Our Story.
A decade of SURE Solutions.
For more than 10 years, SURE Solutions has grown from a small, specialist engineering team into a trusted national partner for industrial refrigeration, compliance, and sustainable engineering solutions. Built on strong values, technical expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way, our journey reflects steady growth, continuous learning, and a dedication to supporting our customers.
This page shares the key moments that shaped who we are today. From our early beginnings, to major project milestones, team expansions, industry accreditations and the evolution of our services, each step reflects our passion for delivering reliable, safe, and energy‑efficient solutions.
Explore our timeline to see how SURE Solutions has developed over the past decade, and how our focus on family, innovation and sustainability continues to guide our future.
To learn more about what we do here at SURE click here.
8 August 2016
Where it all began
SURE was founded on 8th August 2016 by Garry and Amy Shaw. As Garry launched the business, his wife Amy went into labour, and their son Max was born just two days later, setting the foundation for a truly generational family business.
December 2016
Early Wins
From their kitchen table, SURE secured their first client, Müller Dairies, shortly followed by Cranswick – both of whom would become long‑standing partners to this day.
February 2017
£1M Project for Dairy Producer
Works began on SURE’s first project, a £1million contract for Müller, a multi-national dairy producer. The works included providing a complete redesign of its refrigeration capabilities and provide 5,200Kw of cooling.
The success of the Droitwich project was quickly followed by an order to improve refrigeration capacity at the Müller dairy at Bellshill, Scotland.
March 2017
Setting Down Roots
By January 2017, SURE moved into its first office with the Wirral Chamber of Commerce at Egerton House to support its small but expanding team. By March, the business had expanded to a team of eight and by August 2017, SURE had a team of twelve.
September 2017
First Award Win
On 22 September 2017, SURE celebrated its first major achievement, winning Newcomer of the Year at the Wirral Business Awards.
November 2017
ISO Accreditation Achieved
In November 2018, SURE proudly achieved its ISO 9001 & 14001 accreditations, officially securing the ‘QMS’ and ‘EMS’ standard.
January 2018
Recognition for SURE’s first large project
SURE Solutions wins ACR Project of the Year for the Muller Droitwich refrigeration upgrade at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards held on 19 January 2018 in Liverpool.
May 2018
SURE’s First 3-Year Contract
SURE’s first 3‑year service contract with Bakkavor Nantwich signalled the launch of a growing service and maintenance team.
September 2018
A New Headquarters
Within 18 months, SURE’s growth called for a bigger base and base and Garry purchased purchased its headquarters on Ark Royal Way. An 8,100 sq ft building that will stay part of the family business for years to come.
2019
Project Eye
The SURE team collaborated with Cranswick to design, supply and install a 4mW industrial refrigeration system to serve their state-of-the-art production facility. The basis for the design was to use only natural refrigerants and create an energy efficient and robust solution which would support their production for decades to come.
January 2019
Contractor of the Year
Now a 14‑strong team, SURE won Contractor of the Year at the National ACR Awards in January 2019.
June 2019
Craig Shaw joins SURE as Operations Director
Craig Shaw joined SURE as Operations Director, strengthening the family legacy by working alongside his father Garry. His arrival marked a new chapter in SURE’s growth, strengthening SURE’s family‑driven foundations.
September 2019
A 3 Year Maintenance Contract
SURE signed a three‑year maintenance contract with Cranswick Watton, establishing another long term agreement with a valued client.
2020-2021
Project Lazenby’s Delivery
SURE successfully delivered Project Lazenby’s for Cranswick Country Foods – a large‑scale industrial refrigeration project completed on a live operational site with minimal disruption.
The installation included high‑efficiency ammonia and CO₂ systems supporting factory cooling, blast freezing, heat recovery and process loads, demonstrating SURE’s capability to deliver complex, high‑performance solutions.
2021
Project Aquarius
SURE supported Cranswick Prepared Poultry during feasibility and delivery of a highly dynamic heating and cooling system for their new factory. The team designed and installed a 3MW ammonia‑based refrigeration plant with operating temperatures from –43°C to +85°C, utilising a cascade heat pump providing full site hot water. The system adapted rapidly to varying production loads and includes SCADA-led optimisation for monitoring and efficiency. The fast‑tracked build achieved full production readiness by February 2022, which was less than 12 months from concept to conclusion.
June 2021
Fastest 50 Recognition
SURE Solutions was named among the North West’s Fastest 50 high‑growth businesses, ranking 11th overall and 5th within its category in the 2021 Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 list. The ranking demonstrated SURE’s sustained growth, profitability, and strong performance despite going through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
October 2021
Major Wins in 2021
SURE claimed Contractor of the Year and Environmental Initiative of the Year, earned Highly Commended in Refrigeration Project, and saw Jessica Long named Runner‑Up for ACR Trainee of the Year.
