very latest in sustainable refrigeration products, which includes systems including a CO2 ‘pack’ connected to refrigerated cases and evaporators (which replicate a typical retail environment), CO2 & A2L packaged condensing unit systems, heat recovery solutions and a CO2 air to water heat pump, all fully operational.
All our courses have been constructed by engineers for engineers offering more hands on training over training through presentations.
Danfoss Industrial Academy, Preston
Our Preston academy specialises in the needs of Industrial Refrigeration systems and the engineers that both install and maintain this specialist equipment. It contains Danfoss Industrial valving, heat exchangers and purging systems all relevant to the specialist needs of this sector.
THE PROFESSIONALS
Meet the team
Lee Downham
Technical & Sustainability Director
Tony Marsh
Training Manager
Tony began his career as an apprentice in refrigeration engineering in 1983 and progressed through to Director level, gaining over 40 years of industry experience. He has operated his own company providing a successful service, installation, and contracting business and has latterly trained engineers at the Academy since 2022. Outside of work Tony enjoys the countryside with his family and dog, Maggie, and pursues his passion for photography.
Ian Lemmon
National Training & Warranty Manager
Ian has worked in the RACHP industry for over 25 years, beginning as an apprentice within the Royal Engineers, he has progressed through various technical positions to his current role of training and field technical support management. Having spent most of his career in the Air Conditioning sector he has been focused on VRF& Air To Water commissioning & fault finding. Recently Ian proudly took on the role of Head Judge at the WorldSkills UK Regional Qualifier 2025. Outside of work Ian enjoys running, hill walking and watching rugby union.
Alan Armstrong
Project Engineer – Refrigeration
Alan began his career in 1988, specializing in the electrical installation of refrigeration equipment for UK supermarkets. He advanced to service engineer and supervisor roles before transitioning to wholesaling in 2008 with HRP. Currently, as a refrigeration project engineer at Beijer Ref UK, he provides technical support and training, focusing on CO2 refrigerants and CUBO2 Smart products. Outside of work, Alan enjoys two-wheeled motorsport.
Steven Downham
Air Conditioning & Water Heating Technical Manager
Steve started out his career working in the commercial refrigeration sector. His knowledge has excessively grown and broadened over the last 15 years with hands on technical experience covering all types of air conditioning systems, chillers, packs, AHUs and a variety of refrigeration equipment.Outside of work Steve enjoys getting out on his motorbike, going to the gym, watching football and spending time with his family.
Dave Back
Danfoss Industrial Trainer
Dave first entered the refrigeration industry while in the Royal Navy and went on to obtain both Naval and Civilian qualifications including a BSc with the Open University. Having covered all disciplines of refrigeration in his career, Dave concentrated on the Design and Contracting of Industrial systems and became Technical Director for 2 companies specialising in this area.He has a passion for walking and swimming but much of his time is spent baby-sitting his Great Granddaughter.
Alastair Stewart
Industrial Application Engineer
Alastair started his career in commercial refrigeration in Glasgow, earning a City and Guilds and BTEC certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Before joining DW as a technical sales engineer in 2005, he worked in an equipment test lab and as a senior refrigeration engineer. Now, he serves as an industrial application engineer. In his downtime, Alastair enjoys family time with his grandkids, salsa dancing, Wing Chun, and listening to his vinyl collection
Connor Garbett
Technical Engineer – Air Conditioning
Connor started in the wholesale business 10 years ago, moving into a technical role primarily focusing on Air Conditioning design and aftersales support with Splits, VRF, A2W. He developed his skills in product training for engineers covering splits and VRF design and installations. Currently focusing on Commercial ASHP with Q-ton units design and support. Outside of work he enjoys coaching his son’s rugby team and the Leeds Rhinos games both home and away.
