It was presented during FEA’s gala dinner at the association’s annual industry conference on November 21st.

Emma Brooks, chair of FEA, told the event that Malcolm was "dedicated, endlessly encouraging, a good friend, utterly professional, a mentor… but also, great fun. In fact he’s something of a superhero - you name a sport, and he’s either done it or had a go.”

Co-presenting the award was Tim Smith, chief executive of the AFE Group and managing director of Williams Refrigeration, who added: “I couldn’t do my job without Malcolm, he’s a rock.”

Malcolm began his career as a chef, travelling the world before deciding to switch to the equipment side of the industry. He joined Falcon in 1991 and moved to sister company Williams as sales and marketing director in 2000.

He has delivered some of the largest refrigeration contracts in the UK and around the world, including Wembley Stadium, the Sydney Olympics and Le Cordon Bleu – in both London and Paris.

He is a longstanding supporter of FEA, joining the council in 2001 and serving as chair from 2008 to 2010. Additionally he has been chair of the exhibition liaison committee and headed the marketing committee when the FEA rebranded from CESA.

He stepped down from the FEA council in 2021, but continues to work for the FEA as chair of the refrigeration product group forum.

Very much a family man, he was joined on the evening by his wife Mandy and sons Simon and Richard.

Asked how he felt about the award, Malcolm said: “I’m gobsmacked! Absolutely over the moon! Mandy, Simon and Richard being here made it even more special. This is a wonderful industry, full of opportunities, and I feel very lucky to be part of it.”

Tim Smith added: “I’ve known Malcolm for 25 years and I remain enormously proud to be working alongside him and now, tonight, to help celebrate his extraordinary skills, dedication, and contribution.”