Two Omega Red Group team members received top honours at the ATLAS 80th Anniversary Celebration, while one of the specialist lightning and height protection company’s projects also received a special mention from the judges in the Best Commercial and New Build Project by a Lightning Protection Member category. The event marked 80 years of the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS) championing technical excellence, skills development and higher standards across the industry.
The event brought together industry professionals from across the UK to celebrate achievements, recognise excellence and reflect on the progress made by the industry over the past eight decades.
Matthew Waldram honoured for outstanding contribution to training and development
Matthew Waldram, Omega Red’s Technical Manager, received the Outstanding Individual Contribution to Training and Development Award in recognition of his exceptional commitment to sharing knowledge, mentoring others and raising standards across the industry.
Having worked in the lightning protection industry since 1998, Matthew has spent much of his career helping others develop their knowledge and confidence. Over the last 14 years alone, he has delivered training to over 200 Omega Red team members, as well as clients and external organisations.
Alongside his role at Omega Red, Matthew is Chair of the ATLAS Lightning Protection Technical Committee and contributes to both British and International Standards committees, helping to shape the future of the industry while ensuring that knowledge is shared with the next generation of professionals.
While his technical expertise is widely respected, Matthew’s team members consistently highlight his willingness to help others and his genuine investment in their success.
One team member described him as someone who gives the same level of care and attention to everyone, from work experience students to senior leaders. Another praised his ability to explain complex technical concepts with patience, clarity and enthusiasm, while others spoke of his open-door approach and readiness to support team members whenever advice is needed.
As one of Matthew’s team summed up, “I would not be where I am today without the help, encouragement and technical expertise that Matthew has consistently provided throughout my time at Omega Red.”
Caden White named Rising Star
The evening also saw Caden White receive the Rising Star Award, recognising the impressive progress he has made since joining Omega Red and the significant contribution he is already making to major projects.
Since completing his apprenticeship in April 2025, Caden has progressed rapidly through the business. He is now working as a Foreman on one of Omega Red’s largest battery energy storage (BESS) earthing projects, leading teams on site while coordinating with project managers, clients and supervisors.
Caden was recognised not only for his technical development, but his leadership potential, professionalism and determination to continue learning. His supervisor described him as “a real asset” to the business and someone who has all the qualities needed to become one of the industry’s leading engineers in the future.
To celebrate, Caden is planning to take his mum out for dinner.
Project receives special mention
Omega Red was also acknowledged in the Best Commercial and New Build Project by a Lightning Protection Member category, with its work at the Parley Anaerobic Digestion Plant near Bournemouth receiving a special mention from the judges.
Delivered for ECO Sustainable Solutions in partnership with AardvarkEM, the project presented a number of unique technical challenges. The site’s proximity to Bournemouth Airport ruled out the use of conventional tall air termination masts, requiring Omega Red to work closely with project partners to develop an alternative compliant solution that balanced safety, operational requirements and planning constraints.
The team designed and installed a bespoke lightning protection system using isolated mast technology and insulated conductors, while also overcoming complex earthing challenges linked to the site’s environmental protection measures.
The project was delivered safely, on time and within budget despite being completed in phases alongside the wider construction programme. The judges’ recognition reflects the technical expertise, collaborative approach and problem-solving capabilities of the Omega Red team.
Commenting on the project, Paul Hartley, CEng MICE of AardvarkEM, described Omega Red as an “excellent provider and installer of lightning protection”, praising the team’s knowledge, flexibility and ability to adapt designs to meet the project’s requirements.
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A proud evening for Omega Red
The ATLAS 80th Anniversary Celebration provided an opportunity not only to recognise individual achievements but also to celebrate the people who continue to shape the future of the industry through knowledge-sharing, mentoring and professional development.
Congratulations to both Matthew Waldram and Caden White on their well-deserved awards. Their achievements reflect the expertise, dedication and passion that continue to drive Omega Red and the wider industry forward.
