Celebrating 60 Years in the Gas Industry – A Lifetime of Dedication, Innovation and Service
Steve Vick International is proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone as their colleague, David Goodall (Principal Engineer), marks 60 years of service in the gas industry, a career that began in January 1966 and continues to inspire today.
Leaving school at just 15 with no formal qualifications, David began his journey as an apprentice gas fitter with the North Thames Gas Board at Ascot Gas Works. From maintaining gas lights in Sunningdale, transporting a ladder by bicycle, to becoming a senior engineer influencing national safety policy, his story reflects both the evolution of the gas industry and the power of determination and mentorship.
For six decades, he has witnessed and contributed to transformational change across the sector, from town gas to natural gas conversion, from traditional gas fitting to advanced engineering and technical development. Following the merger of the regional boards to form British Gas in 1976, he progressed through a range of engineering and leadership roles, including District Engineer and Senior Engineer (Technical Development), in the Southern Region.
His technical innovation led to the achievement of a worldwide patent for a directional drilling rig, and his work with British Gas Global enabled him to manage projects internationally, including in Italy, East Germany and Canada.
Beyond engineering excellence, David has played a leading role in advancing public safety and supporting community initiatives. As a Trustee of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital Trust, under the Chairmanship of the Rt. Hon. Lord Tebbit, he helped raise more than £7 million to rebuild the Orthotics Department and organised large scale charitable events supporting disabled children.
After taking redundancy in 1996, his career continued to flourish. He served as Senior Engineer, Licence to Operate, with Phoenix Natural Gas, where in his spare time he mentored young engineers through the Royal Academy of Engineering’s BEST programme, helping students achieve national recognition, including the Young Engineers of Great Britain award. He was also awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for his contribution to the Flame Gas Museum in Carrickfergus.
His passion for education led him to become a Lecturer in Gas at Highbury College, earning a Graduate Certificate in Further and Higher Education (Cert.Ed.) and qualifying as a teacher, demonstrating that professional growth has no age limit.
Later roles included senior safety and compliance positions within National Grid and EDF Energy, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening risk assessment standards across the industry. His safety awareness film, Hardest Day, highlighted the dangers of carbon monoxide and was shared widely throughout the sector. This work led to his involvement with the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG), contributing to national safety.
For over 45 years, David has been an active member of the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers, IGEM, serving as London, Southern & Eastern Section Chairman and organising more than 40 professional events, including 17 London Showcase Events and the landmark 200 Years of Gas celebration.
Today, over 60 years after first entering the industry, he continues to share his knowledge and experience with colleagues and the wider sector. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, he has been made an Honorary Fellow of IGEM, an honour reflecting a lifetime dedicated to engineering, safety, innovation and mentorship.
Caspar Vick, Managing Director, Steve Vick International commented:
“It is rare to see such longevity combined with such impact. His career mirrors the modern history of the UK gas industry itself. His commitment to safety, education, innovation and supporting others makes him not just a colleague, but a true industry ambassador. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with him.”
As a business operating within the gas industry, Steve Vick International is honoured to work alongside someone whose experience spans six decades of change, progress and service. His journey proves that with opportunity, mentorship and determination, the industry can transform not only infrastructure, but lives.
