Association

28 March 2019

Young technician named the best in the country at trade body awards

A pest technician from Croydon has been named the best in the country at a prestigious industry event for his commitment to training and development.

George Rickwood, of Rokill, was crowned Young Technician of the Year at the British Pest Management Awards, organised by UK trade body the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

Held at ExCel London, the award ceremony formed part of the BPCA’s esteemed biennial exhibition and conference PestEx, the UK’s pest management show.

Dave Perrett, Operations Manager at Rokill, who nominated the 27-year-old for the award, said: “Since joining Rokill, George has been highly committed to training and development and has always made sure he takes every opportunity to gain CPD points and learn more.

“George has a quiet, professional manner that our customers love and communicates effectively to highlight the work that needs to be done to maintain pest free conditions.

“He has an excellent record of solving difficult pest issues for our customers.”

 George Rickwood of Rokill (centre) with Kevin Higgins, a member of the BPMA’s judging panel (left) and event host, TV wildlife presenter Mike Dilger.

In March 2016, George started working with a major national retailer to deal with their Croydon store’s severe mouse infestation, despite a wide range of treatments put into force by a previous pest control contractor.

Dave added: “They quickly realised that George’s thorough and methodical approach was far more effective than all the previous attempts to achieve control.

“The result was that the store was soon completely clear of mouse activity and that remains the case to this day.”

George - who joined Rokill in 2014 - was at the ceremony to collect his trophy, he said: “I’m over the moon and really humbled to have received the award.

“It was a bit unexpected, but I’ve worked really hard and hard work does pay off.”

Established in 1980, Rokill is one of the country’s leading companies for pest management services to commercial and domestic customers, as well as the public sector. 

MORE INFORMATION

More about Rokil

More about the British Pest Management Awards

More about PestEx 2019

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

15 October 2026

Latest news

BPCA Chief Exec defends working dogs at Stormont

BPCA gave evidence at Stormont to make sure the draft Hunting with Dogs (Northern Ireland) Bill protects the use of working dogs in pest management.

Read more

30 July 2026

Latest news

BPCA seeks industry experience on working dogs

As greater public attention has fallen on hunting and the use of dogs, BPCA is asking pest professionals to share their experiences with using working dogs.

Read more

02 June 2026

Latest news

No Small Matter report: Professional pest management saves UK £1.9bn a year

An independent report commissioned by BPCA reveals the economic and social value of professional pest control in the UK.

Read more
Latest View all news

19 October 2026

Latest news

BPCA international training survey launches

Pest management business owners outside the UK are invited to help BPCA explore demand for international training and certification.

Read more

15 October 2026

Latest news

BPCA Chief Exec defends working dogs at Stormont

BPCA gave evidence at Stormont to make sure the draft Hunting with Dogs (Northern Ireland) Bill protects the use of working dogs in pest management.

Read more

15 October 2026

Latest news

How AI picks a pest controller

Matt Goren explains how AI assistants recommend local businesses and what pest management companies can do to improve their chances of being found.

Read more