Thu, 05 November, 2026
Richard Wright, Welding Engineer at Diamond Engineering Services Ltd (DESL), has become TWI Certification Ltd’s (TWI Cert) fourth consecutive successful submission to win the EWF Best European Welding Coordinator award.
The achievement continues an exceptional run of success for TWI Cert, with four consecutive nominees recognised by the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) for their outstanding contribution to welding coordination.
The award recognises an individual's ability to deliver the responsibilities of a Welding Coordinator to the highest standard, demonstrating the knowledge, skills and competence required to ensure products and services meet international requirements.
Available to individuals who:
- hold the European Welding Engineer Diploma
- have been working as a responsible welding coordinator (rWC) for a minimum of 12 months at an organisation that has been certified by an EWF member
This award is a means for individuals, and their company, to showcase their knowledge, skill, and competence to deliver products and services according to international requirements.
As the UK's only Authorised Nominated Body for Company Certification (ANBCC), TWI Certification Ltd (TWI CL) is invited each year by EWF to put forward nominations for this prestigious award. Nominations require a submission from the employer detailing the competence and contribution of their employee, alongside a statement from the employee explaining how their Diploma has supported their professional competence and career achievements.
In Richard's case, his contribution to DESL's welding operations, technical development and quality management made him an outstanding candidate.
Richard has been with DESL for over 20 years, during which time he has played a significant role in developing the company's welding engineering capabilities. In December 2020, following completion of his European Welding Engineer (EWE/IWE) studies and his interview with TWI Certification Limited, Richard took responsibility for the welding engineering department, alongside accepting responsibility for the quality department.
Since taking on these responsibilities, Richard has overseen DESL's continued compliance with ISO 3834, EN 1090 and EN 15085. DESL specialises in high-quality, bespoke fabrications, usually requiring a vast range of welding procedure qualification records (WPQRs) and relevant welder qualifications. During Richard’s time with DESL, the company's suite of Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQRs) has grown to more than 240.
Richard is also responsible for a team of 20 welders and four inspection staff, ensuring that the necessary qualifications and certifications are maintained across the business. These include BS EN ISO 9606, AWS D1.1 and ASME IX. He has also played an important role in developing the skills of his colleagues, mentoring three inspectors to achieve their CSWIP 3.1 qualifications. He is currently mentoring another employee towards achieving European Welding Engineer (EWE/IWE) status, having already supported them in gaining their European Welding Specialist (EWS/IWS) qualification.
Richard's contribution also extends to the continuous development of welding processes and manufacturing efficiency. In recent years, he has led his team in studies involving the welding of AISI 4130 and Inconel 625 materials, resulting in revised welding procedures and improvements to production methods.
Alongside this technical development, Richard has introduced comprehensive contract review and welding audit systems, both of which have received positive feedback during client audits. These systems, supported by regular welding process audits and inspections, help assess the effectiveness of welding procedures and the condition of welding equipment, improving working conditions for welders while maintaining consistent quality across DESL's manufacturing operations.
Richard and his team have also delivered toolbox talks covering topics such as pulse welding equipment and a self-inspection programme, encouraging greater awareness, knowledge and responsibility throughout the workforce.
Richard's achievement is a testament to his technical expertise, dedication, and continued commitment to improving welding quality, developing people, and driving innovation within DESL.
Congratulations to Richard on this well-deserved recognition, and to everyone at DESL who has supported his achievements.
Do you think you could be the next EWF Best European Welding Coordinator? Or perhaps you have a “Richard Wright” at your company? Nominate them today for the 2026[1] award!
Contact us for full details of the nomination requirements and process.
[1] Please note the award is made for the EWF Best European Welding Coordinator for the year preceding. Richard’s win was for 2025, and the 2027 award will be for the best welding coordinator for 2026.