Master Plumber Awards Ceremony Recognises Excellence in the Industry

It was a privilege to attend Mansion House in London on Monday 3^rd March, as the Livery Companies Skills Council recognised outstanding professionals in the plumbing industry for their skills and dedication.

The Lord Mayor of London presented Master Plumber certificates to a distinguished group of individuals, with an audience of hundreds in attendance, including award winners, their supporters, and representatives of various Livery companies—London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds representing their respective crafts, trades, and professions.

Before this year, only a select group of professionals had achieved the prestigious status of Master Plumber. This year's awards mark another milestone in celebrating excellence in plumbing, with Donald Barron, Donald Lack, Louchavan Lemard and Simon Love officially joining the ranks of those recognised for their expertise, commitment, and contributions to the industry.

In addition to the Master Plumber awards, Oliver Salmon was presented with a Journeyman Certificate, an important step in his professional journey and a testament to his dedication and skill in the field.

Meet the Award Winners

Donald Barron – Master Plumber

Don began his plumbing career as a Trade apprentice, moving to Junior Engineer and ultimately, serving a distinguished career as a Public Health Engineer. As a Chartered Engineer, Don has amassed considerable experience in design and management on many different projects worldwide. Don has, impressively, achieved thirty years’ service at Arup, he is a Liveryman of the Plumbers company and continues to demonstrate his dedication to the plumbing and heating industry.

Donald Lack – Master Plumber

After completing a five-year City & Guilds plumbing and heating apprenticeship, Donald’s career included many years of installing industrial plumbing and heating systems with Clelac Ltd, before later working in senior roles with AECOM and NIFES. Recognised with numerous awards, Donald in 2024 started to teach Level 2 plumbing in prisons, empowering rehabilitation through skills training.

Louchavan Lemard – Master Plumber

Despite leaving school without qualifications, Louchavan excelled in plumbing, earning NVQ Levels 2 and 3 and multiple Apprentice of the Year awards. While working as a plumber and gas engineer, he returned to college, achieving a distinction in BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Building Services. After becoming a project manager, he founded his own company. He is an advocate for the opportunities created for others, providing apprenticeships, work experience and mentoring to support disadvantaged young adults.

Simon Love – Master Plumber

Simon has over 20 years of experience within the plumbing and heating industry starting out as an apprentice. Once fully qualified he gained experience working for Paine Manwaring Ltd, then Inner Warmth Ltd. Simon went on to start his own business, in 2018 he founded London Fire Sprinklers Ltd.

Oliver Salmon - Journeyman Certificate

Oliver completed his first apprenticeship at St Paul’s Cathedral while working through his Level 2 Plumbing and Heating at Croydon College. He went on to complete Level 2 NVQ, adding Gas, Water regulations and Unvented qualification and training. Looking ahead, Oliver wants to further train in new technologies and sciences, enabling him to provide the best possible service to his clients.

These awards celebrate not only the personal achievements of the recipients but also highlight the importance of skilled professionals in maintaining the highest standards within the plumbing industry.

Congratulations to all the award winners from all of us here at CIPHE. It's fantastic to see our members being recognised for their hard work and dedication.

For more information about the plumbing awards, please click here.