Celebrating outstanding contributions to the gas industry: IGEM Awards 2025 Honorary Fellowships
Each year, IGEM recognises individuals who have gone above and beyond in their dedication to the gas profession. In 2025, three highly respected members of our community have been awarded Honorary Fellowships, acknowledging the depth and impact of their contributions across the industry and within the institution itself.
The prestigious title is awarded only in exceptional circumstances and this year’s recipients bring stories of commitment and influence that have helped shape the industry we know today. Congratulations to:
- Steve Vick, Chairman of Steve Vick International
- Steve Critchlow, Principal Gas Incident Investigation Engineer at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Dr Richard Marrow, Director and Consultant of Global Energy Associates
Each of these individuals has demonstrated not only technical excellence and leadership, but also a lifelong commitment to safety, innovation, and the advancement of the profession. Below, we celebrate their achievements in more detail.
Steve Vick MSc CEng Hon FIGEM, Chairman of Steve Vick International
Steve began his career in 1975, gaining experience in both technical innovation and practical operations, with Scottish Gas and ALH Systems Ltd, but it was in 1981, alongside his wife Angela, that he co-founded Steve Vick International. Together, they built what began as a family business into an internationally recognised leader in gas mains and service replacement technology, always with an emphasis on innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Steve Vick International’s technologies have transformed how live mains insertion is carried out, helping to reduce environmental disruption while ensuring continued gas supply. The company has grown to employ more than 116 people, exports to over 20 countries, and has earnt accolades such as Company of the Year at the Gas Industry Awards in both 2015 and 2022.
Their values-driven approach has extended into the company’s culture, with a strong focus on staff development, charitable support, and sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Steve Vick International team repurposed their in-house sewing department to produce gowns and equipment for hospitals and local charities.
Steve has also been a consistent supporter of IGEM throughout his career, becoming a Chartered Gas Engineer with the institution in 1984. He has served on IGEM’s Council and multiple technical committees, as well as sponsoring events, and encouraging staff participation across the institution.
Steve commented: “Since becoming a Chartered Gas Engineer in 1984, the institution has been such an important part of my life, providing me with a strong network of support, both technically and socially. I have made so many friends over the years through my membership of the institution and I’m both honoured and grateful that my colleagues have recommended my elevation to the status of Honorary Fellow”.
Steve Critchlow MSc Hon FIGEM, Principal Gas Incident Investigation Engineer at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
For over three decades, Steve Critchlow has worked tirelessly to improve public safety through his role at the HSE. As Principal Gas Incident Investigation Engineer, he has led high-profile investigations into serious incidents, including the Heysham and Kincaidston explosions, and provided expert evidence in court to enforce accountability.
Steve’s influence extends well beyond investigations. He has shaped national gas safety policy, assessed the risks of future gases like hydrogen, and driven the development of engineering standards. He is also a passionate advocate for professional development, having chaired IGEM’s Engineering Technician (EngTech) Working Group, contributed to numerous conferences, and mentored countless industry professionals.
Steve is a previous recipient of both the IGEM Gold Medal and Gas Industry Awards Engineer of the Year awards.
On receiving the Honorary Fellowship, Steve said: “I am truly humbled and pleasantly shocked to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship by my professional institution, IGEM, and I offer them my deepest thanks for this.
“I am simply a gas engineer, but I am an engineer who always wanted to be the best that I could and always wanted to raise standards in our industry. My job means that I often see the worst of what can go wrong, and the effects on people, families and businesses. As such, I have dedicated my working life to finding out the causes of failings and helping others to learn from these.
“I was over the moon when I first achieved IGEM membership many years ago, and it has proved an incredibly helpful partnership as, in so many ways, we have shared values and aims. IGEM has improved me, and I in turn hope I can help IGEM to help industry. Thank you IGEM.”
Dr Richard Marrow BSc PhD CEng Hon FIGEM MCIBSE MEI, Director & Consultant at Global Energy Associates Ltd
A leading authority in gas utilisation, Dr Richard Marrow has dedicated over 50 years to advancing technical standards, safety, and professional competence in the industry. His career started as a technical apprentice in 1971 and went on to span senior roles at British Gas, National Grid, and Advantica, before becoming an international consultant through his work at Global Energy Associates.
Richard is perhaps best known for his extraordinary service to IGEM, having chaired the Gas Utilisation Committee for over 20 years and contributed to the creation of countless technical standards, including the institution’s latest work on hydrogen readiness. He has chaired and been part of a number of IGEM technical standards panels, and has also chaired and sat on many committees and panels for the HSE and BSI, and continues to play a key role in supporting the energy transition globally, notably through gas infrastructure and training programmes in the UK and internationally.
Richard shared: "I was very surprised and immensely thrilled and honoured to be awarded Honorary Fellowship in recognition of my support to the institution, and contributions to the gas industry. I would like to thank all those I have worked with over the years and have helped me to continue to champion our industry.”
A legacy of leadership and dedication
IGEM’s Honorary Fellowship is the institution’s highest level of recognition. Each of this year’s recipients exemplifies the values at the heart of IGEM: technical expertise, public service, innovation, and a commitment to developing the profession for future generations.
IGEM’s CEO, Oliver Lancaster, added: “It’s a great pleasure to bestow the pinnacle level of membership upon those nominated by industry peers for their career in service to the sector and to IGEM. The award of Honorary Fellow is a remarkable achievement that is limited in our By-Laws, and thus receiving this recognition is an expression of a truly extraordinary contribution. On behalf of IGEM and the wider gas community, I offer the warmest of congratulations to Steve Vick, Steve Critchlow and Richard Marrow.”