Rising Star
Company: Maple Mechnical
Nominee Name: Gemma Dormer
Supporting Statement
Gemma Dormer – HVR Rising Star Award
Introduction to the Individual
Gemma Dormer is Service & Maintenance Manager at Maple Mechanical Ltd and one of the most exciting emerging leaders in the UK refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
Beginning her career as an apprentice engineer, Gemma has built an exceptional career through hard work, technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to learning. Her rapid progression from apprentice to management, combined with her growing influence across the wider industry, demonstrates not only her capability but also her passion for raising standards within the profession.
In 2022, Gemma became the first woman to win the RAC & Institute of Refrigeration National Student of the Year Award, a milestone that recognised both her technical ability and her determination to excel. Since then, her career has continued to flourish, establishing her as one of the industry’s brightest emerging talents.
Type of Work Undertaken
As Service & Maintenance Manager at Maple Mechanical Ltd, Gemma is responsible for leading service operations, supporting engineers, managing customer relationships and ensuring the successful delivery of maintenance and refrigeration projects.
Her role requires a unique combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness and people management. She works across a wide range of refrigeration and HVAC applications, solving complex technical issues while maintaining the high standards expected by both customers and colleagues.
Alongside her day-to-day responsibilities, Gemma plays an increasingly important role within the wider industry. She has recently stepped up to serve as Chair of a new working group at the Institute of Refrigeration, contributes to industry webinars and technical events, and regularly supports national awards judging. Her willingness to share knowledge and support others reflects her commitment to developing the profession as a whole.
Training Undertaken
Gemma has always invested in her own professional development.
Starting as an apprentice engineer, she has continually expanded her technical knowledge through specialist training in natural refrigerants, including ammonia and carbon dioxide systems, alongside practical engineering experience gained in the field.
Her commitment to continuous learning has never stopped. As her career has progressed into management and industry leadership, she has developed equally strong leadership, communication and mentoring skills, allowing her to support engineers at every stage of their careers.
This combination of technical excellence and personal development has enabled Gemma to progress rapidly while earning the respect of colleagues throughout the industry.
How the Candidate Has Excelled
Gemma’s achievements extend far beyond her own career progression.
She has broken barriers by becoming the first female recipient of the RAC & Institute of Refrigeration National Student of the Year Award and has continued to build on that success through every stage of her career.
Her progression from apprentice to Service & Maintenance Manager demonstrates exceptional dedication and capability, but what truly distinguishes Gemma is her willingness to give back to the industry.
Whether chairing the Institute of Refrigeration, speaking on industry panels, judging awards or mentoring younger engineers, she consistently uses her experience to encourage and inspire others.
Despite her impressive achievements, Gemma remains approachable, humble and generous with her time. She is recognised by colleagues as someone who leads by example and is always willing to support those following behind her.
For someone still in the early stages of what promises to be an outstanding career, her contribution to the industry has already been remarkable.
Supporting Testimonials
“Gemma has been an exceptional asset to Maple Mechanical from the very beginning of her career. Her progression from apprentice to Service & Maintenance Manager has been driven entirely by her commitment to learning, technical ability and natural leadership.
She has earned the respect of our engineers, customers and suppliers alike through professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards. Customers regularly comment on her calm approach, technical knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile to find the right solution.
What makes Gemma particularly special is that she never forgets where she started. She actively mentors apprentices and younger engineers, sharing her knowledge and encouraging others to develop both personally and professionally.
Watching Gemma become an influential figure within the Institute of Refrigeration while continuing to excel within our business has been a privilege. She is a fantastic ambassador for Maple Mechanical and for the wider HVAC industry, and I have no hesitation in recommending her for this award.”
Mark Hewitt
Director, Maple Mechanical Ltd
“One of the greatest privileges of working within our industry is watching talented individuals develop into the leaders of tomorrow, and Gemma is one of the finest examples of that journey I have had the pleasure to witness.
From her early days as an apprentice through to becoming the first woman to win the RAC & Institute of Refrigeration National Student of the Year Award, Gemma has consistently demonstrated the qualities that set exceptional people apart: technical excellence, professionalism, curiosity and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
What impresses me most, however, is not simply what Gemma has achieved herself, but how readily she uses her success to support others. Whether mentoring young engineers, contributing to technical discussions, judging industry awards or now leading the Institute of Refrigeration as Chair, she approaches every opportunity with humility, integrity and genuine enthusiasm for our profession.
Our industry needs more people like Gemma. She is an outstanding role model who proves that hard work, determination and kindness are every bit as important as technical ability. She inspires confidence in those around her and is helping shape a more inclusive, skilled and collaborative future for refrigeration and HVAC.
Although Gemma has already achieved more than many do in an entire career, I firmly believe her greatest contributions are still to come. I am incredibly proud to support this nomination and can think of no one more deserving of recognition as an HVR Rising Star.”
Lisa-Jayne Cook FInstR FWES
President, Institute of Refrigeration
Entry ID: 10423
