CIEH Pest Control Conference

Dr Alex Kew, Infectious diseases and Microbiology Consultant, the Royal Free and UCLH NHS trusts. After completing a Zoology degree and a Masters in Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Evolution at Imperial college and the Natural History Museum in London, his specialist interest and expertise involves identification and treatment of organisms associated with causing human disease and treatment of bites, stings and animal related injury.

Avril Turner, Technical Manager (Midlands), BSc (Hons), FRSPH, TechIOSH. Avril's career began as a pest control technician, field biologist then technical consultant providing the ideal platform for delivery of training and in-depth inspections. Avril has a wealth of experience from 20 years in the industry and her involvement in a wide variety of sites and premises, covering all aspects of pest control and pest management auditing. Avril was involved in Killgerm Principles In The Use Of Glue Traps Under Licence course because of her practical experience in the use of glue traps prior to Licensing. Avril also has a special interest in Health and Safety, holding a NEBOSH general certificate.

Dave Coles, Head of Regulatory Services, Somerset Council. Dave has worked in Environmental Health for 25 years and he started his career as a Technical Officer and qualified from UWE in 2009 as an Environmental Health Officer. Since qualification Dave has had a number of roles including EHO, Team Leader and Service Manager. He currently manages Regulatory Services at Somerset Council which is a diverse role incorporating Environmental Health and Licencing, Registration Services, Somerset Coroners, Beaches and Port Services. Although Dave's role has changed throughout his career Environmental Health has always played a part and the transferable skills developed in EH have been invaluable when working across departments.

Iain Pendreich, Graduate Service Technician, Pest Solutions. Iain is an advanced pest control technician at Pest Solutions, with just over two years of experience serving Edinburgh and Lothians area in both urban and rural environments. He has been a member of the BPCA's academic working group, and earlier this year spoke at PestEx in London and was published in Professional Pest Controller magazine. With a keen interest in rodent movement in urban settings and Dermestes beetles, Iain is passionate about advancing pest control practices and knowledge.

Ian Andrew, CEO, British Pest Control Association. Ian says that if he is a professional in anything, it is membership. His experience includes senior leadership positions in the charity sector, a trade association and professional bodies, including setting up a new Institute, to his most recent role for the last six years as CEO of BPCA. Originally from the North East of Scotland, Ian is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and the University of Edinburgh. A proud dad and grandad, outside of work Ian enjoys hillwalking and has done a couple of long-distance walks including St Cuthbert’s Way and Hadrian’s Wall.

Paul Westgate, Managing Director, Veritas Pest Consultancy. Veritas Pest Consultancy is an urban pest consultancy buisness which supports individuals and organisations who want to improve their pest management processes. Paul is an executive board member of the British Pest Control Assoication (BPCA) and chairs the organisations academic working relations group which aims to forge improved links between the academic world and the infield delivery of pest management. Having almost 25 years' experience, Paul is able to draw on extensive experience in the field of urban rodent and insect pest management. He holds a master's degree in entomology and is a Certified Field Biologist. Paul is passionate about professional pest management and its role in safeguarding not only public health but the environment.

Sarah Dowden, Service Director – Regulation and Operations, Somerset Council.  Sarah qualified as an EHO at UWE, Bristol and her early career was spent working for both South Gloucestershire (Environmental Protection) and North Somerset (food). In 2005 Sarah moved to a Senior EHO role in the food team at Sedgemoor District Council. Over the next 18 years she remained at Sedgemoor and when the Council ceased to exist in 2023 due to LG reorganisation Sarah worked as an Assistant Director covering regulatory and operational services. Sarah's current role at Somerset Council is broader than the world of EH but she hopes and likes to think those EH skills are still being used but just in a different way.

Theresa Fidge, Senior Environmental Health Practitioner, Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames. Theresa works in the Food and Safety Team for Kingston and Sutton Shared Regulatory Services. She is the Food SPOC for Chessington World of Adventures and she co-chairs the CIEH food coffee catch ups. Theresa qualified as an EHO in 1990 from Salford University. Her background also includes work in Housing in Disrepair, Fire proofing, Noise and Public Entertainment Licensing.

How do you know your pest management company is fit for the fight?

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is the professional association for the UK public health pest management industry. By choosing an assessed BPCA member you can be assured that the services you receive are from a trained and trusted company that meets our strict membership criteria. Our member companies meet or exceed all pest management 'due diligence' requirements and comply with the most current legislation. No other trade body gives you this security. Make sure you stay safe. Select a BPCA Member every time.

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