June 2022
Refrigeration Project of the Year – Project Aquarius
SURE Solutions won the Refrigeration Project / Innovation Award for Project Aquarius at the ACR Awards 2022. The project involved delivering a highly complex heating and cooling system for Cranswick’s new facility.
Josh Eames, then an apprentice, received a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition in the ACR Trainee of the Year category.
November 2022
Hull Branch Expansion
SURE opened a second branch in Hull, East Yorkshire, following strong growth in the region. The team renovated a 1,200 sq ft unit which was split 50-50 into workshop and offices to accommodate up to eight team members, with space for future expansion.
January 2023
Project New Moon
SURE was awarded the Project New Moon contract in January 2023, delivering a state‑of‑the‑art refrigeration and production facility for Little Moons.
Completed in early 2024, the project included high‑efficiency ammonia/glycol systems, CO₂ small holding freezers, and full mechanical and electrical works. The new factory significantly increased production capacity, improved energy efficiency by 40%, and introduced advanced SCADA monitoring – supporting Little Moons’ rapid growth and sustainability goals.
February 2023
Mayoral Visit at SURE HQ
The Mayor of Wirral, Cllr Jeff Green, visited SURE Solutions to acknowledge the company’s standout apprenticeship programme and recent Employer of the Year recognition.
July 2023
Next Generation Apprentice
Alfie Shaw, son of Craig Shaw and grandson of Managing Director Garry Shaw, joined SURE Solutions as an Apprentice Refrigeration Engineer, continuing the family legacy.
September 2023
Triple Win at The RAC Cooling Awards
SURE achieved an outstanding result at the 2023 RAC Cooling Industry Awards, securing three big wins: Small Company Achievement of the Year, Environmental Collaboration of the Year in partnership with Cranswick, and Contractor of the Year.
This landmark success recognised SURE’s innovation, sustainability leadership, and exceptional performance across the refrigeration and cooling sector.
October 2023
Sustainability Steering Committee
Garry Shaw joined Cranswick’s Sustainability Steering Committee, supporting green, renewable and carbon‑reduction initiatives through Cranswick’s Second Nature sustainability programme. As the only committee representative from the refrigeration industry, he brings specialist expertise to help accelerate lower‑carbon heating and cooling across the supply chain.
January 2024
Service Expansion
SURE’s service department was reorganised into three regions – North West, North East, and Midlands/South East, enabling full nationwide coverage and improved responsiveness across the UK.
January 2024
Leadership Growth
Three members of SURE’s management team were promoted to Director roles, strengthening the company’s leadership structure: Craig Costall (Sales), Mark Parry (Projects), and Dave Cooper (Design).
January 2024
World‑First ATMO Recognition
At the start of 2024, SURE Solutions were recognised as the first contractor in the World to receive the ATMO approved label. This has set the standard for excellence in natural refrigerant design and installation and pushing the sector towards environmentally conscious, sustainable heating and cooling solutions. SURE Solutions – ATMOsphere
March 2024
Double Win at The ACR Awards
At the 2024 National ACR & Heat Pump Awards, SURE was proudly named ACR Contractor of the Year, recognising outstanding performance and innovation within the industry.
In addition, Garry Shaw received the prestigious Phil Creaney’s ACR Champion Award, honouring his significant contribution to the sector.
May 2024
Apprenticeship Award Success
SURE achieved a double win at the 2024 Apprenticeship Guide Awards, celebrating success in apprenticeship development.
Craig Shaw received the Leadership in Apprenticeships Award, recognising his outstanding commitment to nurturing talent and advancing apprenticeship pathways within the business.
SURE also won Best Employer (Small), highlighting the company’s strong culture of support, development, and opportunity for apprentices across the organisation.
December 2024
10 Year Vision Launched
SURE unveiled its first long‑term 10‑year company goal at the Christmas Town Hall, moving beyond the previous 3‑year planning cycle. This ambitious vision reflects the company’s confidence in its growth, its people, and its mission to become the best in the industry whilst maintaining a family focus.
January 2025
First NPS Launch
SURE introduced its first team NPS survey to gather meaningful feedback from an expanding workforce and ensure the company continued to evolve into the best place to work. The initiative was a success and will now run annually.
August 2025
Largest Project Secured
SURE was awarded its largest project to date with a leading UK retailer, delivering the full refrigeration system for a new RDC.
The installation features a complex CO₂ cooling system designed to manage substantial heating and cooling loads across the entire site, ensuring precise temperature control throughout the new RDC.
The project also includes a 10‑year maintenance contract, with works beginning in March 2026.
October 2025
IQF Freezing Tunnel Project Completed
SURE deliver successful installation of Europe’s largest frozen sardine processing plant.
March 2026
Team Growth Milestone
SURE reached a major milestone as the team expanded to 75 team members, reflecting continued growth and investment in people across the business.